Alcohol dependence is known as a chronic disease that ultimately leads to fatal consequences. One can become alcohol dependence through a history of it in their families or also just from their environment. Someone who is alcohol dependent usually uses it as a way to escape their problems in everyday life or to avoid certain social situations.
SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
• Craving of alcoholic beverages
• Inability to reduce or stop the consumption of alcohol
• Experience withdrawal symptoms whenever stopping the consumption
• Increased tolerance of alcohol
WARNING SIGNS OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
• Drinking in the morning
• Drinking alone
• Drinking to feel socially comfortable
• Drinking to the point of blacking out
• Drinking that results in injuries, accidents, or aggressive behavior
• Drinking to deal with problems or social situations
• Getting drunk on a regular basis
• Using alcohol heavily during risky situations
• Your professional or school work has suffered greatly
• You plan your day around drinking
• You feel guilty about how much you drink
DIAGNOSING ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
Your doctor will normally diagnose alcohol dependency by asking you questions and conducting multiple interviews. They determine the risk for abuse or dependence based on how often you drink and how much you drink. The CAGE questionnaire is a common test that doctors will give to those who think they are suffering from alcohol abuse or dependency. If you answer “yes” to one of the questions, you are automatically at risk for alcohol dependency.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
• Drink lots of water: This will help your body clean itself of the alcohol. Feel free to add lemon and honey to the water as well.
• Alternate hot and cold water: Take a hot bath then jump in a cold shower. This will help your body to sweat out the alcohol that is going through your body.
• Laxative herbs: This will help the alcohol come out of your body in terms of waste. Common laxative herbs are golden seal, hyssop, psyllium, senna leaf pod, or Oregon grape root.
• Kudzu: This may be helpful in reducing the cravings for those suffering from alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence.
• Primrose Oil: This will help to reduce the withdrawal symptoms you feel.
• Flaxseed Oil: This will deliver fatty acids to your brain to help with proper brain function and to help remove some withdrawal symptoms.
• Milk Thistle: Has been proven to help remove the dangerous effects of alcohol addiction and also help with the withdrawal symptoms.
• Reishi Mushrooms: Has been shown to prevent cirrhosis which can occur from alcohol dependence.
• Acorn: It helps decrease alcohol cravings and helps defend against the side effects of alcohol dependence.
• Angelica: This herb actually creates a disliking for the taste of alcohol.
• Calanatts: This herb helps to restore your brain and nervous system functions.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP AN ALCOHOLIC?
The first and most important thing is to sit down and have a talk with them. Don’t scare them though. Just let them know that you love them and are worried for them because of how much they drink. You could also host an intervention which involves numerous members of the family or friends. You can also hire someone to host the intervention if you’re unsure of what to do.
Second, is to recommend possible treatment centers for the alcoholic. Allow them to pick the place; this will help them feel more comfortable instead of being forced to go somewhere they might not feel accepted at. You can find many detox centers online and get all the information you’d need to find the place that will give your friend or family member the care they deserve!
