Vitamins are an essential component in the treatment of alcoholism. Alcoholics often depend on alcohol as their main source of calories. Since these are empty calories, devoid of nutritional value, alcoholics often develop nutritional deficiencies. Vitamins have no effect on the addiction itself, but are essential for prevention of the serious medical complications that can occur as a result of vitamin deficiencies.
Thiamine
The body needs thiamine, or vitamin B1, in order to produce its basic energy component, called ATP. Thiamine deficiency can lead to a neurological disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Symptoms include difficulties with eye movements and anterograde amnesia, which means the patient won't be able to store any new memories. This condition is extremely disabling, and must be treated as an emergency. The moment symptoms appear, patients are given thiamine directly into the vein, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Unless treated quickly, the brain damage is irreversible. Thiamine deficiency can also lead to heart failure and peripheral neuropathy. Long-term treatment for alcoholics includes thiamine supplements taken in pill form, by mouth.
Folic Acid
Red blood cells require folic acid, or folate, to function properly. Folate is found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables and fortified cereals. Symptoms of deficiency can appear after several months of insufficient dietary intake. Symptoms include depression and megaloblastic anemia, in which the red blood cells are large and can't carry oxygen as they normally would. Folic acid deficiency in a pregnant woman can cause birth defects in the fetus. Treatment is with oral folic acid supplements, taken once a day.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 can be stored in the body for years. Deficiency is slow to develop, but when it does, symptoms are serious and some can be irreversible. B12 deficiency can lead megaloblastic anemia and neurological problems, including peripheral neuropathy, loss of balance and dementia. B12 supplements are given even if there are no symptoms of deficiency -- the goal is to prevent them from developing. Treatment is either with injections given into the muscle or B12 supplements by mouth. Alcoholics who don't have neurological symptoms can usually take oral supplements from the start.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Thiamine
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Folate
- MedlinePlus: Anemia - B12 Deficiency
- "Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology, 7th edition"; Maurice Victor and Allan Ropper; 2001
