There are several consequences to excessive alcohol consumption, ranging from moderate discomfort to life-threatening conditions. When a person addicted to alcohol use is unable or unwilling to use the substance, withdrawal can occur. The initial days of alcohol withdrawal are very tough and may include depression, insomnia, anxiety, tremors, confusion and fatigue. Most alcohol withdrawal symptoms develop due to a deficiency of certain vitamins in the body. Therefore, in order to avoid serious withdrawal effects like seizures, increased body temperature and hallucinations, patients are often given vitamins during detoxification. If you are addicted to alcohol, seek help from a healthcare professional.
Vitamin A
Since alcoholism causes a deficiency of vitamins inside the body, and that deficiency causes symptoms, it is important to replenish your vitamin stores quickly. Vitamin A is necessary for proper vision and for the performance of your brain and nerves. When you drink alcohol, your body cannot properly absorb vitamins and minerals, so you may experience vision problems, numbness and psychological symptoms. During detoxification, these symptoms may increase because of the deficiency of vitamin A. Patients with alcoholism are provided with vitamin A supplements to quickly restore this important nutrient and decrease withdrawal symptoms.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C improves your immune system and the absorption of iron from your intestines. In alcoholics, vitamin C is depleted, often causing infections and anemia. During detoxification, vitamin C is provided in large amount in order to replace its deficiency. According to research done at the University of Michigan, vitamin C helps to get rid of excessive alcohol from the body. Vitamin C is usually given in the form of a nutritional supplement, but an increase in foods containing this nutrient is also encouraged.
B-Vitamins
Thiamine, or vitamin-B1, deficiency is common in alcoholics. Vitamin-B1 assists in decreasing psychosis and fatigue during and after detoxification. Additionally, it restores normal orientation and mental performance. Vitamin-B2, or riboflavin, is often given in excessive amounts to help decrease tremors in hands, headache and lightheadedness during the initial course of treatment. Another important vitamin is niacin, or vitamin-B3, which helps to decrease the alcohol content of the body and maintain the function of the adrenal glands. Additionally, pyridoxine, or vitamin-B6, keeps the body relaxed and calm, removing the anxiety and depression commonly experienced by alcoholics during detoxification. Pyridoxine also induces sleep and alleviates restlessness. Lastly, vitamin-B9, or folate, is given during treatment in order to enhance cellular and brain health. By using B9, cravings and anxiety can be reduced considerably. In addition, this nutrient reduces mood fluctuations and insomnia.
Conditions
Research has proven the beneficial role of vitamin use during alcohol withdrawal. Along with the use of vitamins, proper diet, sleep and medical attention are required. The process of alcohol detoxification should be performed under medical supervision and in a well-equipped medical center.
References
- Medline Plus; Alcohol Withdrawal; David B. Merrill, MD, et al.; March 2010
- Medscape; Alcohol and Substance Abuse Evaluation; Amy Cohagen, et al.
- Alcohol Alcohol; B-Vitamin Deficiency and Neuropsychiatric Syndromes in Alcohol Misuse; C.C. Cook, et al.; August 1998
- Wernicke's Encephalopathy in Patients With Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms; L. Damsgaard, et al.; July 2010
