What Supplements Help With Alcohol Withdrawal?

Robert Gerchalk

Robert is our health care professional reviewer of this website. He worked for many years in mental health and substance abuse facilities in Florida, as well as in home health (medical and psychiatric), and took care of people with medical and addictions problems at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.

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Supplements That Can Help With Alcohol Withdrawal

Some 30 million or more Americans struggle with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). AUD entails all kinds of alcohol abuse, including alcoholism and binge drinking. People as young as 12 years old struggle with AUD.

A range of symptoms and outcomes may appear when you decide to suddenly cease drinking: cold sweats, nausea, insomnia, and heart palpitations. Also, alcohol disrupts your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Vitamin deficiencies are the result.

All of these deficiencies and symptoms comprise Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS). Fortunately, anecdotal and empirical evidence support the use of nutritious supplementation as a way to mitigate the effects of AWS. First, a quick review of AWS and its symptoms.

Definition and Symptoms of AWS

AWS comprises many intense symptoms you might experience if you have AUD and then quit drinking cold turkey. AWS can also occur when you drastically, suddenly reduce your alcohol intake. Symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on the length and intensity of alcohol abuse and dependency.

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, AWS might also cause headache/migraine, irritability, fatigue, and seizures. Rest, relaxation, and proper hydration are essential during the initial phase of AWS.

Supplementation for AUD Detox, Rehab

Unbeknownst to many people, treatment during detox and/or rehab often entails vitamin/mineral infusions. Your body needs these depleted nutrients to function, detox, and heal properly.

These days, many rehab facilities even allow you to bring supplements with you. However, usually, a staff physician must approve each supplement, and, typically, the staff will administer your supplements as needed as well as hang onto them for you for safekeeping.

Recommended Supplements

Here is a short list of some supplements that might help with AUD and AWS.

A Multivitamin Supplement

During the initial days of detox or rehab, a doctor might prescribe lots of fluids, a multivitamin, and (potentially) a mineral supplement, all as general precautions. A supplement that covers all of your nutritional bases helps you recover.

Because alcohol prevents the body from absorbing nutrients, a nutritional “refill” of sorts is critical during AWS. The nutrients help you get stronger, and they might mitigate certain symptoms.

Vitamin B

There are eight B vitamins, all identified by a name and number:

  • B1: Thiamine
  • B2: Riboflavin
  • B3: Niacin
  • B5: Pantothenic Acid
  • B6: Pyridoxine
  • B7: Biotin
  • B9: Folate
  • B12: Cobalamin

B vitamins are water-soluble, which means your body excretes them constantly when you drink alcohol. Each B vitamin is crucial to a host of specific functions in the body, and their deficiencies lead to adverse health outcomes.

B12 helps your body transform food into energy. It also affects the health of your central and peripheral nervous system. Low B12 causes fatigue, brain fog and nerve pain.

B1 plays much the same role as B12. A deficiency in B1 is associated with pain in the limbs, extreme lethargy, and swollen feet or legs.

Vitamin C

This essential water-soluble vitamin bolsters your immune system, which helps you fight infection. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, a compound that protects against free radical damage.

Free radicals are destabilized atoms with unpaired electrons. Everything from alcoholism to metabolism and exposure to pollution causes free radicals to form in your body.

Free radicals destroy tissues and can lead to disease. Antioxidants are the only substances in nature whose atoms can donate electrons without becoming free radicals.

Milk Thistle (Sylmarin)

Milk Thistle is a longtime favorite of drinkers and those with HIV. Its active component, sylmarin, plays a role in the management of liver toxicity.

Milk Thistle may have a protective effect upon the liver, improving its ability to metabolize toxins.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Commonly called “good fat” or “brain fat,” Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid found in seafood, nuts, and seeds. These healthy fats affect the health of nearly every part of your body. They make up the membranes of cells, aid in critical brain functions, and provide sustained energy.

Researchers have found that Omega-3 fatty acids protect the brain against inflammation and cellular death linked to chronic AUD. Preservation of brain integrity might contribute to the link between brain health and homeostasis.

A Multimineral Supplement

Minerals do more than help you grow and maintain strong bones. They support the healthy function of muscles and nerves.

All minerals are water soluble, so you lose quite a bit of them from alcohol’s side effects. Things can get pretty rough as constant aches and tiredness set in.

Potassium, an electrolyte, helps your body maintain water levels and aids in muscle contraction. Calcium positively affects heart, nerve, and muscle function.

Selenium, a trace mineral, might boost the production of antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes help protect your liver against oxidative stress and damage.

Zinc, iron, and magnesium are other important minerals lost when struggling with AUD. A complete multimineral supplement will cover all of the above, delivering optimal amounts of macro and trace minerals.

Can Supplements Help With Alcohol Cravings?

Cravings are the worst. They make it hard to sit still, think straight, and focus on anything, including the process of healing.

Natural, over-the-counter supplements can help lessen alcohol cravings. Here’s a short list.

Supplements for Alcohol Cravings

Also called NAC, N-Acetylcysteine is a derivative of the amino acid L-Cysteine that may reduce alcohol cravings by replenishing glutathione.

Known as GABA, Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that has a delicate relationship with glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter. Normally, the body keeps the two neurotransmitters in homeostasis, a state of equilibrium.

AUD throws this homeostasis out of whack, decreasing GABA receptors until you need increasingly greater amounts of alcohol to attain the desired euphoria. This is how the spiral worsens.

GABA supplementation may support the increase of GABA receptors and the return of GABA/glutamate homeostasis.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a serotonin precursor that can positively affect mood and cravings.

An amino acid, L-Glutamine helps reduce overall cravings by playing a proactive role in regulating the brain’s neurotransmitters.

Successfully Overcoming Withdrawal Is the First and Most Important Step

You’re not alone. Millions upon millions of people share your struggle with AUD. Millions of people now claim the proud truth of having overcome AWS and then AUD. You can do it, too.

Consider using the supplements mentioned in this article as an adjunct to a formal treatment plan. Detox, rehab, and addiction specialists are the best parties to devise a successful treatment plan.

AUD: How to Get Treatment

What types of treatment are available, and how do you go about getting help? There are wonderful options for you to explore and easy ways for you to explore them.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) are great places to start. The NIAAA offers guidance and advice, such as tips on what to know about alcohol treatment and how to locate quality treatment.

They offer a list of 10 questions you should ask prospective providers. The questions would help you determine if the provider might be a good fit for you.

The NIAAA also has a searchable database of vetted nationwide providers. Each provider offers evidence-based treatment for AUD. Similarly, SAMH/SA operates a national helpline where you can get treatment referrals.

Detox vs. Rehab: What’s the Difference?

Detox is an important step before rehab. During detox, your body rids itself of toxins, and optimal brain function slowly returns.

During rehab, with a clear state of mind, you learn to cope and manage your life without the crippling aid of alcohol. This learning process might include counseling, therapy (individual or group), meditation, and a 12-step program.

Get the Help You Need to Overcome AUD

There are so many wonderful treatment options to consider. The aforementioned supplementation is something you can do before, during, and after rehab. You shouldn’t do it in place of rehab or therapy.

AUD is a serious health challenge that requires professional attention. Treatment options include programs, therapists, and doctors.

Doctors Who Help With AUD

Doctors who help with AUD are medical, psychiatric, or neurological doctors. They are board-certified in addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry for mental health care.

Medical doctors can assess the health effects of addiction and offer some counseling. Addiction psychiatrists provide both medications and talk therapy while others focus on prescribing meds.

Therapists Who Help With AUD

Clinicians/therapists who focus on AUD provide support in addressing compulsive behavior, addiction, and corresponding mental health/physical conditions.

Programs That Help With AUD

Programs, or rehab, come in many interesting, powerful shapes and forms. Some focus on therapy, emphasizing individual, and group and family counseling. Other programs combine medical care, mental health support, and other support.

There are many types of programs, including via telehealth/telemedicine, hospital inpatient, outpatient, or residential. You also have the option of staying in an accredited facility where AUD medications are available.

You Can Beat AUD

Millions before you have beaten AUD and gone on to live happy and sober lives. Overcoming AUD is a one-step-at-a-time endeavor. It requires patience, determination, and the right kind of support.

The right kind of support is just at your fingertips. Keep the list of supplements mentioned above on hand. Consider seeking professional help in either an inpatient, an outpatient, or an accredited facility.

People who overcome addiction and stay sober typically do so with the help of seasoned, dedicated professionals like our team at Alcohol Awareness. With a community of experts on your side, the support of a therapist, and the support of a group of peers, you can do it.

Don’t wait. Use this information and these resources today. Get the help that you need and deserve. Your first step on the journey toward sobriety can begin with a single email or a phone call.