What Vitamins 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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Vitamins for Alcohol Withdrawal

If you’re looking for ways to ease your alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you might be wondering if vitamins can help. While certain vitamins may provide some relief, it’s important to remember that they are not a cure-all. It’s always best to speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you’re struggling with addiction.

That said, let’s take a look at some of the vitamins that may help ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B1 is essential for normal nervous system function. It’s also crucial for carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. Alcoholics are at risk for thiamine deficiency because alcohol inhibits the absorption of this vitamin. Thiamine deficiency can lead to serious neurological problems, such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This condition can cause confusion, memory problems, and paralysis.

Taking a thiamine supplement may help ease some of the neurological symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. However, it’s important to note that thiamine should never be taken in high doses unless under medical supervision. High doses of thiamine can actually cause neurological problems.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 is important for protein metabolism, red blood cell production, and nervous system function. Pyridoxine deficiency is common in alcoholics and can lead to anemia, nerve damage, and skin problems.

Taking a vitamin B6 supplement may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with pyridoxine deficiency. However, like thiamine, vitamin B6 should never be taken in high doses unless under medical supervision. High doses of vitamin B6 can actually cause nerve damage.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. It’s also important for collagen production and wound healing. Alcoholics are at risk for vitamin C deficiency because alcohol inhibits the absorption of this vitamin. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, which is a condition marked by fatigue, muscle weakness, and joint pain.

Taking a vitamin C supplement may help prevent or treat scurvy. However, it’s important to note that too much vitamin C can actually cause diarrhea. start with a lower dose and increase as needed.