Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can include tremors, seizures and delirium. The withdrawal symptoms are a result of the removal of the sedating effects of alcohol, which acts on targetts in the γ-amino butyrate (GABA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate neurotransmitter systems. One important effect of alcohol withdrawal is the kindling phenomenon that results in progressively worsening withdrawal symptoms on each recurrent detoxification. It is thought that this is related to long term damage to the neurones during detoxification, and each subsequent period of cessation increases this damage cumulatively. It has been suggested that this worsening of withdrawal symptoms increases the likelihood that the subject will experience cravings that are likely to drive them to start drinking again. For this reason it is important that the subjects take every opportunity for the abstinence of alcohol to be successful and they avoid further cycles of drinking and detoxification. Medical treatments for alcohol use benzodiazepines for the reason that they can activate the GABA system and in this way replace the sedating effects of alcohol. However, for this reason benzodiazepines are themselves addictive and they also have a narrow therapeutic window. Many herbs and nutrients can activate the GABA system and so nutritional strategies can also be successful. For example passionflower and camomile both activate the GABA system and so they could be beneficial at treating alcohol withdrawal as part of a healthy diet. Because alcohol addiction causes nutrient deficiencies, a balanced and healthy diet is a priority for any successful alcohol cessation plan. In particular, high levels of B vitamins, particularly thiamine, are necessary for correct neuronal activity in the brain.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
