Alcoholism

The Deadly Trail of Alcohol

Your liver metabolizes alcohol at the rate of about one drink per hour.  Consume alcohol faster, and it will begin to affect critical systems...like the brain.  The trail of alcohol goes from the stomach, to the small intestine, to the liver, to the cerebrum of the brain, and finally to the brainstem.  If your blood alcohol level gets high enough, it suppresses your gag reflex, and you can choke to death on your own vomit.

Alcohol is a stomach irritant that can cause vomiting--remember drinking too much in college and ending up hugging the sides of the toilet from vomiting.  Eventually, too much alcohol in the blood can prompt a complete shutdown of the respiratory center in your lower brain which can result in a coma.

A new trend is raising the awareness of the risk of drinking and especially the risks of combining alcohol with other drugs and with energy drinks.--Resources: Cosmopolitan Magazine November 2009

Alcohol is a Depressant

When it comes to alcohol, the more you drink, the worse you feel.  You can lose your coordination and sense of balance, develop slurred speech, and have the most common sensation that the room is spinning.  Even though you may feel happy and confident at first, alcohol is a depressant.  It has powerful negative effects on the mind, it...
affects judgment
creates paranoia
increases or causes aggression
causes loss of memory
causes inability to recognize people.

It can cause more tragic events such as unwanted pregnancy, criminal activity, suicidal tendencies, weight gain, a fatty liver, heart disease, ulcers, impotency, damage to unborn, and increases the risk of breast cancer.

One of the most common and milder symptoms of too much alcohol is the "hangover".  Since alcohol dehydrates (moves water from the cells), this can cause headaches.  It upsets the stomach, depletes nutrients, lowers blood sugar, strains the liver, and keeps you from sleeping well--the hangover.

Alcoholics

Alcoholics are people who can't stop drinking or have been drinking for a long time and have a constant need for alcohol.  Their body shakes and pains, redness in the face, and some develop hallucinations.  You look bad as a drunk, and you make people around you uncomfortable.

Be cautious, if you drink a large amount of alcohol quickly, you could develop what is called "alcohol poisoning" and die.  If you are a long-time alcoholic and decide to quit, do not just go "cold turkey" and suddenly withdraw from drinking alcohol, you could become seriously ill or die.  When you decide enough is enough, see your doctor and other specialized professionals.

U.S. STATS (approximates)

100,000 deaths are caused by alcohol annually
4,000-12,000 problem births are caused by alcohol
4% of cancer is caused by alcohol
approximately 13,000,000 adults are alcoholics

Getting Help

Alcoholism is considered a sickness.  Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization noted for its ability to help people control their drinking.  Alcoholics Anonymous® (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership.  They are self-supporting through their own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; and does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Their primary purpose is to stay sober and to help other alcoholics like them to achieve sobriety.  Do not be afraid to find one near you and go get well!

Naturally Beneficial For Alcoholism

First and foremost, a person must decide to give up alcohol.  The only way to do it is to definitely make it up in the mind to get well at all cost.  Some suggestions to help along the way...

• Apples-- eating as many Apples as possible at regular intervals, reduces the craving for alcohol. They also help to clear the toxins from the system.
• Grapes--This fruit contains a pure form of alcohol. A person wanting to give up this habit should have a meal of grapes every 4-5 hours, for a month at least.
• The juice of bitter gourd leaves is very good for clearing intoxication; 3 teaspoons of juice mixed in a glass of buttermilk is very good as it helps to heal the damaged liver as well.  
• Milk thistle herb can also help to protect the liver.

Herbal Remedies for Alcoholism

Alcoholism is treated much like any addiction, with anti-addiction herbs, blood cleansers, anti-stress herbs, bitter tonics, and relaxing herbs.  In addition, it is important to add liver support herbs to the herbal program.

Calamus
Kudzu
Passion Flower
Quassia

Herbs Used To Treat Specific Alcoholism Related Conditions

Alcoholism Related Stomach Disorders--try Cayenne
Alcoholism Withdrawal--try Skullcap

Clary Sage Oil and Fennel Oil are the most helpful essential oils in alcoholism treatment.  They reduce the duration of alcohol’s side effects and decrease the influence of psychological reasons that push people to consume alcohol.  

Clary sage is not to be used if pregnant or nursing; both reasons are why you should not be drinking in the first place.  Drinking alcohol during pregnancy or nursing can cause serious problems for the fetus or child.

These oils can be used in burners and diffusers for inhalation and massage:

Simply add 3-5 drops of Clary Sage or Fennel Oil in an aromatherapy diffuser, or dilute 3-4 drops into your favorite carrier oil for a relaxing massage. Moreover, you can inhale (with your eyes closed) a handkerchief saturated with 3-4 drops, or a bowl with hot water and 5-7 drops of Clary Sage or Fennel essential oil.

Be sure to work in conjunction with  your doctor or health practitioner.