Some people have trouble controlling their alcohol intake, and may be, to varying degrees almost uncontrollably drawn to excessive alcohol intake. Is the craving and addiction to alcohol partly caused by nutritional and physical deficiencies?

Deficiencies Drive Cravings?

Research, and the experience of (holistic-minded) Doctors, Nutritionists, and others shows that alcohol use and abuse is strongly related to nutritional deficiencies.(1, 2, 3). A dangerous cycle lies in the fact that alcohol abuse causes nutritional deficiencies, which further promote cravings. The B vitamins in particular are depleted by alcohol consumption (3, 4). So the deficiencies that attracted someone to alcohol in the first place, get worse with alcohol abuse, triggering greater and greater addiction.

AA gets an “F”?

Programs like AA, and others that rely on other methods, while ignoring nutrition- have a success rate of 15-20%!
Dr. Joan Larson, runs a successful alcohol rehabilitation clinic, where she tailors nutritional programs to help people get off alcohol and stay off. Her success rate is around 75%, after one year (5,6)!

Dr. Larson's nutritional protocol, while individualised, includes generous doses of B complex and GLA.

Gamma Linolenic Acid, (GLA)
Most alcoholics have lower than normal production of GLA in their body, causing a continual depressive state which may be mild or severe.(7) Drinking alcohol temporarily boosts the production of GLA, improving mood in the short term. GLA, or gamma linolenic acid, is a fat metabolite our bodies can make, from certain fats. Zinc and vitamin B6 are particularly involved in it's production, which may be lower than normal in many people.

We can naturally raise GLA production by lowering our insulin levels, and we may directly consume it in the diet, from a few select sources;
-evening primrose, borage, and back currant seed oils; try 2000 mg/day
-raw hemp seeds and fresh hemp oil; try 1-2 tablespoons/ day


A final useful supplement is Glutamine. This amino acid is often in short supply in those who abuse alcohol. Glutamine supplementation raises GABA, another metabolite which seems to be deficient with chronic alcohol use.(1, 6). I recommend 1 teaspoon of Glutamine powder, twice a day. Glutamine is popular with bodybuilders, since it supports muscle. It also helps to heal the intestines in the case of IBD, IBS and similar conditions. It also nourishes the immune system. I like the Universal brand 'GlutaPure'. You will see it mentioned on my 'mass' page, as well as the 'gut health' page.

Putting together the useful tools for those wishing to curb or eliminate their use of, or dependence on alcohol, we have;

B complex 100, by New Roots 1- 2/day
GLA, from the above listed sources
Glutamine powder, 2 t/day (10g)
Nutra Sea fish oil (lemon) 2 t/day (8g)

and, a high dose multi-vitamin-mineral (try NuLife, Progressive, or Interactive)

The above supplements are exceptionally safe, and would benefit anyone- whether they use alcohol or not. In order to have a nutritional plan tailored for your needs, a visit to a holistic-minded nutritionist (me!!) or a Naturopath is a good idea.

Marijuana

Cannabis was referred to as marijuana, a slang Mexican term, in the days of demonisation of this medicinal plant. Dupont, the chemical giant was coming out with their polluting toxic synthetic clothing fibres, and were a big part of the push to criminalise marijuana, which, according to articles like that published in the 1930's in Popular Science and Popular Mechanics was poised to become very important to American agriculture and industry.

Inhaling smoke, we all know, is not a good idea. The toxicity of Cannabis Sativa (marijuana) ends there. You cannot overdose on marijuana, and noone has EVER died from an 'overdose'.

Marijuana, ingested or inhaled by humans, lowers levels of sex hormones. This is particularly significant for men, who may not want to chronically lower their testosterone, yet, chronic marijuana use does exactly that. Women will also experience lower estrogen and progesterone levels with long term or short term use. What effects this may have on their health I am unclear on. I do not foresee it being a problem or danger with pregnancy, with the caveat that smoke inhalation is not healthy. 

For health, cannabis is a useful appetite stimulator in people who need it- say those who are ill, and so have lost their appetites. It is also a good pain reliever for some, and FAR far preferable to any pain medication on the market. Marijuana is also effective at lowering the dangerous excess intraocular pressure of glaucoma.

Marijuana is NON TOXIC. No pain killing drug is non toxic, despite their claims of safety!

Their is some evidence of a dulling of higher mental faculties, with chronic use, which may not be reversible, according to some researchers, and the personal experience of people I have interviewed, regarding their chronic using friends. I must add though, that some of the brightest people I know are habitual users. There are some people who do not do well on this herb, finding that it makes them paranoid and even delusional. Effects in those who react poorly, who are in the minority, may be long lasting, and in some cases even permanent. If trying Cannabis for ther first time, take small amounts and do not overdo it. Some people take too much, and since Marijuana's effects are delayed, in the 30 minutes or so it takes to "feel it", more and more may be taken, overstepping what may be too much for some.

The healthiest way to use this herb, held to be medicinal by numerous traditional medicinal systems, including Ayurveda is any way except smoking. Eating marijuana, making a tea, or preparing a fatty heated product, such as brownies are alternatives to smoking it.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy ramps serotonin levels into the stratosphere, which for most people, feels really nice- they feel cuddly-wuddly, and warm and fuzzy, and dancing and listening to music just feels so good, throughout your body. The brain takes a heavy hit from serotonin overload, and some receptors are fried from overstimulation. Just like with too much of anything else; too much causes downgrading of receptors, leading to a dulling or numbing of their function as a consequence. The after-effects of 'E' are depression, from a lack of serotonin sensitivity. Gingko Biloba, a very useful herb for the brain, can actually restore burnt out receptors. I would recommend staying away from this party drug, and do your brain a favour.

GHB, or "G"

G is a party drug that I can only say good things about. GHB, or gamma hydroxy butyrate is naturally occuring in our brains, has a massive safety record, has no known toxicity (though together with alcohol in high doses, G gets blamed for alcohol's toxicity). If you take enough to induce a coma, you will awaken, with no brain damage or other ill effects. Mind you, being comatose is kinda scary for those around you who fear the worst.

G, or GHB used to be sold in health food stores, as a sleep aid (which it is) and as a GH releaser. G is a potent growth hormone releaser, even in modest doses. I took it every day for 2 weeks, and I was pretty ripped. Growth hormone is a wonderful fat burner.

In Europe, G is prescribed to women during high risk child births, since it helps to protect the baby's brain from potential oxygen deprivation damage. Here in North America, the FDA decided to pick on G, and Canada followed suit, so it is now quite illegal, though still widely consumed. This incredible disservice to our freedom has added the extra danger of black market contamination/ fraud. Illegal substances are not as pure as legitimately produced substances. If you are serious about G, I would recommend making your own. It is pretty easy- you can look up the recipe, which calls for butyrolactone and either sodium or potassium hydroxide somewhere, I'm sure.

Other uses for G are; antidepressant, and useful for drug and alcohol addiction and withdrawal. G is sold in liquid form usually, and is incredibly salty. In Europe it is often prescribed in tablet or capsule form.

REFERENCES
1. M. Murray et al, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (text) 1996
2. R. Williams, Nutrition Against Alcoholism (text)
3. C.T. Wu et al Biological Psychology, 19, p1333-1338, 1982
4. C.S. Lieber, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 10, p602-632, 1991
5. B. Goldberg, Alternative Medicine; the Definitive Guide (text)
6. J. Whitaker, Health and Healing, 9, p5
7. B. Sears, The Zone Diet (text) 1995