9 Supplements Proven to Help You Overcome Addiction and Withdrawal
Too much alcohol can cause inflammation in your stomach lining and pancreas. It also affects your body’s ability to absorb B vitamins and folic acid. It can trigger irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal illnesses, too. Signs of vitamin B deficiency in drinkers may include fatigue, weakness, neurological issues like tingling or numbness, memory problems, and mood disturbances. Severe deficiency can lead to conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, characterized by confusion, coordination problems, and memory loss.
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DL-phenylalanine can also be a useful supplement for alcohol withdrawal. In addition to thiamine, chronic alcoholics often have low levels of vitamin B6 and vitamin B9 (folate), which are essential for nervous system function and red blood cell production. Vitamin A deficiency is also common in alcoholics, as alcohol interferes with its absorption.
Why Focus On Supplements In Alcohol Recovery?
As a natural herbal supplement, milk thistle offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits https://thejarrdin.com/understanding-alcoholism-why-it-s-classified-as-a/ that boost your liver function as well as your immune system. During alcohol recovery, magnesium supplements are used to help recharge over 300 enzymatic reactions in your body. It helps to regulate the stress response and neurotransmitter function in your body and works to return you to a more balanced state. Other B-complex vitamins, such as Pyridoxine (B6) (for neurotransmitter production) and Cobalamin (B12) (for nerve health and energy), are also added to a nutrient regimen to boost recovery. Certainly, alcohol can beat up our bodies and leave some permanent damage.
- L-glutamine works to rebuild your stomach lining barrier, which can improve nutrient absorption and reduce inflammation.
- L-theanine can promote alpha brain wave activity, contributing to a relaxed but alert mental state.
- Know your limits and avoid peer pressure to drink more than you’re comfortable with.
- Taking a vitamin B complex supplement can ensure that you’re getting all the necessary B vitamins to support your recovery.
- Below, you’ll find a list of vitamins, minerals & supplements that might just help you to heal your body from the years of abuse and neglect.
- Unfortunately, regular consumption means addicts require drinking in order to feel good, although the feeling isn’t sustainable.
Best Supplements For Alcohol Recovery
A lack of vitamin B9 can trigger anemia and make you weak, tired, Halfway house and moody. Folic acid is in foods like enriched bread, flour, cornmeal, pasta, rice, and breakfast cereals. Veggies, fruits, fruit juices, nuts, beans, and peas naturally have folate. Substance use can wreak havoc on gut health, leading to poor digestion and nutrient absorption.
- And even if you don’t struggle with addiction, these nutrients are still great for optimal brain function and mental health.
- This article covers the importance of vitamin supplementation for drinkers and how it affects their bodies.
Practically, incorporating Vitamin B complex into an alcoholic’s routine requires consistency and awareness. Take the supplement with a meal to enhance absorption and minimize stomach upset. Avoid alcohol entirely, as even small amounts can negate the benefits. Monitor for signs of improvement, such as increased energy, better mood, and reduced tingling or numbness in extremities, which typically manifest within 4–6 weeks of consistent use. For those in recovery, combining B complex with counseling, support groups, and regular medical check-ups creates a robust framework for long-term health. Remember, supplementation is a tool, not a replacement for addressing the root causes of alcohol dependence.

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Thirty subjects with methadone dependence were given 2 grams of ALCAR daily during a 3-week detoxification period, and it reduced their pain and the length of their withdrawal (49). Researchers have also studied the relapse rates of cocaine addicts discharged after a period of detoxification. And they found that the cocaine addicts who relapsed had significantly lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in comparison to addicts who didn’t relapse (29). Smokers have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and treatment with fish significantly reduces their level of dependence (25, 28). And one study found that giving omega-3 fatty acids to substance abusers significantly reduced their anxiety (22).
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Your care team can help you choose the best supplements for your recovery and guide you through their proper use. While it can’t fully reverse the damage done to your liver, milk thistle can be a great addition to recovery care when sourced best vitamins for heavy drinkers and used appropriately. When alcohol damages and depletes your liver’s ability to function properly, you’ll find it struggles to keep up. This inflammation can persist for months after you stop drinking, and can take time to restore, even if you’re eating and drinking properly again. Multivitamins can help prevent and treat vitamin and mineral deficiency. Thiamine is the most important vitamin for anyone suffering or previously suffering from alcohol addiction.