Although alcohol is one of the most common causes of many deadly diseases, such as cirrhosis, it continues to be a favorite drink of many people. In severe alcohol dependence, specialized treatment can not be dispensed with, however, it is possible to prevent the formation of dependence with the help of simple folk remedies. Introducing you the most effective remedies for alcoholism both natural and synthetic origin.
The most effective folk remedies for alcoholism
Folk remedies are one of the most effective and affordable options for the treatment of alcoholism. Their main disadvantage is that they are effective at the initial stage of the disease (and alcohol abuse is considered precisely as a chronic mental illness, a form of substance abuse). However, with progressive alcoholism folk remedies - a useful addition to the main drug treatment.
5. Grapes
One of the most popular and effective home remedies for fighting alcohol addiction. Whenever there is a desire to "roll on a little", you need to drink a glass of grape juice or eat a few grapes.
- Since grapes contain the purest form of an alcohol-containing agent, it serves as an alternative to alcohol for alcoholics.
- Grapes are rich in potassium, which helps maintain the alkaline balance of the blood, and also stimulates the kidneys.
- In addition, grapes have an amazing cleansing power, allowing to remove toxins from the liver.
4. Chinese bitter gourd, it is also Momordika Harantskaya
Juice obtained from the leaves of bitter gourd is a good Ayurvedic medicine for alcohol dependence. In addition, this juice has the ability to repair damaged liver cells, reduces blood glucose and improves metabolism.
- The juice of bitter gourd can be drunk in small portions (large and will not work, since the plant got its name in vain) during the day and taken for a long time.
- Instead of juice, you can eat the fruits of the plant, but not more than 2 per day, otherwise diarrhea and abdominal pain may occur.
- To make the taste of bitter gourd juice more pleasant, you can mix it with other juice or low-fat cream (buttermilk).
3. Sour apples and apple juice
One of the most effective folk remedies for alcoholism, and even the most affordable at any time of the year. Apples not only remove toxins accumulated in the body due to alcohol consumption, but also reduce the desire to consume strong alcoholic beverages. It is enough to eat three apples a day. Why exactly sour? Because they have more beneficial substances (in particular iron) than in sweet fruits.
The complete abandonment of alcohol in the first two weeks will be a challenge for most people with alcoholism or on the verge of alcoholism. The best approach is to slowly reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. And apple juice will alleviate the intense thirst that torments people "in the eyeballs." It must be drunk at least twice a day.
2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture - a form of ancient Chinese medicine - acts on specific points of the body to relieve pain, stress and cravings for alcohol, as well as stimulate the recovery of the body. The main disadvantage of this method is the difficulty in finding a good specialist in acupuncture.
Acupuncture should not be used for:
- tuberculosis
- oncological diseases;
- schizophrenia;
- infectious diseases accompanied by fever.
1. Celery
A great home remedy for drinking, because celery juice makes an alcoholic sober. The recipe for a celery drink is simple:
- you need to mix 1/2 cup celery juice with the same amount of water;
- drink once a day for a month.
Also, eating celery is a good way to get rid of a hangover in the morning.
The best medicines for hard drinking
There is no magic pill or single medicine that would suit all people who want to stop drinking. But there are several well-proven drugs that can be used (in combination with psychological and social interventions) to help a significant number of patients with alcohol addiction. Here top 5 best remedies for bingethat the pharmaceutical industry can offer.
5. Antabus, Esperal (disulfiram)
Antabuse was approved for the treatment of alcoholism more than 50 years ago, making it the oldest drug on the anti-alcohol market. This is the best remedy for alcoholism according to reviews of both alcoholics themselves and their families.
It works by interfering with the body’s ability to absorb alcohol - in particular, by inhibiting the formation of an enzyme that allows the body to absorb an metabolite of ethyl alcohol called acetaldehyde.
In the absence of an enzyme involved in the metabolism of acetaldehyde, this substance accumulates in the body after drinking alcohol. The result is extremely unpleasant side effects, which may include:
- hyperemia;
- nausea
- cardiopalmus.
The disadvantage of Antabuse is that many alcoholics stop taking it, believing that it is the medicine that is to blame for the fact that they feel bad after the feast.
The tool is most effective when its use is controlled, say, in a clinic for the treatment of alcoholism or at home, by one of the members of the alcoholic's family.
4. Vivitrol (naltrexone)
This drug helps to reduce both the pleasure that alcoholics get from drinking alcohol and the addiction that makes them look for a new drink. These effects are achieved by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. These same receptors are also responsible for the pleasure of taking drugs such as morphine and heroin.
- The drug can be taken either in tablet form or in injectable form.
- In clinical trials, oral administration of naltrexone has been shown to reduce the recurrence of alcoholism. Relapse is considered four or more servings of alcohol per day for women and five or more for men.
- Compared to patients who took a placebo (dummy), alcoholics taking naltrexone recorded 36% fewer episodes of drinking during the three months of the study.
The main side effects of the drug are nausea and (or vomiting), abdominal pain, drowsiness and nasal congestion.
3. Campral (calcium acamprosate)
When taken orally three times a day, Campral acts on neurotransmitters in the brain. This remedy helps reduce withdrawal symptoms that can occur in alcoholics trying to overcome their bad habit.
These symptoms may include:
- insomnia
- anxiety;
- anxiety;
- unpleasant changes in mood.
According to the results of European clinical trials and according to the combined data of several studies, Campral increases the number of people who were able to refrain from drinking for several weeks or months.
2. Topamax (Topiramat)
If an alcoholic develops epileptic seizures, in addition to Campral, the doctor may prescribe a drug called Topamax. It has a mechanism of action similar to Campral and can likewise help patients avoid or reduce symptoms associated with prolonged abstinence from drinking. In a study published in the journal of the American Medical Association in October 2007, researchers from the United States and Germany reported that Topamax was better than placebo in reducing symptoms of alcohol withdrawal over a 14-week period.
When taking the drug, the following side effects may occur:
- loss of concentration;
- sensation of itching and burning of the skin;
- lack of appetite.
1. Selinkro (nalmefen)
Another opioid antagonist, it blocks delta, kappa and mu receptors. One randomized trial involving 100 patients showed nalmefene efficacy similar to naltrexone. That is, the drug significantly reduces the likelihood of a relapse of alcoholism.
All of these drugs work best in combination with psychosocial treatment. Just giving an alcoholic a pill is ineffective. He must himself wish to recover from his habit.
Remember, any medicine should be taken only as directed by a doctor. All medicines have contraindications, be sure to consult a specialist and do not self-medicate.