Alcoholism

Definition:

A chronic disease caused by addiction to alcohol, leading to a deterioration in health and social functioning.
Alcoholism is a very common problem that is usually described as habit rather than medical condition. People who are addicted to alcohol deny that they have a drinking problem. Alcohol addiction is a state of physical dependence on alcohol. This condition occurs gradually as alcohol alters the balance of some chemicals in the brain, such as gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), that inhibits impulsiveness, and glutamate, which excites the nervous system. Alcohol also raises the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is related with the delightful aspects of drinking alcohol. Excessive, long-term drinking can deplete or increase the levels of some of these chemicals as a result your body start craving for alcohol to restore good feelings or to avoid negative feelings and you become addicted.

 

Causes: 

Many different factors have been identified to be the cause of alcoholism; these include:

  • Psychological Factors- Individuals suffering from depression or low self-esteem resort to alcoholism.
  • Frequency- Regular and frequent intake of alcohol leads to addiction, thus causing alcoholism

Genetic Factors- This is a common factor that is known to be the cause of alcoholism. It is found that people whose parents or grandparents were addicted to alcohol, have a high tendency towards the same illness. However, it is not a compulsion; there are instances where people are addicted to alcohol, and yet their families remain unaffected with alcoholism

Symptoms: 

There are various symptoms of alcoholism. One must be careful and take precautionary steps to take care of it.

  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Difficult to avoid alcohol intake
  • Looking for excuses to drink
  • Lack of control
  • Mood swings
  • Experience of unnatural fears and paranoia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Unable to eat properly
  • Sleep disorder
  • Being in irritated state of mood

 

Yogic cure:-

 

[1]Shatkarma                                                                 {Purificatory

 

{a} Jalneti

    [2] Yogasanas                                                                  {posture}

{a} Sarvangasana                                                   {Shoulder stand

{b} Halasana

{c} Majriasana

{d} Setu-bandhasana

{e}Salambhasana

{f} Balasana

{g} Surya namaskar

{h}

{i} Shavasana

  [3] Pranayama                       {Body-mind energising breathing practices}

{a} Bhramari

 [4]Bandhas:-                                            {Bands}

{a}Mool bandh

   [5]Mudras:                                            {Finger –posture}

{a} Gyan mudra

{b} Apanvaayu mudra

 

   [6] Dhayan

{a} Oh Am Chanting

{Meditation}

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoYrLM5rGX8

Meditation –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kM7AEOzjw

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlNa2zWpjcA

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is an effective tool to deal with alcohol addiction. A full body massage followed with a warm glass of milk at bedtime helps to relax the nerves and ensures sound sleep.

http://youtu.be/1k0kYzRFWak

Diet  Therapy

Start the day with two glasses of lukewarm water in empty stomach. Try freshly extracted fruit or vegetable juices. Aloe vera and Indian Gooseberry are efficient in detoxification of the body. Indian Gooseberry is very rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is a primary nutrient in the treatment of addiction and helps to lessen the withdrawal symptom.

A diet rich in complex carbohydrates like whole grains, lean proteins, plenty of fruits and vegetables and little or no refined sugar is suggested to increase the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin induces a calming effect on the mind and body. Fibrous foods take longer time to digest and maintain a steady blood sugar level which provides steady increase in energy and a heightened sense of well being.

Try to gradually reduce spicy and fried foods, simple carbohydrates like white bread, and red meat which increases anxiety and tension.

Alcoholics often show low levels of selenium in blood. Bio-available form of selenium, an antioxidant, helps in detoxification. Selenium is found in green herbs like American and Siberian Ginseng.

SCIENTIFIC  EXPLANATION:

Yoga Therapy

A recent study in the Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse reports that a 90-day yoga and meditation program will reduce addictive behavior, depression and anxiety. Yoga connects the mind, body and spirit, which can help to relieve stress, physical pain and emotional blocks. It also fosters self-awareness, inner strength, patience and tolerance — all keys to helping those in recovery to bear reality and control impulses.

Further  Suggestion:

One can look at the following home further suggestion as alcohol addiction treatment:

  • Following a good and nutritional diet .
  • Indulging in pleasurable and fun activity to deviate mind .
  • Listening to music to feel calmness .
  • Drinking juice of raw celery .
  • Eating dates as they are good for alcohol addiction treatment .

 

Ayurvedic Medicine –

In Ayurveda alcoholism is described under Paanatya or Madaatya, and said to occur as a result of non-judicious intake of alcoholic beverages.

Though all three doshas, viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha, are vitiated in this problem, based on predominance of specific dosha, it has been further classified into Vataj, Pittaj and Kaphaj and therefore, its management is planned accordingly. A variety of methods are proposed in Ayurveda, the holistic science of life, for managing alcoholism. One classical method is to give liquid herbal preparations containing small quantities of self-generated alcohol, and medicated herbal smokes. Whereas some physicians prefer to suggest proper medicines aimed at the basic cause behind alcoholism.

Herbs like lemon, pomegranate, kokum, plumbago, asafetida, nut grass, dried ginger, Indian picrorhiza, bacopa, bindweed, Himalayan spikenard, Fagoniacretica, Indian gooseberry, ash gourd, betel nut and turmeric are very useful in treating alcoholism, and different symptoms associated with this problem.

Holistic management of Ayurveda, if followed judiciously under the experienced supervision of experts, not only diminishes the craving for alcohol, but also successfully overcomes the withdrawal symptoms, improves appetite, and generates a sense of well-being.
Based on the severity of alcoholism, treatment duration can range from 1-9 months. Some treatments may entail a number of short-lasting courses of Ayurveda medicines.

Recommended diet involves milk, milk fat (ghee), seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Regular professional counseling, company of good friends, and involvement in productive and motivational work are other useful methods:

Further Suggestion: 

One can look at the following home further suggestion as alcohol addiction treatment:

  • Following a good and nutritional diet
  • Indulging in pleasurable and fun activity to deviate mind
  • Listening to music to feel calmness
  • Drinking juice of raw celery
  • Eating dates as they are good for alcohol addiction treatment

conclusion:

Alcoholism is a disease where person has strong craving for alcohol. A person may be affected with this ailment due to both lifestyle as well as inheritance. Alcoholism treatment is possible with appropriate medication, precaution and counseling. One must not get addicted to alcohol, as it does no good and causes only harm to health and image of a person. Since, de-addiction requires quite a lot of mental strength, meditation and yoga practices definitely helps to overcome the urge. Organizations like Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) have chapters in most cities around the world where alcoholics can meet, exchange views and strengthen each other’s will power to succeed in leaving alcohol.

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Yoganand