
But one often-overlooked aspect of beating addiction is nutrition in recovery. The core of breaking free lies in dismantling the powerful illusions that alcohol has woven around itself. From childhood, we’re conditioned by society, marketing, and even our own observations to believe that alcohol is a normal, desirable part of life. We see glamorous people in adverts, associating alcohol with confidence, sex appeal, and success. We’re told it tastes good, helps us relax, and makes social interactions smoother. But these are all carefully constructed lies, designed to hook you into a cycle of dependence.
Supporting Supplements for Alcoholics
Recovery Guide LLC does not endorse any treatment provider, and we do not guarantee the quality of care, outcomes, or results from any treatment program listed or advertised on our site. All information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Understanding one’s unique circumstances helps gauge whether it’s safe to drink while taking supplements. This is why some people with a heavy drinking problem report a loss of smell and taste. A big part of detox is stabilizing the brain and emotions, so vitamin C may be helpful in this.
- Experts think it might work by protecting the liver and lowering specific proteins like collagen produced by the body.
- While taking vitamins can help manage symptoms caused by chronic alcohol use, they are most effective alongside detoxification and rehabilitation.
- It may be helpful to increase your intake of vitamins such as B1, B12, C, and E, which can assist in liver recovery and reduce alcohol-induced oxidative stress.
- The best way for this to happen is by participating in a professional detox program.
What are some supplements that can help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
Zinc is a mineral vital to immune function, mood regulation, and brain health. Zinc supplements can help reduce cravings by improving mood, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy brain function. They've been shown to prevent brain inflammation and neurotransmitter impairment caused by alcohol. They can also reverse brain damage and restore healthy brain function after drinking alcohol (55, 59, 60). Consider adding herbal supplements such as ashwagandha, milk thistle, and kudzu extract to your diet along with your vitamins for alcohol withdrawal. Some studies indicate that magnesium mineral supplements may help alleviate anxiety, while also promoting multivitamin alcohol healthy nerve, heart, muscle, and immune system function.

How Does Alcohol Affect Nutrient Absorption?
They also aid in balancing brain chemistry, which leads to mood stabilization and decreased alcohol cravings. Some of the best vitamins and supplements to use while detoxing from alcohol include B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc and magnesium supplements, and others. It's crucial to engage with your healthcare provider when considering vitamin supplementation as a means of support during your recovery. Doctors can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, medical history, and existing conditions.
MANAGEMENT OF MINOR ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME

To maintain healthy thiamine levels and support brain function, you should consume a balanced diet rich in thiamine sources. Moreover, medical professionals often recommend supplementing with oral amphetamine addiction treatment or intravenous thiamine, especially for individuals with alcohol use disorder. Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of your body, particularly in the conversion of food into energy and the regulation of brain metabolism.

After detox, inpatient rehab at a certified treatment center is the best way to ensure that you or a loved one get the care and support you need. All of these benefits are helpful for people going through alcohol detox. Magnesium can also help with twitches and cramps that are a natural part of alcohol withdrawal. So in other words, Zinc helps you process alcohol, a substance that takes a long time to be processed, faster. Folate, also known as vitamin B12, is important for cell growth and development.
- Most importantly, the treatment saves brain function and can help to stave off the even more serious Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which permanently damages the brain.
- Magnesium supplements can improve cognitive deficits caused by chronic alcohol abuse by improving cerebral blood flow10.
- Figure 3 summarizes the vitamins and their possible mechanisms of action against the liver injury caused by alcohol consumption.
Delirium Tremens (DT) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can cause hallucinations, confusion, and seizures. Alcohol withdrawal can be a challenging and uncomfortable process, and it can lead to a variety of symptoms. Fortunately, there are several vitamins that can help alleviate some of these symptoms. Valerian root is commonly used as a sleep aid and may help improve sleep quality during withdrawal.
Patientswith multiple vitamin deficiencies or with markedly increased requirementsmay be given multiples of the daily dosage for two or more days asindicated by the clinical status. Clinical testing indicates thatsome patients do not maintain adequate levels of certain vitaminswhen this formulation in recommended amounts is the sole source ofvitamins. This post is the sixth in a series on non-pharmacologic approaches for managing symptoms related to alcohol and drug abuse and withdrawal and decreasing the risk of relapse. Previous posts commented on evidence for natural supplements, weak electrical current, and mindfulness for reducing drug and alcohol use and treating symptoms of withdrawal. This post is offered as a concise review of the evidence for certain B-vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc for reducing alcohol craving. It can cause serious symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, headaches, and nausea.
- Ordinarily, the excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) neurotransmitters are in a state of homeostasis Figure 1a.
- Vitamin D supplementation may help to improve bone health and reduce the risk of fractures in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
- Taking 2 grams of vitamin C one hour before alcohol consumption increases the rate at which alcohol is cleared from the blood, and may reduce acute toxic effects on the liver (Chen 1990).
- In fact, you can enjoy the buzz safely and wake up the next day feeling great.
Protect Daily Liver Support

In a related article, I share why these are the best vitamins and minerals for alcohol detox as well as some signs of deficiency. Through independent research, I have identified a number of supplements for detox and withdrawal that actually work to relieve these symptoms. While supplements can help prevent severe withdrawal, they cannot serve as a replacement for medical treatment.
With a better understanding of the internal battle being fought, the client has a better foundation to attack the addiction. Thought field therapy, time line therapy, hypnotherapy and neuro-linguistic programming is then used to help the drinker handle any cravings for alcohol during the process. Remember, these are to support recovery, not to be viewed as a standalone solution or an excuse to continue drinking. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) encompasses the symptoms an individual with alcohol use disorder experiences if they stop drinking suddenly, or reduce their alcohol intake significantly. As a common social activity, drinking alcohol can lead to various negative effects on the body. As a leader in liver supporting supplements, we'll share with you the best supplements to take before drinking alcohol.
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While taking vitamins can support your body’s recovery process, they cannot entirely prevent a hangover. Drinking alcohol responsibly and staying hydrated are key to minimizing hangover symptoms. Yes, alcohol can interfere with the absorption and utilization of vitamins and minerals, leaving your body depleted of these essential nutrients. Tremors are a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal, and they can be challenging to manage.