Page 22 - Winter2019

WHAT ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS OVERLOOKS inconsistent results. While some studies sug-
AA’s stated purpose is to enable its members to “stay sober and help gest an association between AA attendance
other alcoholics achieve sobriety.” Since 1935, when alcoholic Bill Wilson and increased abstinence or other positive out-
founded the organization, AA has grown into an international self-help comes, others do not. Reports have varied from
group with over two million members. a 75 percent success rate to negative outcomes.
To share their method, Wilson and other members wrote Alcohol- Researchers are hampered by the difficulty in
ics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have measuring success rates.
Recovered from Alcoholism, from which AA drew its name. It outlines The biggest failing of AA, however, is
a twelve-step program in which members admit that they are powerless the fact that the organization does not provide
over alcohol and need help from a “higher power.” They seek guidance information on diet and alternative therapies to
and strength through prayer and meditation from God or a higher power alcoholics. Typical offerings of donuts and cof-
of their own understanding; take a moral inventory with care to include fee at AA meetings are the worst possible snacks
resentments; list and become ready to remove character defects; list and for the recovering alcoholic. Nor does AA keep
make amends to those harmed; continue to take a moral inventory; pray abreast of all the modern research on alcoholism
and meditate; and try to help other alcoholics recover. The goal is to create and its effects on neurotransmitters.
enough change in the alcoholic’s thinking “to bring about recovery from At the same time, despite what recent
alcoholism” through a spiritual awakening. AA meetings are “quasi- research has revealed about the association of
ritualized therapeutic sessions run by and for alcoholics.” alcoholism and neurotransmitters, it is incorrect
Does AA work? Certainly, the meetings provide companionship to imply that alcoholism is merely a problem
and support for alcoholics, but studies of AA’s efficacy have produced with brain chemistry. There is also an emotional

HERBAL TREATMENTS FOR ALCOHOLISM
The use of herbs to treat alcoholism dates back thousands of years. Those in the process of renouncing alcohol can
determine their effectiveness on a trial-and-error basis. However, exercise care when buying extracts, tinctures and es-
sences to ensure that they do not contain alcohol. Alcohol is commonly used as an aid to extract the active elements of
an herb. Be sure to read labels carefully!

KUDZU, an Asian root, is attracting considerable interest for the treatment of alcoholism. Studies have indicated that
test animals drink less alcohol than controls when given kudzu root. Studies with humans give mixed results. Kudzu
seems to lessen the amount that non-alcoholic people drink, but it does not reduce cravings in alcoholics. And a word
of caution: the active ingredients in kudzu are diadzin and daidzein—estrogen-like compounds similar to those in soy.

ST. JOHN’S WORT can help alleviate depression, as shown in many studies. Because alcoholism and depression often
go hand in hand, St. John’s wort is a natural choice for supporting those struggling with alcoholism. As with kudzu, those
who take St. John’s wort tend to drink less than they otherwise would.

MILK THISTLE can be helpful in the treatment of liver dysfunction. The seeds contain a compound called silymarin, which
helps to cleanse the liver of poisons. Those undergoing alcoholism detox often receive milk thistle to help rid the liver
of alcohol. However, silymarin is not effective with severe liver damage, such as alcoholic hepatitis or alcoholic cirrhosis.

PASSION FLOWER is the herbal treatment of choice for opiate withdrawal, helping to relieve nausea. Research indicates
that the herb can also help with alcoholism detox and the associated withdrawal symptoms.

GINSENG is valued for its revitalizing and energizing qualities. Its main effect is to increase the metabolism, thus help-
ing the body break down alcohol more quickly and aiding in detox. Be sure to purchase pure ginseng—many products
contain fillers that greatly dilute its effects.

CAYENNE PEPPER is a great tonic for the stomach. Those who drink too much alcohol tend to suffer from stomach
problems and, in particular, gastritis. Cayenne pepper relieves the pain and reduces the inflammation of the stomach
lining that is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Be sure to purchase cayenne pepper powder that is organic.

SOURCE: www.the-alcoholism-guide.org/herbal-treatment-for-alcoholism.html

20 Wise Traditions WINTER 2019