HOW TO QUIT ALCOHOL 1
Dr. Roger T. Williams of the University of Texas, a leading biochemist, declares that not only do alcoholics have a poor diet, —but a poor diet tends to create alcoholics.
In support of this, he says that drinking alcohol causes a deficiency of the B complex vitamins. But a lack of these vitamins tends to increase the appetite for carbohydrates (sugars and starches). Alcohol, itself, being only a carbohydrate and a robber of B vitamins, starts a vicious cycle within the human body of both removing vitamins and creating an artificial alcohol thirst.
Then there is Dr. U. D. Register of Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. In 1967 he conducted a series of studies in which he fed a normal, American diet to rats.
The diet consisted of hot dogs, spaghetti, meat balls, sweet rolls, and soft drinks. A control set of rats was given a diet of milk and vegetables. In addition, both sets of rats were given the choice of 10 percent alcohol (about as much as in wine), or pure water.
The rats that were fed the popular junk diet began turning to more and more alcohol, until they were imbibing 12.8 ml. of it per 100 gm. of body weight per week. The control group never went above 2.3 ml. of alcohol.
Then Dr. Register added coffee to the popular diet—and the alcohol consumption shot up to 46 ml. per week!
It is of high significance, that after 10 weeks, the popular—diet rats were switched over to the nutritious diet—and within the first week their alcohol intake had gone down to 3.8 mI., and within three weeks, most of the rats had quit alcohol entirely!
This is very important information. If you want to quit alcohol, you need to accompany your other quitting activities with an upgrading of your diet. Dr. Register says that it was a lack of the B vitamins that made the difference in the two sets of rats.
A third research group was headed by Dr. Abram Hoffer of (Saskatchewan, Canada, and Dr. Humphrey Osmond of Princeton, N.J. They contend that the mental disorder, schizophrenia, is closely related to alcoholism, and that both can be nutritionally treated in the same manner. Then they did it.
The American Schizophrenia Foundation has discovered that from 20 to 40 percent of alcoholics are partially schizophrenic. What Drs. Hoffer and Osmond did was to give massive doses of niacin (B3), vitamin C, B6, and other vitamins. The results of this megavitamin therapy were reported in the July, 1968 issue of the "British Journal of Psychiatry."
The therapy program was originally planned only for schizophrenics, but since 40% of those who were to receive the treatment were alcoholics, the therapy was extended to them —and to other alcoholics who did not show signs of schizophrenia. The results were dramatically successful.
A fourth research group, headed by Dr. Russell F. Smith, medical director of Michigan State Boy's Training School, conducted a study in which 507 alcoholics were given massive vitamin B3 therapy. As he later reported, An average of 6 grams, of this well known, common, cheap vitamin a day, was given to them. Concluding his report in the October 1968 issue of the American Schizophrenia Foundation "Newsletter," he said, "Eighty-seven percent of our group of hard core, treatment resistant, difficult alcoholics derived benefit."
Comparing his vitamin therapy with methods, used elsewhere, he said, "B3 far surpassed them in effectiveness. This comparison becomes more effective when we remember that many drugs today used in the treatment of alcoholism have a high potential for abuse and for suicide. When the niacin [vitamin B3] is used instead, these serious risks become virtually nonexistent —great advantage indeed. B3 far surpasses other therapeutic agents commonly used in the treatment of alcoholics."
Probably the most significant factor in this study has been the large group who undertook it that have stayed permanently off alcohol after the testing was completed.
Part way through his study, Dr. Smith made the discovery that vitamin C must be used in conjunction with niacin. He was alerted to the matter when some of the patients complained of sustained weakness, dry skin, occasional rashes or odd dietary cravings. Realizing that the large doses of niacin were tending to deplete vitamin C in the body, he began adding good-sized doses of the latter. (Urine tests have revealed that no vitamin C was being excreted, indicating that the patients on the high-niacin diet were lacking in it.) But average doses of 1000 mg. per patient daily solved the problem, and all the side effects disappeared.
Dr. David Ramon Hawkins, director of the North Nassau Mental Health Center, provides us with a fifth study into ways to nutritionally stop alcoholism. Seventy of his 315 schizophrenic patients were confirmed alcoholics, many of whom had previously been hospitalized because of their problem. Some had undergone psychotherapy or psychoanalysis for periods ranging up to 20 years. "Some of the patients' families had spent up to $150,000 on years of expensive treatment which had been to no avail," he said.
All of the patients were given massive doses of vitamins B3 (niacin) and C, plus sizable amounts of B6 (pyridoxine). They were also put on a hypoglycemic diet (low carbohydrates, high protein, medium fats, frequent very small meals). The patients were encouraged to keep coffee drinking to a minimum, and exercise frequently.
It should be noted here that people that have both alcoholism and schizophrenia are the ones most unlikely to be helped out of their problem. But the results of Dr. Hawkin's approach were spectacular, to say the least.
He said, "By treating their schizophrenia with megavitamin therapy and simultaneously pushing them into Alcoholics Anonymous, our results were extremely good. Since we started using this new approach we have closed our out-patient shock unit. Hardly any of these patients needs to be hospitalized any more. The whole attitude of the patients and their families is so overwhelmingly different [that] there is no comparison with the previous situation." In order to effect proper results the vitamins were given in large doses, sometimes a thousand times larger than "minimum daily requirements."
In addition to B3, several other vitamins are used in the megavitamin therapy: vitamin C, pyridoxine (B6), B1, B12, and vitamin E.
A sixth study, that was to prove quite revealing, was undertaken by Dr. Edmund G. Flink, chairman of medicine at West Virginia University's medical school worked for some time with alcoholics, and concluded that their alcohol-developed deficiencies included a serious lack of magnesium.
Efforts to stop drinking bring on "delirium tremens" symptoms —which are identical to those exhibited by one who is seriously deficient in the trace mineral, magnesium. So unendurable are these symptoms that they make it impossible for some to continue with their withdrawal from the alcohol.
But Dr. Flink discovered that all that was needed was for those coming off alcohol to simply take more magnesium in their diet. It did not even need to be injected. Just taking dolomite tablets, obtainable at any health food store, would provide all the magnesium that they required.
Dr. Flink's findings were later confirmed by Dr. John E. Jones of the West Virginia University Medical Center.
There are answers; there is help available. The simple, nourishing foods, which God has given to mankind, can solve so many of our problems. Let us thank our heavenly Father for them, and use the blessings He has bestowed. Forever dispense with the poisons and only partake of nutritious food and drink. And you will be happy that you did so.
HOW TO QUIT ALCOHOL 2
As we mentioned at the beginning of this book, a person cannot stop alcohol unless he wants to and knows that he must.
If you are not in very deep, you may be able to quit without the encouragement or help of others. But you may find that having a friend to go through the withdrawal is something you need. You may wish to talk it over with a loved one or close acquaintance. You may want to discuss it with your physician. If there is a pastor of a church nearby that you can talk and pray with, all the better.
Then there is Alcoholics Anonymous. This group has helped thousands. They do it by encouraging one another, and by helping one another admit that they cannot do it alone,—and that they need a Higher Power—God—to help them do it.
There are physicians and special hospitals for the recovery of alcoholics. First comes the immediate withdrawal. Often they will attempt to relieve the withdrawal symptoms by administering synthetic tranquilizers such as chlordizepoxide, chlorpromazine, meprobamate, promazine hydrochloride, or reserpine. The use of tranquilizers coupled with other therapeutic aids can be effective in prompt recovery from delirium tremens and hallucinations. Other forms of treatment can then begin. In alcoholic recovery hospitals, the later treatment generally is based on additional tranquilizing drugs. These quiet him and make him manageable during the time needed to withdraw from the powerful cravings for alcohol.
Most physicians, many church pastors, and organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous can advise an alcoholic or his family where the most effective help may be found within a given community, whether in a hospital or not.
But there is danger in becoming addicted to the tranquilizers, if they are continued over too long a time at too heavy a dosage. And, it should be noted, that severe complications may result if tranquilizers are later placed in a body that has returned to alcohol. It is considered best, by professionals in the field, that the use of tranquilizers should be given under the careful control and frequent observation of a physician.
Many alcoholics are found to be suffering from other physical problems. One of these is frequently vitamin deficiency. Another can be liver or circulatory damage.
Some physicians shun the continued use of tranquilizers and instead use what is termed "aversion therapy." A measured amount of an alcoholic beverage is given. But into that beverage a certain amount of a nausea-producing agent has been mixed. Two such agents are apomorphine and emetine. In this treatment, the alcoholic receives that which he craves, the alcohol, but in a short time it produces nausea. This is intended to develop a loathing for alcohol. Aversion therapy should also be accompanied by close medical supervision. Why? Because of the severe physical reactions.
The above withdrawal therapies are different types of drug therapy. Frequently, the relief obtained from them is temporary.
What is needed is a plan of action that can carry through to a successful termination of alcohol—without a later return to it.
The help of God and the encouragement of understanding friends can do that which nothing else can accomplish.
Alcoholics Anonymous was started in 1935 by an alcoholic who solved his massive problems with liquor—simply by trying to help another get off of alcohol. He became so concerned to help another that he quit himself. Why? Because now he had something worthwhile to live for, something important to do. The effort to help others is ennobling and strengthening to the mind and the willpower.
Thousands of reformed alcoholics can testify to the help they have received from Alcoholics Anonymous. It presently has a membership of several hundred thousand all over the world. They hold regular meetings in cities and towns wherever you go.
Many cannot understand how AA can help so effectively when it has so little organization to it. It has no officers, requires no dues. It has no constitution or bylaws. Each local group is autonomous, and not under outside control.
Its only purpose is to help alcoholics stop drinking and stay stopped. That is all it does, but it, does it remarkably well.
Upon arriving for the first time at an AA meeting, an alcoholic is surprised with the reception. He walks in, well aware of his physical weakness, emotional conflicts, guilt feelings, and social isolation. Often he arrives weakened in every way, and without hardly one solid friend anywhere.
There he discovers that many of the happy, cheerful people have had far worse experiences than he lives with daily. They are recovered alcoholics. Hearing their stories, seeing their return to emotional stability, successful employment, happy social life, he takes courage that perhaps there is hope for him.
The AA members do not condemn him; they just want to help him get off liquor. They do not try to sell him anything but friendship and lots of free encouragement. He finds himself totally accepted by the group, and this brings him back to forthcoming meetings. Whenever he wishes, he can call another AA member on the phone and talk to him. He will frequently be given a "buddy" to especially encourage and help him.
At the heart of the Alcoholics Anonymous program is a firm acceptance of the belief that the help of a Higher Power the help of God—is needed in order to receive the strength and resisting, overcoming help that is needed.
Friends at AA encourage him to keep at it. He may fully leave alcohol immediately; he may fail sometimes. But he has friends to give him a lift.
Yes, he receives the most help—and the most quickly—when he admits that he is an alcoholic, that he cannot stop by himself, and that only God can do it—and that, moment by moment, he must thereafter rely upon God for the needed help.
In order to part company with alcohol, you must pray to God for help. And He will give that help to the degree that you are serious about having nothing more to do with liquor.
Here is the twelve-point program of Alcoholics Anonymous:
STEP 1. We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol; our lives had become unmanageable.
STEP 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
STEP 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
STEP 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
STEP 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to other human beings the exact nature of our wrongs.
STEP 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
STEP 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our short comings.
STEP 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
STEP 9. Made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
STEP 10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
STEP 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
STEP 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
At the meetings and informal discussions members of AA discuss how they were helplessly in the grip of alcohol, and how through the encouragement of friends and the help of God, they left it. During the meetings they learn how alcohol acts on the body and they consider possible reasons why people get into alcohol to start with. They discuss personality problems, marital difficulties caused by drinking, and how they can get problems straightened out. They testify to their own victories, with the help of God, over the terrible habit, and they share experiences in successfully helping someone else to get off alcohol. Alcoholics Anonymous is people helping people. And this is what the alcoholic wanted in the first place. He started on the wrong path while in search of acceptance, love and appreciation.
Now he discovers that he finds it by giving it to others.
Two other organizations have sprung up to aid alcoholics and their families: Al-Anon has as its objective the helping of wives and husbands of alcoholics. Al-Ateen attempts to help young people to understand the problems of alcoholic parents and to withstand the social and emotional pressures they themselves may be encountering because of those problems.
Local branches of AA could help put you in contact with Al-Anon or AI-Ateen, so that you could work with them, or obtain help in starting a branch in your area.
Reformed alcoholics frequently continue attending for AA weekly meetings for years to come. But whether they do or not, they know for a certainty that they must continue their close connection with God, and their efforts to help others find God so they can recover also.
Recently, a new group therapy approach has been started that many will find to be very helpful: It is called the 4 DK Plan (Four-Dimensional Key to the Cause of Alcoholism). It is a plan of basic alcohol education.
The 4 DK Plan looks at both alcohol and man—in relation to life's four dimensions — physical, mental, social, and spiritual. It explains and implements the latest research on the causes of alcoholism, the effects of alcohol consumption, and the latest rehabilitation methods.
This Plan consists primarily of four group sessions, showing what alcohol can do to each of these four parts of a human life. Following this, those in attendance learn how to combat drinking habits through each dimension. Much of the mystery is thus taken out of the "how to conquer alcohol" problem. Visual aids, forums, and general discussion is supplemented with motion picture films. The two specialists who developed the 4 DK Plan are E.H.J. Steed, executive director of the International Commission for the Prevention of Alcoholism, and L.A. Senseman, M.D., longtime chairman of the Rhode Island Advisory Committee on Alcoholism. The Plan is usually made available through local hospitals and non-profit organizations.
Four features of the 4 DK Plan render it especially flexible and helpful: (1) The plan is educational and is valuable to anyone concerned with alcoholism, whether or not he drinks. (2) The plan can be instituted in any community, using local resources. (3) The plan appears to be as helpful to alcoholics as the well-known Five-Day Plan to Stop Smoking has been to smokers. (4) The plan is positive. It emphasizes good health and wholesome living.
Information on already-scheduled community presentations of the 4 DK Plan in your area (or having them come to your locality) may be obtained by writing to the International Commission for the Prevention of Alcoholism, 6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20012.
"In the treatment of alcoholic patients there are two stages to be considered—one is the recovery from the acute alcoholism, and the other is the hang-over. The essential thing in the treatment of the former is the withdrawal of alcohol and encouraging a good sleep. Hang-over represents a sudden fall from the supposed pleasurable or at least painless non-reality of acute alcohol intoxication into a new reality more threatening than that of the period preceding the bout. The loss of self-esteem characterizes the over-all feelings of the alcoholic hang-over. Headache is common, especially in those whose livers become enlarged and tender due to acute inflammation of the liver. Thirst is one of the main features, and it is due to perspiration and the loss of water through excessive action of the kidneys. Fatigue is expressive of both the emotional tension and the exceptional demands during the episode of acute alcoholic intoxication.
"The first thing which must be done is the prompt and total withdrawal of alcohol, as more alcohol in ever-increasing doses is not a remedy for the psychological disturbances caused by its excessive use, and at times it is difficult for alcoholic patients to accept this view. The patient will soon learn that his mental and physical pain can be relieved by means other than by the use of alcohol. One of the important things, which must be done, is to allay the patient's fears, as many times he worries about the irreparable damage done to the body over the long-continued use of alcohol.
Sleep is essential, and one of the best means of producing sleep is by the use of prolonged baths with the temperature maintained at around 92 degrees to 94 degrees. Quiet surroundings are absolutely essential. The diet is important, as it should not contain anything of a stimulating nature, such as coffee, spices, and condiments. Milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables is the ideal diet, with liberal use of orange juice and other fruit and vegetable juices to combat loss of fluids in the body.
"In many instances the only way to properly control the patient is to have him placed in an institution where careful supervision can be carried out. One of the distressing things with those who have to deal with habitual alcoholics is to see them struggling with themselves, remorseful because of their repeated falls, always declaring that they will never drink again, but invariably returning to the use of alcohol.
"The alcoholic patient has to separate himself from his old companions, for they frequently lead him to drink again. A complete change of life is essential, and the best change of all is a change of heart that comes from accepting Christ as a personal Saviour. With His help the alcoholic can obtain freedom which can be gained in no other way. "—The Problem of Alcohol, pages 7-8.