That is a very good question...and since medical science has proven again and again that our body can repair itself, from even the most traumatic of injuries, not to mention that they have invented numerous aids to assist in healing, there should be more out there about it in reference to our disease.

Maybe that is part of your calling...to do the "research" and put the info out there to your groups?? Thanks for bringing it to here...it makes me want to look into more myself.

I think that's it's mostly because we all seem to have a hard time just getting sober, and keeping that. I do hear things about nutrition at times. People say what they do for it. It does play a major role in good recovery tho. You need to put good things in your body that helps it to function properly. If you put bad gas in your car, your going to have problems, and it won't run properly. Perhaps you could bring it up in discussions at your group. I think you should. It's a good topic that people can learn from. All the best. James

I would tend to agree that they don't talk about this in the meetings. I understand that AA is addressing a spiritual problem in order to stop drinking, but the physical part is helpful while you're getting back on track. And judging from some of the people I've met in the meetings, they could use some help. I know you can't give up every vice at once, but chain-smoking and excessive caffeine consumption seem to be the norm at many meetings. (no offense to smokers!).

I honestly believe it would be a good subject. Do you think it could be a topic during open discussion?

I would say it is because no one in AA is specifically qualified in this area. I could share my own experience of, for example, vitamins but I not an expert in that or nutrition or neurology or anything medical so I can't give advice on it.

There is definitely things that we can do in this area but best done using people who know what they are talking about.

As a suffering alcoholic, I will do ANYTHING to alleviate the compulsion to drink. I feel a little bit cheated in that I wasn't given all the info up front - though no one's fault in particular.

I spoke to a nurse friend about this, specifically B3/Niacin and Folic acid, and she told me they have an "Alocholic cocktail" for those detoxing in ICU and it is exactly a high dose of these 2 supplements. There have been studies done with these specific supps that PROVE a reduction in physical cravings over 30-60-90 days for many (not all) alkies suffering in the early stages of sobriety.

I won't vouch for the validity of this information. I am still researching and learning. Just wanted to throw the question out there for discussion.

I've been taking a high dose of these two vitamins and it's given me more energy and improved the way I feel...but.....It's never played a role in reducing cravings. It simply made me feel better.

I'm told that these Thiamine (another B vitamin) is depleted from your brain with drinking, and you're liver will also use up B very quickly when it is processing alcohol....that's why we're often in short supply after years of drinking.

AA was never intended to cover everything related to
alcoholism, it is merely a way of transmitting a way to stay sober through the 12 steps.

I think Bill would have the view of seeking help with other aspects from people who can help. Examples being doctors for the physical effects, therapists for mental/emotional issues, etc. AA cannot cover everything, do it well and ensure people are qualified to deal with it.

Would be a great plan though to really do the research and them set up an organisation to provide this help. Qualified, nutrionists, neurologists etc.

Juicing can cure alcoholism?

No, but wouldn't that be cool?

juicing does do wonders. Pricey, but organic raw foods do wonders. It's amazing the amount of chemicals in foods that contribute to underlying issues such as anxiety and depression. Also as someone mentioned the chain smoking is hard for me because my system is really sensative. I get bad headaches and anxiety from second hand smoke. Which made it hard for me to meet people before and after meetings.

I think that if AA started delving into the physical aspect and suggesting remedies, etc., that would be just one more thing to blame AA for if anything adverse resulted because of it.

~Chris

Metabolicly speaking noone is alike. One person may need a banana four strawberries and a glass of milk. Another needs four bananas one strawberry and is lactose intolerant. Great thing is, unlike medication, there are few side effects. But then the real question pops up. What of the memories and emotions that arise and what of the connection to that power greater than self alone. Even RM who claims to be creating a new life is really only uncovering who he was before alcohol.

Remember alcol is but a symptom of a bigger problem. That being the individual aka self

I work an honest program. Honestly smoking was killing me, sugar was like alcohol for me, overeating another drug, coffee creates anxiety, given it all up, one at a time. I feel a lot healthier but now I'm convinced I have food allergies that contribute to my dis-ease. I'm pretty angry about it cause being a full fledged addict, giving up and staying true to anything is easier said than done. There is very little support for it. I go to OA to get support even though I've never been overweight. I can totally relate to how difficult it is to eat right. So good luck. I haven't found a cure yet better than the 12 steps. As long as I stay sober I can work on other issues.

Dear HTL: Your questioning is admirable, but vitamins are the tip of the iceberg Where would you like to start with medicine related to alcohoholism? There's Korsakoff's syndrome (Google it),pancreatitis, blackouts, effects on endorphins,ascites,cirrhosis,psycological affects including depression and self medication, PTSD, myocardopathy, cerebellar degeneration, acute withdrawl, epilepsy, Cushings syndrome and other endocrinopathies, hypoglycemia, hypopituitarism, esopahgeal varices, Marchifava-Bignauui disease (Google it), polyneuropathy, incontinence, ED, fatty liver (phanerosis), alcohol poisoning, iMRI research and genetic mapping, etc.--? It's not a one size fits all disease. hon. B Vitamin therapy goes back to the 1950s. Good nutrition is helpful for those who have minimal physical damage, but it 'takes a village' of practitioners to repair those with advanced affects. Good luck on your quest. I agree that AA is for those who wish to stop drinking. After that it gets pretty complex and we're learning more about it every day. May I suggest that AA is for those who wish to stop drinking? Hugs, sara

nodp - As I'm sure you know, everyone can benefit from improved nutrition regardless of their metabolic needs.

There is a serious lack of knowledge and understanding in the general population with regard to diet and supplementation. I am just surprised with all I have read about the effects of poor eating on things like anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, etc. Many of us I am sure have been led back to the bottle for self medication of these ailments. Alcoholism is more than just a symptom of an underlying problem, no? It feeds the problem itself with it's effect on brain chemistry creating a vicious cycle. We can't cope without the coping mechanisms but our challenge becomes much greater when the issue is magnified by improper hormonal and chemical balance in the body.

I am not downplaying the importance of the 12 steps. The program AA offers deals well with the spiritual malady we face as alcoholics. What about the craving and obsession triggered by psychological and physical deficiencies present BECAUSE of the alcohol?

Proper nutrition is not rocket science but does take a great deal of effort to learn about and practice. We aren't looking for an easier, softer way. We are looking for the best way, yes? Seems to me more attention should be given to this stuff.