10 Best Vitamin Supplements for Alcohol Treatment
Author: Kevin Olsen
Last Updated: 10/20/2022
When you drink alcohol it damages cells and stops nutrient absorption. Many people take vitamin supplements to help offset this problem or to help during alcoholism recovery. Studies from resources like the Journal of Medicine show that it’s beneficial to take these supplements because they help your body get the nutrients that it needs.
Dosages per vitamin supplements vary. For example, the recommended dosage of Calcium is 1,000 mg per day. On the other hand, the recommended dosage for Vitamin B is between 250 mg per day and 300 mg per day. It’s important to watch and see what the recommended dosage is per vitamin supplement to make sure you do not take less than what you should. Some of the most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, rashes, and vomiting.
Some vitamins come in more common forms like regular gel capsules or tablets to swallow, but some come in a different form. Certain tablets may need to be taken sublingually. This means you place it under your tongue and let it dissolve on its own and absorb it into your blood. This is sometimes more effective in taking vitamins or drugs as it is more quickly absorbed into your blood. If you wish to learn more about the best vitamin supplements to take for alcohol treatment continue reading below.
1. DL-Phenylalanine
One of the best vitamin supplements to take for alcohol treatment is DL-Phenylalanine. Early research from several natural institutions shows that taking DL-Phenylalanine helps with many side effects of alcohol withdrawal. It also helps greatly with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
When looking for a recommended dosage for DL-Phenylalanine, it varies according to the treatment method. For example, taking DL-Phenylalanine to help with depression requires 50 mg – 200 mg a day for 2 – 4 weeks. However, if you’re taking DL-Phenylalanine for chronic pains it is recommended to take 1,500 mg – 3,000 mg daily until the pain subsides.
It’s important to always consult a physician as they can tell you the proper dosages for other side effects as well.
2. L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine is an important amino acid in your body that is affected when drinking alcohol. Alcohol can not only affect the numbers of your L-Glutamine levels but also how your body produces it as well.
L-Glutamine is important because it helps to synthesize protein in your body. The recommended dosage when you are recovering from alcohol use disorder is 4 grams to 5 grams daily. According to the study, Perturbation of Glutamate-Glutamine System in Alcohol Dependence and Remission, it’s clear that L-Glutamine helps with alcoholism recovery.
3. Vitamin B
Vitamin B is an essential vitamin supplement to take when going through alcohol treatment. If it helps to ease the craving you may feel like taking a drink. Another important thing it does is that it helps to restore normal; function to your liver. Taking this supplement after heavy alcohol use is important because you may experience a vitamin B deficiency due to your alcohol use.
The recommended dosage of Vitamin B for those going through alcohol treatment is 250 mg to 300 mg as this will help the cravings and the withdrawal effects. It also allows for a smoother recovery. Unfortunately, many studies published in the The Journal of Neuroscience suggest that Vitamin B deficiencies result in damage to the brain and liver.
4. Dihydromyricetin (DHM)
Dihydromyricetin is commonly used by those experiencing effects of alcohol withdrawal. Many people use this vitamin supplement to help with the effects of a hangover. It also reduces the amount of time it takes to recover from drinking and also improves your quality of sleep.
Dihydromyricetin has been shown to use protective activity during alcohol use to help protect your body from the effects you may feel after you stop drinking. This supplement would be best taken either just before you stop drinking or early on after you stop drinking. Studies in The Journal of Medicine also show that Dihydromyricetin is also effective as an anti-alcohol intoxication medication.
The effective dosage of dihydromyricetin help reduce or remove the side effects of alcohol withdrawal would be between 300 mg tp 600 mg per drink of alcohol. This will help greatly reduce the withdrawal effects you may feel.
5. Calcium
Alcohol is sometimes known as the enemy of calcium. Calcium is an essential nutrient for healthy bone development and when you drink alcohol it absorbs calcium and prevents it from getting to your bones. Your bone health will then begin to deteriorate. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, recovering alcoholics have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
Taking a calcium supplement is vital to continue strong and healthy bone development and growth. The recommended dosage of calcium for someone recovering from alcohol use is 1,000 mg per day.
6. CBD
There are many studies on how alcohol and CBD react with each other, and many of them found the same outcome. When you take CBD and then drink alcohol it will heighten the effects of the CBD increasing sleepiness and relaxation.
Other studies, like one published in Frontiers in Pharmacology by, show that when you take CBD it leads to fewer drinking days and less overall consumption of alcohol. This will, in turn, reduce the effects of alcohol as you are drinking less. The recommended dosage of CBD when drinking alcohol or to reduce the craving for alcohol is 200 mg.
7. Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is an herb that is also known as “Holy Thistle.” It gets the name “Holy Thistle” because it has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent or repair cellular damage from alcohol. According to the study, Milk Thistle: Effects on Liver Disease and Cirrhosis and Clinical Adverse Effects, milk thistle improves the condition of patients who suffer from liver disease.
Milk Thistle offers several benefits to those who are addicted to alcohol as well. It makes it easier to quit drinking and doesn’t interact with alcohol in a negative way. The recommended dosage of Milk Thistle is 150 mg 1 to 3 times per day.
8. Glycine
One of the most common effects of excessive alcohol consumption is damage to your liver. When taking the vitamin supplement Glycine helps to reverse the damage done to the liver from the alcohol. This is very important as your liver carries out over 500 essential tasks in your body every day. Without a functioning liver your body can’t remove toxins and conditions like sepsis develop.
Studies in the National Library of Medicine done on mice show that glycine also reduces damage to the liver when drinking. According to the study, glycine minimizes the amount of alcohol in the stomach and reduces ethanol levels in the body. These decreases improve liver function and help the body remove alcohol from the blood.
The recommended dosage of Glycine is 1 gram – 2 grams per day. Still, there is not a lot of research on this subject. So, it’s not uncommon for people to have smaller or larger doses.
9. Taurine
Heavy alcohol use affects many things in your body from cholesterol to triglyceride levels. When taking taurine at 500 mgs three times per day for three months, most people will see a decrease in their cholesterol levels as well as their levels of triglyceride, bilirubin, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances.
According to several studies published in the National Library of Medicine, taurine has the potential for several therapeutic effects on the nervous system. After abusing alcohol the nervous system runs into problems with regulation. The studies show that taurine will reduce these effects in most people.
10. Vitamin C
When you drink alcohol in large quantities you will experience a major deficiency in your vitamin C levels. Vitamin C is essential because it helps protect your cells from many things including tobacco smoke, x-rays, sun rays, and much more.
Research into vitamin C from BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health shows that vitamin C is one of the most important parts of alcoholism recovery. The study shows that taking vitamin C as a vitamin supplement for alcohol treatment will reduce the deficiencies from alcohol abuse.
The recommended dosage of vitamin C is more short-term. You should take 500 mg for 5 days, this will help to rebuild your body’s levels of vitamin C and restore your cells as well. Vitamin C is also something people take after recovering from alcoholism because it’s good for the body.
What to Know More About Vitamin Supplements for Alcohol Treatment?
Vitamin supplements for alcoholism are useful for every step of the recovery process. Many studies found in medical journals discuss the benefits of herbs, minerals, and vitamins. These holistic treatment methods are compatible with many medications, even Suboxone and other medications for alcohol detox. However, it’s important to be cautious of allergies and other factors before taking vitamins supplements for alcoholism.
Suboxone is another supplement that’s useful for alcohol withdrawal symptoms and it’s a powerful ally in combating those symptoms. There are some risks to watch for though. Many people have allergies to Suboxone and therefore can not take it. You should consult an allergist to find out if you are allergic.
One other major thing to note is that it is highly recommended to only give Suboxone to teens 16 years of age and older. This is due to their health and still-developing bodies.
What is the Best Treatment for Alcoholism?
The best treatment for alcoholism varies depending on the situation. However, the most effective treatment for alcoholism with a success rate of more than 80% is inpatient alcohol rehab. Inpatient alcohol rehab is the best treatment method because it isolates people from alcohol, triggers, and other factors that cause addiction. An inpatient facility also cares for patients and makes sure their needs are being met. Inpatient facilities may also have amenities, medications, and therapy options.
What are the Benefits of Taking Vitamins for Alcoholism?
There are many benefits to taking vitamins for alcoholism. Alcohol drains your body of vital nutrients and vitamins it needs and by taking vitamin supplements you help to rebuild your body’s supplies. It also helps to reduce or remove withdrawal symptoms and helps you to feel better quicker. There are many different vitamin supplements you can take, some of the most important ones are Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and Vitamin C. Most of these can be found in a multivitamin as well.