Recovery from alcohol use disorder usually starts with withdrawal. Harvard Medical School explains that alcohol withdrawal is the set of changes the body experiences when someone suddenly stops drinking after long-term, heavy use. Symptoms can range from severe and even life-threatening to mild. It is very important for anyone going through withdrawal from alcohol use disorder (AUD) to be under the care of a licensed professional.
While medication is an option for addiction treatment, people seeking recovery should know they can also choose holistic treatment for alcoholism. Holistic treatment for alcohol addiction looks at the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—instead of just the physical symptoms. This approach uses natural methods that can work alongside medical care to help reduce discomfort, improve emotional stability, and support overall well-being during alcohol withdrawal.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
According to the DSM-5, alcohol use disorder is characterized by a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to significant impairment or distress. Symptoms can include:
- Drinking more than was intended
- Spending a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol
- Failure to fulfill major obligations at work or home
- Giving up recreational activities
- Needing increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve a desired effect
You might notice some of these symptoms in yourself or someone you care about. Taking an alcohol use screening test can help you better understand your drinking habits. Getting an outside perspective can help you see your situation more clearly.
It is necessary to remember that AUD does not take place in a vacuum. Often, people battling addiction and compulsive behaviors have experienced co-occurring trauma that may be feeding the addiction in a destructive loop. It can be difficult to tell which has the more damaging effect on a person’s life: a mental illness brought on by trauma or the addiction formed to “manage” the mental illness. Long-term recovery will require dealing with both, whether that means identifying and healing from childhood trauma (perhaps beginning with an ACEs assessment) or entering holistic rehab that will address your past, present, and future.
Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal
Before looking more closely at holistic treatment for alcoholism, it is important to understand what happens during alcohol withdrawal. Regular alcohol use changes the way neurotransmitters work in the brain. Over time, the brain gets used to having alcohol and changes how it produces these chemicals. When someone stops drinking, the brain becomes temporarily unbalanced, which leads to symptoms such as:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Sweating and tremors
- Headaches and nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- In the most severe cases, hallucinations and seizures
These symptoms can start 6 to 12 hours after someone stops drinking and may last for several days. In severe cases, it is important to get professional help for alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Holistic Approaches to Easing Withdrawal Symptoms
Medical detox is recommended for moderate to severe withdrawal, but holistic treatment for alcoholism also offers therapies that can help manage mild symptoms and support the body’s healing. Here are some natural strategies that have shown promise:
Nutritional Support
Chronic alcohol use often causes nutrient deficiencies, especially in B vitamins like thiamine, as well as magnesium and electrolytes. These shortages can make withdrawal symptoms worse. This is why good nutrition is so important during recovery.
- Eat more whole foods: Choose meals that are rich in nutrients, such as leafy greens, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and drinks with electrolytes like coconut water to prevent dehydration.
- Supplements: With a professional’s guidance, supplements such as vitamin B-complex, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids may help restore balance.
Herbal Remedies
A holistic treatment plan may include herbs that have traditionally been used to calm the nervous system and help with anxiety, tremors, and insomnia:
- Valerian Root: Often used for sleep and anxiety, valerian can have a mild sedative effect.
- Passionflower: Known for its calming properties, it may reduce agitation and improve sleep.
- Milk Thistle: Supports liver detoxification and may help repair liver damage from alcohol use.
Always talk to a healthcare provider before taking herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other medications.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Alcohol withdrawal can have a big impact on mental health. Anxiety, depression, and cravings can feel overwhelming. Mindfulness in recovery can help people stay grounded and reduce mental distress.
- Meditation: Practicing meditation regularly can lower stress and help you become more emotionally resilient.
- Breathing exercises: Taking deep, slow breaths can calm your nervous system and help you manage panic or agitation.
- Body scan: This mindfulness technique helps you notice physical sensations and can reduce muscle tension.
These techniques can help during withdrawal and also support you in preventing relapse.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that uses thin needles placed in specific points on the body to balance energy flow. Studies have found that acupuncture can help with:
- Reducing anxiety and cravings
- Easing physical withdrawal symptoms
- Supporting liver function
Many detox centers and addiction clinics now include acupuncture in their recovery programs. Call us for more information.
Physical Activity
Exercise can be a powerful tool during alcohol withdrawal. It helps your body release endorphins, which are natural chemicals that improve mood and help fight depression and anxiety.
- Yoga: This practice combines movement, breathing, and mindfulness, making it great for calming both mind and body.
- Walking: Taking gentle walks in nature can help lower stress and boost your mood.
- Strength training: This type of exercise helps you rebuild physical strength and can improve your sleep.
Sana at Stowe in Vermont for Holistic Treatment for Alcoholism
If you or someone you care about is ready to begin healing from alcohol use disorder and is interested in holistic alcohol treatment, consider Sana at Stowe. Our location in the hills of Vermont offers holistic services to help with withdrawal, build coping skills for addiction, and support long-term recovery. Our program combines personalized, evidence-based treatment plans with high-quality services that care for the whole person.
Consult our addiction treatment guide for more information, and do not hesitate to reach out to us today. We offer medication-assisted treatment and trauma-informed care. Our skills-based therapies are supplemented by process groups, expressive therapies and integrative treatments, such as acupuncture. This wide array of treatment modalities, coupled with our high staff-to-client ratio, allows us to offer personalized and comprehensive care during residential stay.
Take a look at our addiction guide and consider staying at Sana at Stowe. Give us a call at (802) 566-5906 to discuss insurance options such as Aetna alcohol rehab.
