Recovery from alcohol use disorder often begins with withdrawal. According to the Harvard medical school, alcohol withdrawal is the changes the body goes through when a person suddenly stops drinking after prolonged and heavy alcohol use. Symptoms can range from severe–even life threatening–to more mild. It is extremely important that anyone withdrawing from alcohol use disorder (AUD) be under the care of a licensed professional.
However, that care does not need to be exclusively medical in nature. While medication for addiction treatment is certainly an option, people seeking recovery should know they have the choice of holistic treatment for alcoholism. Holistic treatment for alcohol addiction considers the entire person–mind, body, and spirit–rather than focusing solely on physical symptoms. This approach emphasizes natural methods that can complement medical care and help reduce discomfort, improve emotional stability, and foster a sense of 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
Perhaps you recognize some of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one. Consider taking an alcohol use screening test to gain insight into your own drinking habits. Having an outside perspective can open your eyes to see a 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 mean identifying and healing from childhood trauma (perhaps beginning with an ACEs assessment) or entering holistic treatment for alcohol abuse that will address your past, present, and future.
Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal
Before exploring holistic treatment for alcoholism in-depth, it’s essential to understand what happens during alcohol withdrawal. Regular alcohol use affects neurotransmitters in the brain. Over time, the brain adjusts to the presence of alcohol by altering the natural production of these substances. When alcohol consumption stops, the brain is temporarily out of balance, leading 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 begin 6-12 hours after stopping alcohol use and may last several days. Especially in severe cases, it is important to seek professional help during withdrawal, whether that be medications or holistic treatment for alcohol withdrawal.
Holistic Approaches to Easing Withdrawal Symptoms
While medical detox is recommended for moderate to severe withdrawal, holistic treatment for alcoholism includes therapies that can be valuable tools in managing mild symptoms and supporting the body’s healing process. Here are several natural strategies that have shown promise:
Nutritional Support
Chronic alcohol use often leads to nutrient deficiencies, especially in B vitamins (like thiamine), magnesium, and electrolytes. These deficiencies can worsen withdrawal symptoms. That is why nutrition in recovery is so vital to well-being.
- Replenish with whole foods: Focus on nutrient-dense meals rich in leafy greens, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water to combat dehydration.
- Supplements: Under a professional’s guidance, supplements like vitamin B-complex, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids may help restore balance.
Herbal Remedies
A holistic treatment plan may include herbs that are traditionally used to calm the nervous system and reduce 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 consult with a healthcare provider before taking herbal remedies, especially if you’re on other medications.
Mindfulness and Meditation
The psychological impact of alcohol withdrawal is significant. Anxiety, depression, and cravings can feel overwhelming. Mindfulness practices help individuals stay grounded and reduce mental distress.
- Meditation: Regular meditation reduces stress and increases emotional resilience.
- Breathing exercises: Deep, slow breathing calms the nervous system and helps manage panic or agitation.
- Body scan: A mindfulness technique that helps bring awareness to physical sensations and reduce muscle tension.
These techniques not only help during withdrawal but also support relapse prevention.
Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow. Studies have found acupuncture to be helpful in:
- Reducing anxiety and cravings
- Easing physical withdrawal symptoms
- Supporting liver function
Some detox centers and addiction clinics now offer acupuncture as part of their recovery programs.
Physical Activity
Exercise can be a powerful ally during alcohol withdrawal. It promotes the release of endorphins—natural feel-good chemicals that combat depression and anxiety.
- Yoga: Combines movement with breath work and mindfulness, ideal for calming the mind and body.
- Walking: Gentle walks in nature can reduce stress and improve mood.
- Strength training: Helps rebuild physical strength and supports better sleep.
Sana at Stowe in Vermont for Holistic Treatment for Alcoholism
If you or a loved one are ready to start the journey towards healing from alcohol use disorder, and are interested in holistic alcohol treatment for women or men, consider Sana at Stowe. Our beautiful location nestled in the hills of Vermont offers holistic services that will help with withdrawal, with developing coping skills for addiction, and with maintaining long-term recovery. Our program combines individualized evidence-based treatment plans with luxurious services that nurture the whole patient.
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 that integrates elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the tenets of Nonviolent Communication in a Motivational Enhancement (ME) framework. 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-patient ratio, allows us to offer personalized and comprehensive care during residential stay.
Look at our addiction guide and consider a stay at Sana at Stowe today. ILC is one call away at (615) 691-2226.
