These supplements for heroin recovery can aid both physical and emotional resilience. NAC boosts glutathione production—a critical antioxidant for liver functioning. Though it is not a substitute for medical treatment, using NAC is an option for alcohol cravings. Of course, these are only 12 helpful options—there are many vitamins and supplements for alcoholics you can take to aid your system in recovery. We recommend speaking with your doctor about how heavy drinking has impacted your body, and which supplements will be the most safe and useful for you as an individual. Other new habits, such as regular exercise, mindfulness practice, and a healthier diet, can all contribute to boosting your health in recovery.
Supplement #2 – Magnesium
Poultry, fish, non-citrus fruit, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes are good sources. In addition, vitamin C’s antioxidant properties can neutralize harmful free radicals and reverse cell damage. This can require regular exercise, a controlled daily calendar, and new interests.
- For people with severe alcoholism, the rehabilitation process is longer and necessitates close medical monitoring.
- NAC appears to help regulate the neurotransmitter glutamate, which plays a role in reward-seeking behaviors, including cravings.
- They can provide the necessary support and guidance throughout your recovery.
Folic Acid for Liver Damage
Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action and appropriate supplementation. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to determine the appropriate use of supplements as part of a larger recovery plan. Vitamin D deficiencies are common, especially among those in recovery. This nutrient plays a major role in mood regulation, immune function, and bone health. Selenium has antioxidant properties that help protect the liver and brain from oxidative stress.
Vitamins Needed for Recovery From Long-Term Alcohol Abuse
While it can’t fully reverse the damage done to your liver, milk thistle can be a great addition to recovery care when sourced and used appropriately. In particular, Thiamine (B1) is key to preventing serious brain complications like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Hydration is also crucial, so individuals should aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day and also fluids with electrolytes. Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.
Accelerated Ancient Salt®
Taking vitamins for recovering alcoholics supplements like vitamin C, NAC, and GABA may help replenish your nutrient stores, potentially reducing your cravings and easing your withdrawal symptoms. Individuals in the early stages of sobriety may endure emotional changes as they acclimate to life without alcohol. Individuals often suffer feelings of concern, despair, or frustration during the rehabilitation process. However, when the brain heals from the effects of alcohol, cognitive capacity and clarity of thought typically increase over time. For a healthy, balanced diet, experts advise 45% carbohydrates, 30% healthy fats and 25% protein.
Foods for Your Brain
Magnesium supplements can improve cognitive deficits caused by chronic alcohol abuse by improving cerebral blood flow10. While people naturally produce some vitamins or receive them from healthy food, taking dietary supplements is a great way to deal with nutrient deficiency. In a 2011 study, 20 participants recovering from AUD took a dietary supplement with D-phenylalanine, L-glutamine, and 5-HTP during detox. Results indicated reduced psychiatric symptoms and improved mental well-being and immune function. Supplements can help reduce alcohol cravings by addressing nutritional deficiencies, regulating neurotransmitters, and providing antioxidant support, among other mechanisms. Over time, better social connections can form, but at first, a person may need to make changes to their social life, such as staying away from places or people that are linked to drinking.
Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help manage stress and maintain mental clarity during the recovery process. Some supplements can interact with other medications or treatments used for alcohol addiction. Nutritional supplements are becoming more and more popular in the United States. Magnesium levels drop significantly in heavy drinkers, contributing to withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, seizures, and anxiety. Substance use can severely impair the body’s ability to absorb and utilize nutrients.
The chronic administration of vitamin C can also prevent the development of tolerance and physical dependence on morphine (59, 69). However, I still recommend at least short-term zinc supplementation to ensure you get enough. Some of the best food sources of zinc include oysters, grass-fed beef, pumpkin seeds, cashews, mushrooms and spinach. These foods are included in my Free Grocery Shopping Guide alcohol rehab for Optimal Brain and Mental Health. NAC is included in Optimal Antiox, along with a number of other antioxidants and nutients that can help you overcome addiction and manage withdrawal.
Early intervention with parenteral magnesium sulfate has proven particularly effective in treating withdrawal symptoms. Some vegetables can interfere with liver detoxification and even cause thyroid issues. Choosing vegetables that are low in oxalates, sulfur, and mold helps keep your liver and thyroid working at their best. This support is crucial for detoxing from alcohol, as a well-functioning liver is your body’s main filter for toxins.