Vitamins for Drinkers: Essential Supplements To Take After Drinking

best vitamins for alcoholics

I still take it to this day because it helps me focus, improves my mental energy, and clears brain fog. Overall, citicoline is one of my favourite supplements for optimal brain function and mental health. Caring for your whole self as you overcome alcohol addiction is critical to lasting success.

Apothekary’s Stop Your Wine-ing Supplement

According to the research, it’s particularly helpful when it comes to withdrawal from nicotine and opioids (16, 17). The commonly-prescribed antidepressant Wellbutrin is anticholinergic, meaning it inhibits the physiological action of acetylcholine. I took it for multiple years, and I experienced gradual cognitive decline during Sober living house that time. It’s important to point out that many prescription drugs are anticholinergic, meaning they reduce acetylcholine in the brain. This is because they address the psychological aspects of addiction without considering the physical aspects of the disease. Historically, most drug treatment programs have included counseling and 12-step approaches like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

best vitamins for alcoholics

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best vitamins for alcoholics

It may be helpful to increase your intake of vitamins such as B1, B12, C, and E, which can assist in liver recovery and reduce alcohol-induced oxidative stress. This deficiency can lead to problems, such as slow wound healing, softening of the bones, skin problems, decreased blood clotting, and neurological damage. Therefore, doctors may recommend nutrient supplementation as part of an individual’s detoxification and recovery process. NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is an amino acid that supports liver health in several ways.

Incorporating Mindfulness and Stress Management

It’s known to produce a calming effect on the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier and increasing the production of both GABA and dopamine in the brain. Unlike prescription anti-anxiety medication, it does not cause sedation and drowsiness (13, 14, 15). In another study, people with cocaine dependence and bipolar disorder who supplemented with citicoline reduced their cocaine use. Researchers had directed them to not consume cocaine during the study, and at the end of it, the researchers found less cocaine in the urine of the participants (9). In one study, people previously addicted to cocaine took 500mg of citicoline twice daily for two weeks and experienced a reduction in cravings for the drug (8). Research shows that vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause metabolic imbalances that create addictive cravings (97, 98).

Dietary Adjustments for Alcoholics

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  • Alongside thiamine, other B vitamins like B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin) are all affected by alcohol.
  • In addition, ensuring adequate magnesium intake through diet or supplements may help reduce the risk of muscle-related issues.
  • Omega-3 supplements, often found in forms of fish oil or flaxseed oil capsules, can be a beneficial addition to the diet of heavy drinkers.
  • Alcohol can cause malnutrition, malabsorption, and increased urinary excretion of the vitamin, leading to vitamin C deficiency.

Taking best vitamins for alcoholics 2 grams of vitamin C one hour before alcohol consumption increases the rate at which alcohol is cleared from the blood, and may reduce acute toxic effects on the liver (Chen 1990). This significance of this finding is limited by small study size and the absence of blinding and a control group. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that play a significant role in brain health and function.

best vitamins for alcoholics

best vitamins for alcoholics

Your insurance plan may cover some or all of the cost of treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. Our online health insurance verification system will estimate your in-network and out-of-network deductibles, coinsurance percentages and out-of-pocket maximums. Within 5 minutes, you’ll receive an email with these details – free of charge. Thiamine B1 is especially beneficial for alcoholics, as many experience deficiencies related to nerve problems. When alcoholics are admitted to the emergency room, it isn’t uncommon for them to receive an intravenous dose of thiamine to prevent alcohol-induced cognitive deficits.