People have been brewing and fermenting alcoholic drinks since the dawn of civilization. Consumed in moderate amounts, alcoholic beverages are relaxing and In some cases may even have beneficial effects on health. Consumed in excess, alcohol is poisonous to human systems and is considered a drug. It is estimated that between 12 and 14 million adults in the U.S. abuse alcohol or are chronic alcoholics. Nearly 100,000 Americans die each year as a result of alcohol abuse, and alcohol is a factor in more than half of the country's homicides, suicides, and traffic accidents. Alcohol abuse also plays a role in many social and domestic problems, from job absenteeism and crimes against property to spousal and child abuse.

The immediate physical effects of drinking alcohol range from mild mood changes to complete loss of coordination, vision, balance and speech -- any of which can be signals of the temporary systemic poisoning known as acute alcohol intoxication, or drunkenness. These effects usually wear off in a matter of hours after a person stops drinking. Many law-enforcement agencies regard a .08 percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream as evidence of intoxication. Larger amounts of blood alcohol can impair brain function and eventually cause unconsciousness. An extreme overdose can be fatal.

Chronic alcoholism is a progressive, potentially fatal disease, characterized by an incessant craving for, increased tolerance of, physical dependence upon, and loss of control over drinking alcohol. The physical dependence on alcohol may or may not be obvious to other people. While some chronic alcoholics get very drunk, others exercise enough control to give the appearance of coping with everyday affairs in a near-normal way. However, alcoholism can lead to a number of physical ailments, including Hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, brain and heart damage, enlarged blood vessels in the skin, chronic Gastritis and pancreatitis.

Alcoholism can also lead to Impotence in men, damage to the fetus in pregnant women, and an elevated risk of Cancer of the larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, stomach, pancreas and upper gastrointestinal tract. Because alcoholics seldom have adequate diets, they are likely to have nutritional deficiencies. Heavy drinkers typically have impaired liver function, and at least one in five develops cirrhosis.

The alcoholic's continual craving for alcohol makes abstinence -- an important goal of treatment -- extremely difficult. The condition is also complicated by denial: Alcoholics employ a range of psychological maneuvers to blame their problems on something other than drink, creating significant barriers to recovery.

History of Alcohlism

Historically, alcoholic behavior was blamed on a character flaw or weakness of will; many authorities now consider chronic alcoholism a disease that can afflict anyone.

Virtually every culture has warned against overuse of alcohol, and some have prohibited it outright, rarely with lasting success. While laws and educational programs in the United States are designed to prevent alcohol abuse, commercial and social pressure continues to put people at risk. Alcoholism is particularly insidious among young people and the elderly, in part because the symptoms are not easily recognized until the affected person becomes truly alcohol dependent.

Causes

The cause of alcoholism seems to be a blend of genetic, physical, psychological, environmental and social factors that vary among individuals. Genetic factors are considered crucial: A given person's risk of becoming an alcoholic is four to five times greater if a parent is alcoholic. Some children of alcohol abusers, however, overcome the hereditary pattern by becoming teetotalers.

Symptoms

 
Bloodshot eyes, rapid pulse
Alcoholics have a puffy face with bloodshot eyes, hoarse voice and a rapid pulse. They are suspicious, irritable and over-emotional.
 
Vomiting, delirium
Vomiting, delirium, impaired judgment, and disturbed Sleep are some of the other symptoms that alcoholics suffer from. Excessive drinking damages the liver and gradually leads to cirrhosis. It also leads to disorders of the stomach and bowels. It can cause damage to the brain cells, and also affects the heart, which becomes weak and flabby.
 

Treatment
 

Acorn (Quercus robur glandium)
Acorn diminishes alcohol craving, and is an antidote for such effects as enlarged spleen and liver.  It’s available as a homeopathic liquid under the name Quercus glandis.
 
Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)
Cayenne helps stop morning Vomiting and the gnawing stomach after a night of drinking.  It helps to reduce the cravings for alcohol and AIDS in restoring appetite.  Use in single drop doses.  Cayenne also helps to reduce irritability, anxiety and tremor, which allows Sleep.  Chills and exhaustion can also be relieved with Cayenne.
 
Celandine (Chelidonium majus)
This herb is a specific for liver problems from alcohol, including extreme sensitivity to and bad effects from drinking.  It’s a liver healer and detoxifier, even for cirrhosis.  Celandine calms emotions (anger and depression) during withdrawal or cravings and is a general tonic for sluggishness, mental dullness and difficulty with concentration.
 
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)

Used in China, its traditional use is to sober a drunk person and for various side effects of alcohol (Hangover, thirst, gastric Bleeding and loss of appetite).  Recent research has shown it can dramatically reduce alcohol craving.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

This wonderful herb is a powerful liver tissue regenerative and is essential for treating cirrhosis.  It protects against damage to the liver by alcohol, drugs and toxins
 
Recipe

 
1 part Celandine

1 part Kudzu

1 part Acorn

2 parts Milk Thistle

 
Mix these dried herbs together and use 1tsp per cup of boiling water to make a soothing Tea.   Drink as needed, and a drop of Cayenne in the cup would help too.