Alcoholism is a serious problem that affects too many individuals around the world. Alcoholism happens as a result of prolonged heavy drinking. The more the individual drinks, the less insensitive the brain becomes to alcohol. This could result in the development of alcohol tolerance. Due to this tolerance, the amount of alcohol required for drunkenness becomes higher. And the cravings for alcohol and its effects can grow up to a pathological level.
Risks of Alcoholism
Health Issues
Alcohol dependence can produce dangerous health issues. Cirrhosis, pancreatitis, diabetes or cardiovascular conditions are some of the risks that alcoholism can create. It also increases the risk or cancer. Moreover, alcohol abuse can even lead to thiamine deficiency (also known as beriberi). Beriberi is a very serious disease provoked by the lack of vitamin B1.
Impact on the Human Brain
Alcohol can impact the human brain in a dangerous way. Individuals experiencing alcoholism are more prone to suffer from the Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome is a very serious condition, very much related to the lack of vitamin B1. It can provoke the loss of muscle coordination, ophthalmoplegia (weakness or paralysis of the ocular muscles) or memory issues.
Alcoholism and Relationships
Alcoholism also changes the behavior of the people who are suffering it. It can even provoke accidents (in the US alone almost 30% of fatal car accidents were due to alcohol). And it’s a common cause of failed relationships or isolation.
Alcoholism is a problem that affects not only the person experiencing it but also all the people around him or her. family, partner, friends, work colleagues… Alcoholism of a loved one will affect them all. In the end, alcoholism can lead to the destruction of a family or emotional bonds.
If you suspect you might have a problem with alcohol abuse, complete the test of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
Kratom for Alcoholism: A Scientific Research
Over the last few years, kratom has become a popular ally in coping with opiates withdrawal all around the world –though people from Southeastern Asia have been using it for ages. The effects of kratom in helping with alcoholism withdrawal have been even the subject of scientific research.
In 2007, the Faculty of Sciences in the University Prince of Songkla (Thailand) published the study Effect of Mitragyna speciosa aqueous extract on ethanol withdrawal symptoms in mice. The aim of this study was to analyze the antidepressant effects of kratom. The researchers induced the mice to become ethanol-dependent. Thus they would experience the alcohol withdrawal that the study required.
The researchers gave the mice either kratom or placebo (water) 45 minutes after ethanol consumption. Afterwards, the scientists carried out a tail suspension test. This is a behavioral test by which mice are suspended by their tails. Then, the researchers study their behavior while trying to escape. The study proved that immobility in mice exposed to kratom decreased in 25%. The behavior related to alcohol withdrawal was also reduced.
The kratom doses used for the research were 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg. That would be the equivalent to 7, 21 and 35 grams of powdered kratom for a 70 kg (155 lb.) individual. Mind that 21 and 35 grams are too high doses which could provoke unpleasant side effects. The result for each dose was similar, regardless of the amount of kratom.
This study proves that the antidepressant properties of kratom can help in the reduction of cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Can I Use Kratom Alone for Alcoholism?
If you are suffering from alcoholism and are trying to quit, kratom alone is not enough. You will also need medical assistance to help you with cope with the necessary detox process and body healing. Furthermore, psychological support (either in therapy or in support groups) is absolutely crucial when quitting alcohol or any other substance.
