| I have frequently heard alcoholics who are in early | | | | Meanwhile, B6 and B12 play important roles in |
| recovery remark that, "If this is what recovery is like, I'd | | | | producing blood cells and the health of the nervous |
| rather go back to drinking." Vitamin deficiencies, | | | | system. Both of these important vitamins are |
| particularly of the B vitamins and vitamin C, may be | | | | frequently depleted by years of heavy drinking. Good |
| responsible for much of the lethargy, skin irritation, | | | | sources for both of these are meat. Additionally, B6 is |
| memory loss and depression experienced by people | | | | found in bananas, avocados, and peanuts. B12 is only |
| who are newly recovering from an addiction to alcohol. | | | | found in animal by products; however, this list includes |
| Though these symptoms may have been ongoing | | | | dairy and eggs. |
| while the alcoholic was actively drinking they may | | | | Vitamin C, plays an important role in keeping the skin |
| seem less tolerable while not under the influence of | | | | healthy, and plays an equally important role in the health |
| alcohol. | | | | of bones, teeth and blood vessels. Deficiencies in |
| Alcoholics often replace food consumption with alcohol. | | | | vitamin C can also be responsible for irritability, |
| Unfortunately, the calories gained from alcohol are | | | | weakness and muscle fatigue. The best and most |
| what are frequently referred to as "empty calories." | | | | consumed source of vitamin C in the United States is |
| That is, they are calories lacking nutrients and of little | | | | orange juice from frozen concentrate. Other sources |
| value to the body. Additionally, alcohol gets in the way | | | | of vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, potatoes and |
| of the body absorbing and using the vitamins and | | | | cantaloupe. |
| minerals of the food that the alcoholic does eat. The | | | | For the average American, eating a healthy diet, |
| combined effect is to leave the alcoholic nutrient poor. | | | | vitamin B and C supplements are often unnecessary. |
| Individuals in recovery can benefit from a healthy diet | | | | However, early in their recovery, alcoholics should seek |
| and a vitamin regimen.* Vitamin B in general, and | | | | the advice of a doctor about a proper regime of |
| particularly vitamins B1 (thiamin), B3 (niacin) and B5 | | | | vitamins and diet. Paying attention to health matters |
| (Pantothenic Acid) play a role in turning sugars into | | | | can increase the chances of successful recovery |
| energy. Pork is one of the best sources of B1, other | | | | from alcohol addiction. |
| sources include cereals and nuts. B2 can also be found | | | | *For a good comparison chart of vitamins see the |
| in pork and fortified cereals, as well as, salmon and | | | | patient article section on the University of Maryland |
| swordfish. Whole grains, milk, eggs, and liver are | | | | Medical Center website. |
| perhaps the best food sources for Pantothenic Acid. | | | | |