Dr. Phelps feels that the knowledge that addictiveness is a highly treatable chemical imbalance in the body allows patients to take responsibility for their own recovery. She says that much like a diabetic who has learned to control her health by diet and lifestyle, an addict who understands the physiological basis for her problem can take steps to correct it.

When a person is going off booze, Dr. Phelps uses up to 4,000mg of vitamin-C every two to three hours during the detox period. She also uses an individualized nutritional program as part of a comprehensive program for recovery including acupuncture, hypnotherapy and massage. She also uses the amino acid glutamine for alcoholic craving; the amino acid tryptophan and niacinamide for depression; and calcium magnesium preparations for anxiety.

Dr. Carolyn Dean, a Toronto physician, stresses that alcoholism is a physical addiction as well as a psychological addiction and thus it must be treated in a whole person way. She suggests that an excellent diet of grains, vegetables, fish, chicken and fruits with avoidance of refined food, sugar, coffee and tea, helps to prevent cravings for alcohol. She also recommends high doses of vitamin-C, niacinamide, and mega B-50's as well as extra zinc and a good multivitamin to assist the recovering alcoholic.

The effects of alcohol on women are much more serious than on men. And to recover from alcohol addiction, a woman must build her self-confidence and develop a new image of herself. She must also change her diet and lifestyle. She must explore past sexual trauma in a supportive atmosphere. The WFS group is one that provides women with this kind of support and the practical tools to make a change. Hopefully, this group and other women centred groups can serve as a much needed adjunct to AA.

SAFE DRINKING GUIDELINES: Problem drinkers outnumber alcoholic drinkers four to one and would benefit greatly from cutting down on drinking. A programmed developed by the College of Family Physicians of Canada helps men and women become low risk drinkers by following the 0-3-4-12 RULE: On some days, no drinks, on any day, a woman should have no more than 3 drinks and a man no more than 4 drinks; with no one consuming more than 12 drinks a week. Have your physician call 1-800-387-6197 for more information.

Are You Drinking Too Much ?

The Brief Michigan alcohol screening test:

1. Do you feel that you are a normal drinker? YES-0, NO-2.
   Score ______.

2. Do friends think that you are a normal drinker? YES-0, NO-2.
   Score ______.

3. Have you ever attended a meeting of AA? YES-5, NO-0.
   Score ______.

4. Have you ever lost friends, girl/boyfriend because of drinking? YES-2, NO-0.
   Score ______.

5. Have you ever gotten into trouble at work due to drinking? YES-2, NO-0.
   Score ______.

6. Have you ever neglected your obligations, your family or your work for two or more days in a row because you were drinking? YES-2, NO-0.
   Score ______.

7. Have you ever had delirium tremens, heard voices, or seen things that were not there after heavy drinking? YES-2, NO-0.
   Score ______.

8. Have you ever gone to anyone to help stop your drinking? YES-5, NO-0.
   Score ______.

9. Have you ever been in a hospital because of drinking? YES-5, NO-0.
   Score ______.

10. Have you ever been arrested for drunk driving or driving after drinking? YES-2, NO-0.
    Score ______.

Total Score: ______.

NOTE: Alcoholism is indicated by a score of greater than 5. Test scores are determined by tallying values for answers which are on a progressive scale of 0, 2 and 5.

* From Scientific American, Medicine, Section 13, Subsection 3(5).