Alcohol Use Disorder
Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
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Needing alcohol to unwind every day
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Feeling unable to cut down on amount of alcohol use
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Feeling guilty about alcohol use
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High amounts of anxiety and tension that are relieved by alcohol
Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
We approach the treatment of alcohol use disorders via a multi-pronged approach:
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Addressing the causes and results of excess alcohol use with functional medicine lab testing of nutrient deficiencies, gut health and other biochemical derangements
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Addressing withdrawal symptoms with appropriate medications
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We also use the Sinclair method for patients who prefer this treatment modality
Alcohol Withdrawal
Acute alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that is diagnosed with careful history taking and examination. Withdrawal occurs when a patient who is physically dependent on alcohol stops drinking all at once. Those with mild to moderate symptoms can be managed as outpatients with daily physician monitoring.
Please note that alcohol withdrawal is a serious medical condition and outpatient treatment is not safe for everyone. Dr. Madhava will assess each patient for whether detoxification in the outpatient setting can be done safely and appropriately.
The Sinclair Method
The Sinclair Method uses a specific treatment protocol for Alcohol Use Disorders. It uses the opiate blocker called Naltrexone to reduce or eliminate a person's craving for alcohol. This method can help you feel free of the grip that alcohol has on your life by decreasing its effect on you and your brain. This method has shown to have a success rate of up to 78%, as described in the book, "The Cure for Alcoholism" (pictured here).
Alcoholic Liver Disease
Dr. Madhava uses a harm-reduction approach towards alcoholic liver disease. Listen to her lecture here to learn more about the research about the etiology and treatment of alcoholic liver disease.
Root Causes of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
Harm Reduction Treatment Approach to
Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
Our Approach
At Brain Body Medical, we seek to address the root causes of brain imbalance with functional medicine evaluations to prevent relapse, reduce cravings and optimize health.
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Neurotransmitter precursor therapy with nutrients
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Brain healthy diet
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Lifestyle enhancements
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Functional medicine testing and treatments based on results
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Health coaches and health educators
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Psycho-social supports
The Components of Addiction Treatment
Laboratory
Assessments
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Blood testing to look for metabolic imbalances
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Hair tissue mineral analysis for heavy metals and minerals
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Stool testing for gut health and digestion
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Urine and saliva testing for hormones
Personalized
Evaluation
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Expert review of questionnaires and lab tests to identify root causes of imbalances
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Partnership with patients to determine goals
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Discussion and selection of personalized treatment options
Optimizing Brain Chemistry
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Brain healthy diet
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Nutrient supplementation
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Medications as needed
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Increased daily movement
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Psychosocial supports
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Other therao