Alcohol Recovery Medicine (A.R.M.)
Are you worried that you or someone you love drinks too much?
This website is for you.
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These pages contain up-to-date information for my private patients and anyone else who wants to learn about treatment options for alcohol use disorder. These options include targeted lifestyle and nutritional interventions as well as medical therapy such as naltrexone administered following
The Sinclair Method.​
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Dr. John C. Umhau MD MPH FASAM
Do you sometimes lose control over how much you drink?
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Alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a complex condition affecting different people in different ways. The most effective treatment adapts scientific evidence to the individual, often using targeted medications while recognizing the importance of psychological, social, dietary, and spiritual aspects of recovery. I have written about this here, here, and here. Explore this website to learn how medicine and diet can help restore a life threatened by alcohol.
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My research and that of others suggest that drinking can be driven by an inflammatory process in the brain, a process made worse by the disruptive effect of excessive alcohol on gut bacteria. Therefore, what we eat as well as lifestyle factors that reduce inflammation can be critical for recovery. Nutrient deficiencies, trauma, stress, antidepressant medication, and sometimes surgery may all promote drinking, which is why understanding the complex neuroscience driving alcohol consumption is often critical for recovery.
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Naltrexone and other medications have helped thousands of people safely stop drinking ... or drink less if that is what they chose. You can read about how The Sinclair Method has changed how naltrexone is used here. Although the effect of treatment varies, some people experience dramatic benefits from naltrexone and other safe medications.
One 40-year-old professional, for example, came to my telemedicine practice after losing control of her drinking. She could avoid drinking during the week, but on weekends, one glass of wine led to a binge ending only when she passed out. On Mondays she was hung over, unable to work, and afraid that one day she would hurt someone while driving drunk.
She tried quitting over and over, but eventually the craving for alcohol would become overwhelming and she would start drinking again.
When she took a drink following her first dose of naltrexone, she felt like something had been “switched off” in her head - she no longer felt the “manic feeling” that compelled her to drink more and more. Eventually, the medication took away her daily craving for alcohol and with it, the guilt and shame which accompanied her failure to abstain. For her, anti-craving medication was a critical part of recovery and freedom. Targeted nutrition, evidence based therapy, peer support or a lifestyle change are all important tools on the path to freedom from alcohol addiction.​
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Get Help
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I​f you are in Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas or Virginia, Alcohol Recovery Medicine can provide telemedicine appointments for evidence-based treatment from a physician specializing in helping people who want to drink less.
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Join the thousands of patients who have found freedom from Alcohol Use Disorder. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not of weakness.
TEN GOOD RULES TO ESCAPE THE TRAP OF ALCOHOLISM
These Rules for Recovery summarize what I have learned from thirty years of work with people struggling to overcome problems with alcohol.
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Our knowledge about alcohol addiction has dramatically improved over this time, and continues to improve, which is why these Ten Good Rules are updated each year with the latest research.
1.
Drink Mindfully
Ten Percent of us suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder. If drinking makes you feel normal - not intoxicated - you are especially at risk, so be mindful.[1] [2] Before alcohol takes over your thoughts, switch from strong drink to wine, to low-alcohol beer, or quit[3]. Always drink with a meal - Avoid drinking alone.
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2.
The Right Clinician Can Help
Get care from a clinician who understands that some medicine could make you want to drink more[4],and some medicine can help you drink less[5][6] [7] [8] [9]. Many people find that is safest to quit alcohol altogether; others have a goal to reduce the harm of alcohol by drinking less. An experienced, empathetic clinician can help[10][11]
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3.
Let Nature Heal You
Outdoor exercise helps to optimize your health[12] [13] [14]. Sunshine has tremendous benefits - in addition to the vitamin D that is produced naturally in your skin[15]. Keeping fit helps reduce how much you drink[16].
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4.
Omega-3 Fuels Your Brain
Omega-3 fat is the critical nutrient for a healthy brain and a clear mind[17]; Omega-3 in seafood and fish oil can help control the impulse to drink[18] [19]. Enjoy olive and coconut oil but avoid excessive omega-6 fat, found in oil from soy, peanut, corn, or meat from animals fattened on these seeds[20] [21] [22].
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5.
Eat Clean to Think Clear
Dietary choices are important to clear your mind, so choose the highest quality food you can[23].Chemical and pesticide free foods promote gut health, but "modern" processed foods and gluten may cause problems[24] [25] [26]. Choose pro-biotic foods like yogurt that promote health and recovery[27].Drink water and coffee instead of sweetened drinks[28] [29].
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6.
Rebuild with the Nutrients Alcohol Depletes
Replenish vitamins and minerals depleted by heavy drinking[30] [31]. A healthy brain needs magnesium, zinc, calcium, lithium, B vitamins, and other nutrients to support nerve cells that strengthen your will power and help you enjoy life[32] [33] [34] [35] [36].
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7.
Know Your Habits
Understand your relationship with alcohol[37]. Keep track of how much you drink or use a breathalyzer[38]. A skilled counselor can help you develop healthy habits and learn to minimize the effect of anxiety and traumas[39]. Don’t let ignorance and denial keep you from your best life[40].
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8.
Choose Community That Lifts You
Look for good friends[41]. We become like the people we are with so be with people who will encourage you to be your best[42]. Be active in a group that inspires and supports you - don't let isolation keep you in darkness[43] [44] [i] [ii].
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9.
Find Natural Highs
Endorphins produced naturally can replace the desire to drink[45]. Keeping others in mind when you exercise, make music, dance, donate to charity or actively participate in religion are proven ways to produce endorphins, especially when you are in synchrony with others[46] [47] [48] [49] [50] [51].
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10.
Live with Purpose
Seek your purpose, be grateful, and help those around you[52] [53]. Find life’s meaning so you will have strength when difficulties come[54]. Many people find freedom from addiction when they seek an authentic relationship with God[55] [56] [57]. Humility is often the pathway to a better life.[58][59].
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