Is anyone familiar with this method of treatment?

One of the things I have become aware of since transitioning to the raw/live food lifestyle is that I have had an addiction to alcohol ( I don't buy the theory that it is a disease). In addition I have struggled with an addiction to coffee and sugar. Since going raw the sugar part was relatively easy to kick in comparison to the coffee and alcohol. I am going into my fourth week without having alcohol and three weeks without coffee, although I have had white tea several times at work out of necessity because after all I do need to be at least semi-productive ;-) During the past few weeks I have stayed mostly raw/mono, having baked potatoes & homemade lentil stew a couple of times.

Even with my diet being so good the past few weeks I still seem to suffer from fatigue, insomnia, day time sleepiness, etc. Every day at work my body is crying out to give it a strong shot of espresso or cup of coffee. The thing that keeps me from doing it is the digestive problems that will follow. I have learned my lesson on that one. So here I sit off alcohol, off sugar, off coffee, healthy eating and still feel like I am on SAD. However, not as bad as SAD. (sounds like a rap ;-)

I have been reading this book on orthomolecular treatment for alcohol addiction and the author talks about the dry drunk. Which is when a person with an alcohol addiction quits the alcohol and does not address the underlying nutritional deficiencies, the person will still suffer a host of symptoms of which I am experiencing.

The treatment is that for eight weeks you go on type of detox diet, which is all organic vegan, and your diet is supplemented with a large assortment of supplements. Exercise, meditation, and being in nature are some of the other things you do. A parasite cleanse, liver/gallbladder cleanse & colon hydrotherapy are also done. That is the gist of it,though not all of it.

Here is where I need your opinions: The goal of the program is to heal the addicted persons endocrine system and reset the biochemistry which is creating the seemingly uncontrollable urge to drink alcohol. If this is true and can actually be done, then couldn't an impeccable (or close to it) raw live food diet enable the body to heal its own biochemistry without the use of supplements and all that other jazz?

I wish I knew that in time my body would be able to cure itself of addictions with just food as I would much rather spend my money on healthy food than supplements. But then again, it may just be that there are times when supplements are just necessary.

Thanks!
Denise

P.S. I didn't meant to write a book here :-)

Hi Denise,
Interesting comments. I also find those sluggish days since trying to transition however I also have some very good days where I have high energy and motivation. Look at my thread " Too much to drink" . There are many interesting comments from others there and you may find it helpful. I started my transition during the summer and have had my ups and downs. I'm sticking with it though and looking for results long term instead of immediate. Stay with it!

Terry

Denise,
I think you are on the right track.
My experience the last 7 months or so has been that eating as much raw living food as possible is at such total opposite ends of the scale as putting booze ,sugar,caffeine,etc..into your body,that it will eventually change you to the point of not wanting any of it any more.I am no expert on human biology by any means,but I have made my body into a laboratory with these issues,and there is alot of merit in eating a raw diet.Along with exercise too.Dont forget that component too
Of course diet and exercise are only part of the equation. You may need to address issues with counseling too.
Good luck!
Brian