== Alcoholism is primarily a disease==== 

 To clarify some of the points raised in this discussion I would like to argue in favour of the proposition that Alcoholism is a nutritional disease. The nutritional aspects need to be treated before any psychotherapy. 

 Quote: 

 "Alcohol addiction occurs in all types of hypoglycemic diseases. Most interestingly, when zinc deficiency is present (type 6 Disease), the individual's response to alcohol may in fact be quite different to normal individuals, in as much as an 'energy burst' may be experienced soon after alcohol consumption. This is because in zinc deficient people, alcohol metabolism bypasses Pyruvate to form Acetaldehyde with rapid energy output. In the conversion of Glucose via Pyruvate to Acetyl-CoA, zinc is a necessary coenzyme. In people with zinc deficiency, Alcohol metabolises to Acetaldehyde and subsequently to AcetylCoA and does not require zinc as a coenzyme. This is an energy-releasing step and accounts for an energy burst experienced by zinc deficient individuals. The addition to alcohol may be explained not necessarily in terms of enjoying being in a drunken stupor, but more in terms of enjoying the rapid energy burst that alcohol affords them." 

 *Samra, George(2004), THE HYPOGLYCEMIC CONNECTION II, One Step Allergies, Sydney Page 100. 

 Alcoholism is one of the symptoms of hypoglycemia. 
 Conquering Anxiety, Depression and Fatigue Without Drugs - the Role of Hypoglycemia by Professor Joel H. Levitt 

 The hypoglycemic condition can be tested with the four hour Medical Test for Hypoglycemia as designed by Dr George Samra. We found that most alcoholics were found to be hypoglycemic, as well as people with other forms of mental illness. 

 Other sources: 

 Hypoglycemia and Alcoholism 

 Sugar can lead to Alcoholism (Abrahamson, E. and Peget, A.. Body, Mind and Sugar. (New York: Avon,1977.) 

 Here are some studies associating alcoholism with disturbed sugar metabolism. 

 References: 
 Jones,K.L.,Shainberg,L.W.,&Byer;,C.O.(1969), DRUGS AND ALCOHOL, Harper & Row, Pubs,N.Y. 
 Poulos,C.J.,Stoddard,D. & Carron,K.(1976), ALCOHOLISM, STRESS AND HYPOGLYCEMIA, Davis Publishing;Davis Cal. 
 Smith R.F.(1978), "Status rep. conc. the use of megadose nicotinic acid in alcoholics", J.OF ORTHOMOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY,7.1.,52-55 

 Werbach,M.R.(1991), NUTRITIONAL INFLUENCES ON MENTAL ILLNESS, A Sourcebook of Clinical Research, Third Line Pres, Inc.Tarzana. Cal. Chapter on Alcoholism pages 18 - 47 

 Murray, MT & Pizzorno KJ.(1990), ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF NATURAL MEDICINE, Optima Macdonald & Co (pub) Ltd Chapter on Alcoholism pages 118-127 

 Pearson,D. & Shaw,S.(1982), LIFE EXTENSION; A Practical Approach, Warner Books,NY pages 267-283 

 Alcohol Withdrawal 

 My own article: 

 Alcoholism is a Treatable Disease 

 And my book: 

 Getting off the Hook 

 This information can be used in any way you like.   

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