At Alternative to Meds Center, we recognize that alcohol addiction is complex, with roots in both biochemistry and personal life factors. Our Sedona alcohol rehab program is dedicated to addressing the unique motivations and biochemical factors that have contributed to and driven alcohol use. We take a truly holistic approach to recovery.
Once a person has completed medical detox, they are assisted to comfortably transition into our residential inpatient program where we provide the tools and recovery strategies that help clients maintain long-term sobriety. Addressing underlying biochemical influences, which often contribute to cravings and risk of relapse, is one of many key components of our approach.
You can’t win a war when the weapons
you were given belong to the enemy.
Below, we outline five essential biochemical factors in alcohol addiction that are commonly considered in our personalized treatment plans. Instead of drugging a person to “solve” their addiction, we can more fully understand the mechanics of addiction, and gain valuable insights, allowing you and your loved ones to better evaluate the effective path to recovery. Our Sedona alcohol rehab program takes a holistic approach to healing and is unlike any other program in existence.
Alternative to Meds Center’s published evidence clearly documents the success of our clients. Addressing and resolving the different aspects of addiction can involve deep changes, practical guidance, new understandings, and being given the correct tools for success.
That’s our specialty.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
Listed below are 5 common reasons for alcohol cravings that cannot be overlooked when seeking full recovery from craving alcohol and treating the factors involved in chronic alcohol overuse. A brief description follows each item, with important clinical references that we recommend being studied for a fuller understanding of each.
Five common reasons for alcohol cravings:
Hypoglycemia
Allergy-addiction syndrome
Genetic polymorphisms
Neurotoxicity
Trauma
Hypoglycemia 1,7
The first, most common (70%) cause of addictive biochemistry that will crave alcohol is hypoglycemia. Persons with hypoglycemia experience symptoms when their blood sugar drops to 70mg/dl or lower. These symptoms can include headache, confusion, dizziness, hunger, shakiness, irritability, racing heart, and anxiety. Alcohol, basically a sugar, rapidly raises blood sugar levels and will satisfy this craving nearly immediately. On a physiological level, low blood sugar represents potential death, and so the cravings associated with it can be very powerful. A person whose body is hypoglycemic often consumes sugar and simple carbohydrates when they are not actively drinking. Until correcting the hypoglycemic state, their recovery will be challenged, and their sobriety cannot easily be sustained over this condition. Correcting the diet has many benefits in recovery, not the least of which is managing blood sugar in healthy and sustainable ways.13
Allergic-Addicted 2,6
The second reason for alcohol cravings comes from the condition referred to as “allergic-addicted,” where a person lacks the enzyme to detoxify or metabolize alcohol. Very small amounts of alcohol can result in dramatic changes in mood and behavior. We could describe the condition as one of genetic disposition. The allergic reaction causes a number of chemical responses to occur, including endorphins to be released. The endorphin release drives this type of alcohol addiction and behavior. The addiction is to the endorphin release. But this condition can be significantly alleviated by building natural endorphin levels through natural means. A comprehensive treatment program must address these factors of human health as they can provide the missing tools for long-term success in substance use disorder recovery.
THIQ Genetic Polymorphism 3,9
Another genetic type of addiction to alcohol is one where the body converts alcohol to acetaldehyde, and then into THIQ, a powerful opiate compound. This production of THIQ is what the person gets addicted to. This is the person who can drink everyone else under the table and seems to get high rather than drunk. This type may also be helped by raising endorphins. Neurotransmitter rehabilitation is a specialty at Alternative to Meds Center.
Neurotoxic Anxiety 4,8
The fourth motivator for the overconsumption of alcohol is anxiety. It is quite easy to confuse the anxiety alcoholic with the hypoglycemic, as the blood sugar drop often creates anxiety. Here is how to tell the difference. In hypoglycemia, anxiety is associated with a blood sugar drop. Whereas, in the true anxiety alcoholic, the anxiety seems to always be present, like a constant roar in the background of daily life. This type has usually been poisoned by excitotoxins, such as pesticides or heavy metals that continue to overstimulate the nervous system on a chronic, daily basis, at least until the removal of these excitotoxins has been accomplished. Neurotoxin removal is one of the key pillars of our Sedona alcohol treatment and recovery program at Alternative to Meds Center.
Trauma-based Blackout Drinking 5,10-12
Let us not overlook another common reason for drinking, regarding the blackout drinker. This person may have endured tragic trauma and alcohol could have become a solution to it. An effective approach to treatment would include providing ways to identify and release these areas of past distress and emotional pain. CBT is one form of psychotherapy, along with trauma counseling and other interventions that have proven clinically effective in overcoming the lingering and debilitating effects of trauma.
Until these underlying components are addressed, which they can be, the person is likely white-knuckling until their next relapse.
Holistic Approaches to Alcohol Abuse at Our Sedona Alcohol Treatment Center
ATMC addresses the addictive biochemistry of alcoholism, in addition to treating the emotional components. Searching for, discovering, and addressing the underlying medical, genetic, emotional, and other factors contributing to addictive biochemistry and behavior provide the most successful and important elements of the Alternative to Meds alcohol treatment program. A key factor that is often overlooked in treatment is that toxins from the environment including heavy metal toxicity can destroy the body’s capacity to create the natural chemicals and hormones that regulate depression and anxiety. Cleansing the body of these damaging factors can be instrumental in releasing the person from these toxic grips of alcohol addiction.
Whatever an individual’s personal goals may be, ATMC aims to provide the tools to get you there. While we are not a 12-step-based program, we can facilitate our clients to participate in local meetings during their free time, if that is desired.
You will find our holistic center housed in a beautiful residence, nestled among the majestic Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona, under year-round clear blue skies and temperate warm weather. The center provides a serene, very comfortable location to find rest and respite. Clients participate in a program rich with therapies designed specifically for each person’s health and recovery goals.
Swimming in either of the beautiful pools, local hiking, and breathtaking photography opportunities add to the many activities within close proximity to the center. Many describe the setting as retreat-like, especially when coupled with the high-level compassionate care that our staff of over 40 expert physicians and caregivers will provide during the client’s stay with us.
Diet is an essential factor in true recovery. Our gourmet chef is well-versed in orthomolecular principles that support health and healing.
Alcohol is often used to cover up and find relief from emotional trauma and distress. Counseling that we offer in many genres has been extremely effective in helping to identify and release the factors which are acting as contributors to the anxiety, depression, fears, regrets, and other negatives that a person has been using alcohol to self-medicate. In the words of the program’s founder, Lyle Murphy, “When we do not have the access to meet the inner desires for our life, we often turn to the toxic mimic — drugs or alcohol — to fill that void.”
Our Sedona Alcohol Rehab & Treatment Program offers a wide range of services for recovery:
You are invited to call our informed and friendly admissions staff at the number on this page for more detailed information on the various treatment protocols available to our program participants. We are fully licensed and accept most private insurance.
Call today and find out more about our Sedona alcohol rehab treatment program, and how our approach to recovery may be the one you have been searching for, for yourself or a loved one.
10. Lee H, Roh S, Kim DJ. Alcohol-induced blackout. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2009 Nov;6(11):2783-92. doi: 10.3390/ijerph6112783. Epub 2009 Nov 6. PMID: 20049223; PMCID: PMC2800062. [cited 2022 Aug 25]
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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You will find our holistic center housed in a 
