The inability to control impulsive behaviour has long been linked with alcohol consumption, as it pertains to the initial urge to drink and often, there are no second thoughts.

Impulsivity can be defined as a failure or inability to resist any impulsive action, even when it may be harmful to oneself or others. There is an old saying in AA: “the drunk takes the drink and the drink takes the drunk.”  Another saying: “one is too many and one hundred is not enough.”

An alcoholic’s brain chemistry is wired differently to social drinkers.  It’s the first drink that does the damage, not the fifth or the sixth. Willpower is soluble in alcohol. The alcoholic gives little, if any, advance thought to the consequences of their behaviour. Impulsivity manifests in different ways and can lead to a range of destructive habits, including gambling, abusive behaviour and stealing.  It also has strong ties to substance abuse.  Take the alcohol out of the fruitcake and you still have a fruitcake.  Impulsivity runs rampant until the alcoholic learns how to control their emotions.

However, that’s not to say that everyone who struggles with substance abuse exhibits impulse control problems.  Researchers have found that alcoholics habitually abusing more than alcohol demonstrate higher susceptibility to impulsivity. Another saying in AA is: “don’t switch the witch for the bitch.”  Alcoholics can sometimes pick up another addiction when they are in early recovery. Sugar addiction is high on the list of ingested addictions followed by prescription drugs, marijuana, drugs or behavioural addictions like shopping, gambling, sex, etc. etc.

Impulsivity affects alcoholics in two ways. First of all, the inability to restrain one’s impulses can lead to excessive drinking. The person may have difficulty thinking through the consequences of their actions, leading them to drink more alcohol and more often. Secondly, difficulty controlling impulses increases the likelihood or relapse. It doesn’t matter if the alcoholic has been sober 2 weeks, 2 months or 2 years, once they pick up the first drink, they lose control.

This could be viewed by other people, who do not understand alcoholism, as simply lacking willpower. However, impulsivity has neurological implications and can be compounded by the loss of inhibition brought on by consuming alcohol.

This means that those already struggling with an impulse control disorder may experience a much higher level of decision-making impairment during a period of relapse. Willpower is soluble in alcohol.

Factors beyond brain damage, including late onset of neurological disorders, can also lead to impulsivity.

Dopamine and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) are the neurotransmitters responsible for impulsivity. Alcohol increases the effects of both. For someone who already has an imbalance of these neurotransmitters, the least amount of alcohol in the bloodstream magnifies the ability to control impulses. This means that one drink can quickly lead to many more, which in turn, triggers further impulsive behaviour.

I’ve had success using both Tyrosine and GABA with my patients in helping them achieve a sense of satisfaction and reward without reaching for the bottle. I also use Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, Healthy Diet, Exercise and Guided Imagery/Creative Visualisation.

It is sometimes difficult to get sober and remain sober until the brain chemistry is balanced and impulsivity is monitored with the use of Tyrosine and GABA.  Some patients may need a mood disorder medication to control their impulsivity.
Alcohol is only a symptom of an underlying problem and often that underlying problem is Bipolar 1 or 2 (mainly Bipolar 2), Emotion Regulation Disorder (Borderline Personality Disorder) or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

I prefer to use the terminology, Emotion Regulation Disorder instead of Borderline Personality Disorder (they are one in the same) because patients tend to freak out if I tell them they are suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder. They equate that terminology with being a psycho.  Alcoholism is an emotional disease – an alcoholic can’t control their emotions.

Hence, when an alcoholic asks me for advice on how to control their alcohol intake, they are generally in denial and delusional about the chaos they are creating for themselves and their family.  They are super-sensitive, impulsive and generally have all the answers, except the one they are desperate to learn – how to control their drinking! If it was easy, everyone would be sober.

Amino Acid supplements like Tyrosine Mood Food for the manufacture of dopamine and noradrenaline, which are required for concentration, alertness, memory and a happy, stable mood.

L-Glutamine, found in our Ultimate Gut Health Powder, can reduce both cravings and the anxiety that accompanies alcohol withdrawal.

A good liver tonic like LivaTone Plus is recommended and can be beneficial in those who have an inflamed liver or a sluggish liver. LivaTone Plus contains all the B vitamins and the amino acid Taurine. It also contains the antioxidant vitamins C and E.

Magnesium Ultra Potent can be taken before bed to assist with a deep and restful sleep. It also helps to reduce stress, very beneficial to a recovering alcoholic.  Magnesium is also known as the “great relaxer”.

Glicemic Balance Capsules aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates and supports insulin function and is helpful in curbing sugar and carbohydrate cravings when you are detoxing from alcohol.

Dr. Cabot’s book, Help for Depression and Anxiety is an excellent read for recovering alcoholics suffering with depression and anxiety.

 

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.