These mechanisms must be recognised by the alcoholic during recovery or they will fail and revert to concealing their alcoholism from themselves and the rest of the world. The first is rationalisation, which is concerned with finding, using and believing reasons for excessive drinking.  This process is part of the disease and is a symptom shown by all alcoholics. For alcoholics whose drinking has got out of control, or is beginning to do so, it is essential to protect the ego, the sense of identity, the self-esteem from the knowledge that the evident chaos can be attributed to the alcoholic intake. Blame is placed upon the partner, on financial loss, on problems at work and the stupidity of other people for the problems that begin to crowd in upon him or her. This rationalisation process is unconscious, an automatic defence mechanism of which the alcoholic is unaware. It cuts in when the drinking has got out of control and there is a need to erect a wall between the self and the reality that is too threatening to be recognised. The second defence mechanism is projection, which occurs when the alcoholic has lost control of drinking and has begun to lose control of his or her life.  Stupid, irrational and destructive behaviour leads to a situation where the alcoholic is full of self-hate because of inability to control the way things are happening. Acceptance of this self-hate is too threatening to the ego, so a translation occurs: “I hate myself for what I am” becomes “I hate you for making me like this”.  This self-hate is frequently transferred to the partner, a mother or father, who of course, is bewildered by these accusations, but frequently begins to search her or his own behaviour for the cause of the drinking. Mothers blame themselves for their children’s alcoholic behaviour and partners blame themselves for their inability to keep their “better-half” happy. The third mechanism that the self uses to protect itself from harm is repression. Repression is the unconscious rejection of events that have occurred, but which are too horrible, too bizarre to be allowed to enter the conscious memory.  Thus a man who has publically abused his wife at a party and described in lurid detail her failings as a wife and mother to horrified guests, wakes up the following morning and finding himself at home in his bed, feels a sense of relief, which would immediately be drowned if he allowed himself to remember what has happened. Memories can be so horrible that the mind completely rejects them from consciousness; and they are repressed. To all intents and purposes the events never happened, so the man can face his wife and be amazed at the reception he receives, while she is so bewildered that she might begin to doubt her own sanity. Rationalisation, projection and repression are unconscious psychological processes used by everyone from time to time to protect his or her inner being from harm. With alcoholics, these processes become habitual, pathological parts of the disease of alcoholism, which prevents the alcoholic from realising the extent of his or her problem. This leads to denial of any problem, and prevents him or her seeking treatment. During treatment and recovery, the alcoholic has to realise the extent to which these mechanisms have been brought into use and how habitual they have become. Almost certainly the high relapse rate for alcoholics is, in part, caused by the failure of alcoholics to see how these processes are part of the disease. Resistance to accepting the part played by these defence mechanisms leads to retention of these unacceptable ways of behaviour. 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”.  Dr. Cabot’s book, Help for Depression and Anxiety is an excellent read for recovering alcoholics. The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.