In 1991 more than 60% of individuals admitted to traditional treatment programs had been in treatment before and more than half of those repeating were being admitted for third time. About half of these were drinking again within one year. (Grinspoon 1996) Unfortunately this is a common scenario in treatment in general. Relapse is expected, common and usually norm. Most people are not successful in long -term recovery. In a four year study of 922 men only 28% refrained from drinking for six months after treatment. After one year 21% remained abstinent and after four years 7% remained abstinent. (Rand Repot 1990) It is only a small subgroup of people who are helped by 12 step programs and traditional treatment. Obviously traditional treatment is missing a very large piece of puzzle. Traditional treatment could be more successful if it implemented a holistic approach to addiction and address issues such as hypoglycemia, food allergy and nutritional deficiencies.

I know from personal experience that this is true. As a chronic alcoholic I entered traditional treatment and although some of it was extremely helpful, it could not help with intense depression, anxiety, confusion, irritability and nervousness that I continued to have that was putting me at high risk of relapsing. After a year of pure misery and “white knuckling” it, which had left me hanging by a very fine thread, I discovered a book that changed my life. After finding a doctor who was knowledgeable in this area, I learned that I had numerous food allergies, chemical allergies, hypoglycemia and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It was when I addressed these issues that my life really changed. I discovered that my eliminating sugar and wheat from that I could eliminate my disabling anxiety and depression. By treating all my allergies and addressing my hypoglycemia and deficiencies and changing my diet I was able to turn my mental health completely around and I was no longer “white knuckling” it to stay sober. I have been sober for 13 years and don’t attend any AA meetings.

There are several other factors that may occur by themselves or they are frequently found in addition to allergies/sensitivities that may also contribute to weight gain, cravings, or intense hunger. 1. Hypoglycemia Low blood sugar is a common problem that many people are not aware of. It can create intense hunger and cravings. By finding a hypoglycemic diet that is appropriate for your body type it is possible to improve or correct your blood sugar imbalance and remove your intense hunger and cravings.

2. Thyroid Disorders Hypothyroidism (low thyroid functioning) is a very common disorder and often goes undiagnosed. Conventional blood tests for thyroid often fail to detect a problem. Weight gain is one of many symptoms that may accompany hypothyroidism. The most accurate way to determine if your thyroid is functioning properly is through Barnes Basal Temperature Test. ( Another very common symptom of Low Thyroid function is fatigue and depression.) For more details on Low Thyroid function and symptoms see my other article with that title.

3. Candida Albicans Overgrowth Candida is a yeast that naturally occurs in all of our bodies. It is supposed to be there in balanced amounts. Due to factors such as a diet high in sugars and refined carbohydrates, chemicals in our environment, and overuse of antibiotics this yeast can begin to grow in excess amounts and create numerous problems in our bodies. Intense cravings and hunger for sweets or carbohydrates is one of most common symptoms.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies Up to 50% of population fails to ingest recommended daily allowances of minerals and vitamins. Certain imbalances such as low levels of chromium can create hunger and cravings. Low chromium is also a factor in hypoglycemia.

Find a health care provider who is knowledgeable about issues I mention in this article and work with them.

Read my list of recommended readings at my website. These two books in particular. “It isn’t Your Fault You’re Fat” by Marshall Mandel and “Your Hidden Food Allergies are Making You Fat” by Rivera & Deutsch.

Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed., writer, educator, therapist/advisor/coach and Holistic Health Consultant Specializing in Life Management and Support for Living with Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, and Disability as well as Sexuality and Sexual Intimacy. http://www.holistichelp.net