Can the Keto Diet Help with Alcohol Addiction? Is Keto the new AA?

It’s estimated that in 2019 more than 14 million people (over age of 12) suffered with alcohol use disorder. And only about 7% sought treatment within the past year. That is a sobering statistic!

I was talking to a friend the other day and he said, “People just don’t want to go to the stereotypical styrofoam cup meetings anymore.”

He was talking about Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s a shame too because AA has helped save countless of lives. But unfortunately for many, it’s not anonymous enough and it’s methods seem outdated. (others’ opinion, not mine)

I think those that fail with AA are those that actually don’t try and work the steps. They think the meetings are the treatment. But I’m getting off track here. My point is not to give AA pros vs cons. My point is, there may be more help available than what is considered the gold standard.

Medication assistance may be necessary for many people. And as a family physician, this is what most people come to me for.

Recently I’ve been looking into nutritional and lifestyle interventions that might help with addiction.

A recent study looked at nutritional ketosis as method for reduction of alcohol withdrawal, cravings, and use.

And although this study has its limits, I think there may be something to it.

I won’t go into all the details on how to start a Ketogenic diet (because the internet doesn’t need another Keto blog) but one thing you should understand is that it is not the same as a low carb diet. The idea is that the fats are high enough and the carbs are low enough to get into Ketosis. (That was the point of the study).

I think that with a smart nutritional approach, medication assistance, some old fashioned meetings, and God’s good grace…

You can turn your life around!

Also of note, if you suffer from alcohol use disorder, please talk to your doctor. Withdrawal can be life threatening. You do not have to go through this alone.

Good luck and Godspeed!