While in rehab, I was actually told a lot of other things that turned out to have no basis in scientific evidence. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a health condition that is best assessed and treated by a health professional. In this section, learn more about AUD, the professional treatment options available, and why different people may take different routes to recovery.
Once an individual commits to stop drinking, the physician will watch out for and treat withdrawal symptoms. During the withdrawal process, the doctor may prescribe a class of antianxiety drugs called benzodiazepines for a short period in order to reduce withdrawal symptoms. When asked how alcohol problems are treated, people commonly think of 12-step programs or How Long Does Fentanyl Stay In Your Body For 28-day inpatient rehab but may have difficulty naming other options.
- This process, however, can bring about the unpleasant and potentially serious symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
- Depression and anxiety frequently occur along with an alcohol use disorder.
- Others may want one-on-one therapy for a longer time to deal with issues like anxiety or depression.
- For people who have alcohol use disorder, stopping their drinking is an important first step.
- To date, three medications have been approved by the FDA to help prevent a return to heavy drinking.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Types
Mindfulness-based skill-building strategies promote flexible, rather than autopilot, responses to triggers that can prompt drinking. The evidence suggests that the free and flexible assistance provided by mutual-support groups can help people make and sustain beneficial changes and, thus, promote recovery. Alcohol-related problems—which result from drinking too much, too fast, or too often—are among the most significant public health issues in the United States.
AUD can be mild (the presence of two to three symptoms), moderate (the presence of four to five symptoms), or severe (the presence of six or more symptoms). When you or your loved one completes an inpatient or outpatient alcohol treatment program, this is a time for celebration. Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your health care provider or mental health provider. “Alcohol misuse,” “someone with an alcohol use disorder,” and “rhinophyma” are more current and less stigmatizing terms.
It’s not uncommon to slip in and out of sobriety on your recovery journey. If you want to take steps to get treatment for your AUD, make an appointment with your doctor. They’ll likely ask you a series of questions to determine the severity of your dependency. These questions can also help them determine the best treatment option for your needs.
In the United States, you can also find rehab centers near you at FindTreatment.gov. Some people may feel so “broken” that they almost feel they can no longer experience joy and confidence, or have healthy relationships again. Some people recover from AUD the first time they seek treatment, while others may require several treatment attempts. Your doctor may refer you to one-on-one therapy or group counseling. The road to recovering from AUD can be a long process that requires various treatments or therapies.
These will determine if the alcoholism has caused any long-term effects. Once all the information is considered, the doctor can decide on the best course of treatment for the individual’s needs. Dependency is often accompanied by certain mood or mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Along with your treatment for AUD, you may need to seek medical care for other complications you experience. Other mental health disorders can increase the risk of drinking.
The myth of the addictive personality
Trying to tough it out on your own can be like trying to cure appendicitis with cheerful thoughts. Like with all drugs, long-term alcohol abuse creates changes in the brain’s biochemistry. There is no set amount of time for a person to stick with an aftercare program. Treatment for alcohol addiction is individualized, so each person’s care plan will depend on their unique needs.
Products & Services
Disulfiram does not reduce craving, but it creates an incentive not to drink, because drinking alcohol while taking it causes nausea and vomiting. An antiseizure drug called topiramate may diminish the reinforcing effects of alcohol. Alcohol treatment is an “off-label” use of topiramate, which means the FDA has not formally approved it for this use. Also not approved by the FDA, there is limited evidence that baclofen, a drug used to treat muscle spasticity, could help people quit alcohol use. A doctor or substance abuse expert may be able to help a person look at the consequences of drinking.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcoholism is a disease that is absolutely treatable if the person is willing to seek the appropriate help available. Non-the-less, people do overcome their addictions to alcohol by learning how to manage their alcoholism through therapies, support groups, and treatment medication. After weaning from alcohol, medication in some cases can help reduce cravings. Two medications that fit in this category are naltrexone and acamprosate. As an alternative, sometimes the drug disulfiram may be prescribed.
Realizing you may have an issue is the first step toward getting better, so don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider. They’ll recommend treatments and resources to help you recover from alcohol use disorder. Studies show most people with this condition recover, meaning they reduce how much they drink, or stop drinking altogether. They may start drinking to cope with stressful events like losing a job, going through a divorce, or dealing with a death in their family or a close friend.