Alcohol use disorder is what physicians term it when a person cannot manage how much they drink and has difficulty controlling their emotions when they are not drinking.
Alcohol creates brain alterations that make it difficult to stop. Attempting to persevere on your own is like attempting to treat appendicitis with positive thinking. Learn more about alcohol use disorder and your alcohol addiction treatment choices as a vital first step.
Determine Whether You’re Abusing Alcohol
Alcohol use disorder is commonly referred to as alcoholism. Milder examples, in which individuals misuse alcohol but are not dependent on it, are also included.
Your physician or another medical professional can assist with the diagnosis. They may diagnose you with alcoholism if you:
- Feel like you have to drink
- Unable to control your drinking
- Be miserable when you cannot drink
Discuss your goals with your doctor at your appointment. Are you attempting to drink less or abstain entirely? Collectively, you may begin to develop a therapy strategy. Your physician can also recommend you to a treatment center or professionals who can assist you.
Therapeutic Options
The best option for you depends on your circumstances and objectives. Some of these programs are inpatient or residential. Others are outpatient programs, in which you reside at home and attend therapy at a facility.
Visit Detox
This is a crucial step if you have a significant drinking problem. Detox is not a standalone therapy.
Stop drinking and give your body time to eliminate the alcohol from your system. This often takes several days to one week.
Most patients join a hospital or treatment facility due to withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Shaking (tremors)
- Perceiving or experiencing nonexistent objects or sensations (hallucinations)
- Seizures
Doctors and other specialists can monitor you and provide medication to alleviate your symptoms.
You can undergo detox in two primary ways:
Inpatient: If you have been abusing alcohol excessively, this alternative may be preferable. You reside permanently in a clinic, hospital, or detoxification center. You will receive assistance around-the-clock throughout withdrawal.
Outpatient: You receive treatment from your doctor or healthcare professional during the day. If your disease is minor or moderate, outpatient therapy may be safe.
Consult An Advisor Or Therapist
Seeing a therapist during or after alcohol therapy might help you develop new skills and techniques for long-term abstinence. Psychologists, social workers, and alcohol counselors can provide instruction on:
- Alter the habits that lead to drinking
- Manage stress and other stimuli
- Establish a solid support system
- Set and achieve goals
Some individuals require only a brief, concentrated counseling session. Others may choose longer-term individual counseling to address difficulties such as anxiety or depression. Couples or family counseling can also be beneficial, as alcoholism can have a significant impact on intimate relationships.
Medications
No medication can “cure” alcoholism, although some can facilitate recovery. They can make drinking less pleasurable so that you consume less alcohol:
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) will cause nausea and vomiting if you consume alcohol while taking it.
- Acamprosate (Campral) might reduce appetite.
- Naltrexone (Revia) inhibits the intoxicating effects of alcohol.
Medications used to treat other illnesses, such as smoking, pain, or epilepsy, may also aid in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Consult your physician to determine which of these may be appropriate for you.
Find Assistance
Quitting and abstaining from alcohol might require perseverance and effort. Healthy habits and skills for navigating daily life might be crucial to one’s rehabilitation. Among the steps you may take are:
- Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, and others. Make it apparent that you’ve stopped drinking
- Take care of your health. Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, remain active, and manage your stress to improve your health.
- Participate in pastimes and activities that do not entail alcohol