Alcohol addiction, also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a common medical condition in which an individual has difficulty controlling their alcohol intake. Alcohol use disorder is a dangerous condition that can have a devastating impact on your family members, relationships, work, school, and physical health. In severe cases, alcohol poisoning can even be fatal.
Alcoholism is difficult to manage, but with proper treatment, many succeed in reducing their drinking and mitigating their issues. Several treatments are available that range from mild to severe depending on the individual’s needs.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse?
Substance abuse can often be hard to pinpoint because the symptoms of alcohol dependence can be subtle and may not be immediately obvious to others. Many people with alcohol problems may not recognize, or admit to themselves or others, their drinking has become an issue. Even so, there are signs that may indicate someone might have an alcohol addiction. These include but are not limited to:
- Being unable to stop drinking or control alcohol intake despite attempts.
- Spending significant amounts of time drinking, and recovering from the effects of alcohol.
- Experiencing cravings for alcohol.
- Failing to fulfill work, home, or school commitments due to alcohol use.
- Continuing to drink alcohol even after experiencing alcohol-related, physical, psychological, social, or relationship issues.
- Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop or reduce consumption.
Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Methods
Many approaches exist for treating alcoholism. That said, the specific treatment plan will depend on the individual’s unique needs. Here are some common treatment options for AUD:
Psychological Counseling
Physiological or alcohol counseling involves sessions with a therapist aimed at identifying the causes or triggers of the alcohol abuse and developing strategies to deal with them. Psychological counseling is a key facet of any treatment plan because alcohol addiction is often tied to mental health issues. Working with alcohol treatment professionals can help identify and address the potential link between alcohol and depression, anxiety or other trauma.
The most common forms of psychological counseling are cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy, marital and family therapy, and brief intervention.
Mutual-Support Groups
Mutual-support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be helpful for people suffering from alcohol addiction because they provide a supportive community of individuals who are working to overcome their alcohol misuse. Combining a structured treatment plan with the benefits of talk and group therapy, peer support groups provide belonging, accountability, and coping strategies for dealing with cravings and avoiding relapse.
Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment
Inpatient and outpatient treatment are two different types of programs that are used to help individuals overcome alcohol addiction. Inpatient treatment involves living at an alcoholism treatment center and following an intensive treatment program, while outpatient treatment allows individuals to continue living at home and attend treatment sessions on a regular basis. Whether inpatient or outpatient treatment is appropriate depends on a person’s individual circumstances.
Medications
Medication can be an effective part of the treatment plan for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. Medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram can be used to help reduce alcohol consumption, alleviate cravings, and maintain abstinence. A consultation with a primary care physician or other healthcare professional is required to identify which medication is best for your individual needs.
Get in Touch With a Healthcare Professional
Alcohol addiction is a dangerous and prevalent condition that damages the lives of millions. Fortunately, as we have seen, a number of treatment options exist for those looking to get a handle on their problematic alcohol use. If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol use disorder, please seek out the help of a physician or healthcare professional.
Share This Post With Love