Ultimate Guide For Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol addiction is a rising problem that should be taken seriously. According to studies, almost 95000 people in America die due to addiction to alcohol. Thus, making Alcohol Addiction Treatment is one of the most crucial sectors in the healthcare service. 

However, due to a lack of awareness, most people are unaware of the right treatment for alcohol addiction. So, this blog takes a deeper look into Alcohol Addiction Recovery and its uses and its associated potential health risks. 

What Is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder is considered a chronic disease caused by uncontrolled drinking. There is no doubt that it affects people from all walks of life. Alcoholism is a disease that requires alcohol addiction treatment as it affects the brain (1). 

The severity of alcohol addiction differs from person to person and depends on the quantity consumed (1). If a person cannot stay sober or behave normally without consuming alcohol, it is considered an addiction.

What Are The Causes Of Alcohol Addiction?

There are certain genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors that have a strong impact on how drinking affects your body and behavior (2). 

Some other factors that can lead to alcoholism are listed below.

• Drinking at an early age.  

• Family history of alcohol addiction 

• High levels of stress

• Drinking to cope emotionally.  

Dangers Of Continued Drinking

Alcohol addiction can lower a person’s life expectancy by as many as ten years and often leads to other forms of illness. These may include organ failure, stroke, heart disease, sexual/reproductive dysfunction, and various forms of cancer. Psychiatric risks such as dementia and a type of psychosis, often confused with schizophrenia, are also common. Continued drinking may also worsen other mental and emotional disorders such as PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, or even eating disorders such as bulimia. Those not seeking treatment for alcohol addiction may also risk job loss, social isolation, difficulty maintaining finances, or even legal issues.

Physically And Psychologically Impact Of Alcohol Addiction

The effects of alcohol addiction not only affect our bodies but also have a negative impact on our mental health. Though it is not realized, it starts its effects from the first sip itself. 

Physically Effect Of Alcoholism 

1. Drowsiness

2. Changes in mood

3. Head pain 

4. Nausea 

5. Diarrhea

6. Insomnia

7. Anxiety 

8. Memory loss and lack of concentration

9. Effects on sexual life 

10. Changes in appetite and weight.

Psychologically Effect Of Alcoholism

One of the major causes of depression is regular drinking. People don't realize it because it gives short time relief. But with the passage of time, it leads to dependency, which may lead to addiction to alcohol. 

The use of Nuvigil for depression can help manage such mental health disorders associated with alcoholism. 

Why Is The Treatment For Alcohol Addiction Important?

Alcohol Addiction Treatment varies from person to person, depending on one's needs.  It's very important for a person to realize when to start the treatment process. Alcohol addiction, if not treated properly, shows a wide range of problems. Health complications, financial troubles, Relationship issues, and professional disruptions are some of the examples that can be cited. After completing alcohol addiction treatment, it's important to continue with ongoing support and therapy to reduce the risk of relapse. Our earlier blog article discusses relapse prevention measures in further detail.

Remedies That Treat Alcohol Addiction

Some of the Alcohol Addiction Treatment remedies are:

Detoxification

Medications such as Chlordiazepoxide and benzodiazepine are used for detoxification. The procedure generally lasts up to 4-7 days.

Counseling

Cognitive behavioral therapy is generally used to treat alcohol dependency. A qualified counselor is necessary for this process of treatment.

Drug for cravings

Naltrexone is a substance that helps to reduce the urge to drink.  Acamprosate is another substance that helps in reducing cravings.

Abstinence

After the completion of the process of detoxification, people start drinking again.  A counseling process, medical help, and family support can help the individual stay away from alcohol.

Apart from these remedies, some home remedies can also help with Alcohol Addiction Treatment. Some of them are yoga, meditation, and doing your favorite activity, which can increase your concentration level. Doing these on a regular basis can increase your calmness as well as decrease your stress and anxiety. The treatment also depends on one's own willingness. Your willpower to do it can do a lot to reduce your addiction to alcohol. 

Medications to Help with Alcohol Addiction

In today's growing generation, it is seen that people suffer a lot from stress and anxiety. According to certain studies, most people consume alcohol due to high levels of stress and anxiety. This happens because people don't follow a proper routine of work and sleep. Your brain does not get proper rest. People suffer from insomnia, which increases their level of stress. Armodafinil is a substance that promotes wakefulness. It acts as an active stimulant, which treats sleep disorders or narcolepsy.  It is believed to increase our focus. Therefore, reducing the problems of being an insomniac as well as reducing stress. Waklert is a brand name under Armodafinil, which can help in the treatment of Alcoholism.

Besides these, there are also some other medications that are approved by the FDA, including

Disulfiram

It produces an enzyme and metabolizes alcohol. It starts its effect within 10 minutes after the person consumes alcohol. It affects lasts up to 1 hour or more. It shows adverse effects on the person, like headache, anxiety, vomiting, and nausea. These negative effects stop the person from behavioral drinking gradually (3).

Naltrexone

This generally works in psychosocial intervention. It is believed to work as a blockage of opioid receptors. This results in reducing the reinforcing effects of alcohol, which leads to less craving and decreased feelings of intoxication (4).

Acamprosate

This is used along with counseling and social support to stop a person from alcoholism. It helps in the functioning of the brains of people who have consumed large amounts of alcohol by restoring the natural balance of chemicals in the brain.  This does not work well if the person still consumes alcohol (5).

Nootropics

Stress is one of the most common reasons to drink alcohol, as it may increase the level of “feel good” hormones. As alcohol drinking is not a healthy habit, you can take the help of Nootropics to control your stress. 

Waklert is an effective Nootropic that you can use to enhance your mood. It is also an effective treatment for alcohol addiction as it helps to motivate, which can help to stay sober and prevent relapse. You can easily avail of the medication on the market. However, buying Waklert online can make you get it from the comfort of your home.

Is It Safe To Take Medication For Alcohol Addiction?

According to the President of the Association for Addiction  Professionals, “Medications are the beginning of how you make the psychological change that needs to occur.”

Medications are generally suggested when the addiction level is at its peak. Once the addiction to alcoholism cannot be treated with home remedies or willpower, it becomes necessary to take medicines to get rid of it. 

Side Effects Of Medicines Taken For Alcohol Addiction Treatment

There are some side effects associated with the medications used for Alcohol Addiction Treatment. 

Side effects of Disulfiram

1. Tiredness

2. Drowsiness

3. Headache

4. Skin rash

5. Impotency

Side effects of Acamprosate

1. Anxiety

2. Mood changes

3. Weight gain

4. Increased thirst and no normal urination.

Side effects of Naltrexone

1, Loss of appetite

2. Nausea

3. Diarrhea

4. Constipation

Alcohol Addiction Recovery: The Key Takeaway

According to many studies, alcohol is one of the leading preventable causes of death. Though people might not realize it, the consumption of alcohol can impact a person both psychologically and physically. 

Alcohol Addiction Treatment is of utmost necessity to help get sober. There are certain remedies and medications suggested for recovering from alcohol addiction.