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Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Last updated on 28 Sep, 2022

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, NSDUH, the 2019 survey reported that about 85.6 percent of adults over 18 years had taken alcohol at least once. The survey further demonstrated that about 14.5 million people above 12 years have Alcohol Use Disorder, AUD. With the increase in the statistics, it is evident that treatment for alcohol addiction is a call of the hour. Treatment centers for alcohol addiction provide around-the-clock medical care, intensive therapy, family support, and a safe environment for alcohol addiction treatment and recovery.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder, refers to chronic drinking characterized by changes in brain chemistry and an inability to control one’s alcohol consumption. The “alcoholism” term generally applies to those who frequently drink excessively and find difficulty reducing their quantity. Such people suffer from adverse consequences or withdrawal when not consuming and experience increased alcohol tolerance. Many alcoholics find it difficult to quit. It can be due to the dual components of physical cravings and mental obsession, which urge the user to drink despite a wish to stop. Anybody who has reached this point will generally require alcohol addiction treatment if they are to stop using.

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.

 

Methods for Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

There are many approaches to alcohol addiction treatment and recovery. The techniques mentioned below are helpful for success in alcohol addiction treatment.

 

Detoxification

The first procedure is usually detoxification. Since detox itself will not treat the ongoing mental obsession, most alcoholics who seek treatment will pursue a more extended care regimen. 

 

Behavioral treatments

 

It may include several avenues of treatment for alcohol addiction, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, work with a therapist, and attendance at mutual support group meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery.

 

Medications

Given the widespread availability of alcohol, a strong focus on long-term recovery is an essential component of successful treatment. For instance, some treatment patients may take anti-alcoholism medications. However, it is uncommon that any alcohol addiction treatment medication prescribed will be effective for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.

 

Holistic methods

 

Treatment for alcohol addiction also utilizes holistic forms of care such as meditation, yoga, massage therapy, and acupuncture. These methods are beneficial resources for alcoholism treatment.

 

Outpatient and residential alcohol addiction treatment centers

 

Treatment centers offer addiction education, allowing patients to understand their condition better while helping them to form a relapse prevention plan. These recovery tools help addicts to achieve lasting sobriety after treatment.

 

Five best ways to reduce drinking 

 

Alcohol addiction can affect physical and mental health and cause trouble with family and peers. Prolonged addiction can eventually lead to severe medical conditions and death. Therefore, quitting drinking and seeking treatment for alcohol addiction is advisable. However, your physician might suggest curbing the amount depending on your situation. In this regard, the effectual ways below will help you to control habitual drinking.

 

Set a goal for drinking

Set a limit for drinking once you are sure about your addiction. Try not to cross the limit of the recommended amount. People aged 65 or older should not have more than one standard link. For people whose age is less than 65, the recommended dosage of alcohol is two standard drinks per day. It is better to set the limit under the observation of the doctor.

 

Choose alcohol-free days

If you have succumbed to severe addiction, drink only once or twice a week. To know how your body and brain respond without alcohol, take a break from alcohol for a week or a month. Thus you can start to drink less.

 

Keep yourself busy

 

To keep your mind away from alcohol, you can enjoy other activities like walking, playing, eating out, or watching movies. You also can pick up your hobbies like painting, playing board games, and woodworking. These can work as an alternative to drinking.

 

Don’t get tempted

Stay away from people and places that can make you tempted towards drinking. Some people associate drinking with specific events like holidays or vacations. If you have an upcoming event, try to manage your habit beforehand. The urge to drink may be high when you are emotionally vulnerable (lonely or alone). To avoid these emotional issues, try some new healthy habits that can control your stress.

 

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 the medication on the market. However, buying Waklert online can make you get it from the comfort of your home.

 

 

 

 


FAQ's

Yes, one can stop drinking alcohol by applying the tapering-off method. This method indicates first lowering the quantity and then gradually stopping. The tapering-off approach will help to avoid withdrawal symptoms. However, in case of severe addiction, seek help from a physician.

The Alcoholic Anonymus, or AA, is the most effective way to treat alcoholism, with a success rate of 60%.

FDA-approved medications, Naltrexone and Acamprosate, are the most effective alcohol addiction treatment medication. Take prior suggestions from a health expert before administering the medications, which are advisable as adjunctive treatment with other therapies for successful recovery.


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Disclaimer: We do not provide any medical advice.

The contents of Healthma are for informational purpose only and is taken by a thorough evaluation of research papers and Journals. We do not provide professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. We advise all readers to consult a physician before consuming any medication mentioned on the website.