Certain safe-substitute drugs, such as benzodiazepine, can only be administered in a hospital. Other drugs require supervision from a pharmacist or doctor. A detoxification is considered only part of the treatment, as it only deals with the physical dependency on alcohol. If you’re receiving counseling, ask your provider about handling high-stress situations when you may feel like you need some additional mental health support. In this disorder, people can’t stop drinking, even when drinking affects their health, puts their safety at risk and damages their personal relationships. Studies show most people can reduce how much they drink or stop drinking entirely.
Starting with a Primary Care Provider
Medications also can help deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk of a return to drinking (e.g., divorce, death of a family member). Regardless of the type of support system, it’s helpful to get involved in at least one when getting sober. Sober communities can help someone struggling with alcohol addiction deal with the challenges of sobriety in day-to-day life. Sober communities can also share relatable experiences and offer new, healthy friendships. And these communities make the person with an alcohol addiction accountable and provide a place to turn to if there is a relapse. This guide is written for individuals—and their family and friends—who are looking for options to address alcohol problems.
- People who are willing to take that important first step will find there is a lot of help available, which is all designed to help them achieve a successful recovery.
- When asked how alcohol problems are treated, people commonly think of 12-step programs or 28-day inpatient treatment centers but may have difficulty naming other options.
- Just like any other medical condition, people with substance use disorders deserve to have a range of treatment options available to them.
- Support groups can be especially helpful when you’re going through treatment for AUD.
Professional diagnosis
- This is available from a range of support groups and professional services.
- In the general population, variation in daily alcohol consumption is distributed along a smooth continuum.
- When addressing drinking problems, it’s important to also seek treatment for any accompanying medical and mental health issues.
- This is a residence where individuals can stay if they live in an environment where alcohol is commonplace.
- Your doctor may refer you to a counselor or other treatment program to help you learn those skills and coping strategies.
- As defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, alcoholism – like other addictions – is a chronic brain disorder1.
The severity of the disease, how often someone drinks, and the alcohol they consume varies from person to person. Some people drink heavily all day, while others binge drink and then stay sober for a while. It can cause changes to the brain and neurochemistry, so a person with an alcohol addiction may not be able to control their actions.
What Types Of Aftercare Programs And Support Are Available?
Once all the information is considered, the doctor can decide on the best course of treatment for the individual’s needs. Healthcare providers diagnose the condition by doing a physical examination to look for symptoms of conditions that alcohol use disorder may cause. AUD is characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. Health care providers diagnose AUD when a person has two or more of the symptoms listed below.
Your health care provider or mental health provider will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your appointment time. A common initial treatment option for someone with an alcohol addiction can alcoholism be cured is an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation program. An inpatient program can last anywhere from 30 days to a year. It can help someone handle withdrawal symptoms and emotional challenges. Outpatient treatment provides daily support while allowing the person to live at home.
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a disease that affects people of all walks of life. Experts have tried to pinpoint factors like genetics, sex, race, or socioeconomics that may predispose someone to alcohol addiction. Psychological, genetic, and behavioral factors can all contribute to having the disease. 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. If you drink more alcohol than that, consider cutting back or quitting.
What health complications are associated with alcoholism?
In fact, there are a variety of treatment methods currently available. These include FDA-approved medications, behavioral therapy, and mutual-support groups. The good news is that no matter how severe the problem may seem, most people with AUD can benefit from some form of treatment. Several evidence-based treatment approaches are available for AUD. One size does not fit all and a treatment approach that may work for one person may not work for another.
Caring for a person who has problems with alcohol can be very stressful. It is important that as you try to help your loved one, you also find a way to take care of yourself. It may help to seek support from others, including friends, family, community, and support groups. If you are developing your own symptoms of depression or anxiety, think about seeking professional help for yourself. Remember that your loved one is ultimately responsible for managing their own illness. Evaluate the coverage in your health insurance plan to determine how much of the costs your insurance will cover and how much you will have to pay.
- Alcoholism is a term that is sometimes used to describe what is known as an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
- In recovery, the person’s relationships with others can be improved as they maintain the ability to keep up with daily responsibilities and activities.
- Couples and family counseling incorporates spouses and other family members in the treatment process and can play an important role in repairing and improving family relationships.