Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by a loss of control over drinking. Alcohol Use Disorder causes people to become dependent on alcohol where they continue to drink regardless of the consequences, and also experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. Alcoholism has short-term and long-term effects on both mental health and physical health.
Alcoholism is a treatable disease that is accessible through health insurance. The most common alcohol treatments include:
The disorder can progress through three stages referred to as:
If this continues for an extended period it can lead to the development of severe complications and diseases. Such as cancer, brain damage, or heart disease.
When AUD is identified in a person, that is probably the time for treatment. The earlier it is identified, the better the chance of getting through it successfully. Knowing the signs of alcoholism is also an important factor in identifying AUD and whether it has developed into a dependence.
Alcohol rehab starts with a thorough evaluation followed by medical detox and residential treatment and maintenance. The different steps and levels of care in rehab include the following:
Going through detoxification when treating alcoholism is a challenging process. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and should be managed under professional medical care, often with the assistance of medication to help alleviate discomfort while focusing on getting better. Once complete, you’re able to move ahead into other forms of therapy which form the basis for lasting recovery from alcohol addiction.
During inpatient rehab, the patient lives in the facility for approximately four weeks, undergoing detox and therapy. They follow a schedule of group therapies, individual therapy sessions, and family programs. Sometimes these treatments are combined with alternative methods like acupuncture or massage therapy. Many patients find it helpful to recover by adding this with traditional rehab.
Outpatient treatment for alcoholism can be an effective way to help individuals who struggle with alcohol misuse to begin their journey toward recovery. By utilizing evidence-based strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivation enhancement therapy, and relapse prevention techniques, outpatient treatment can offer a supportive environment that helps individuals build confidence in their ability to make positive changes in their lives. Through the combination of support services and practical guidance, individuals in an outpatient program for alcoholism can work to achieve lasting sobriety and improved quality of life.
Counseling is a vital part of the recovery process for those struggling with alcohol addiction. Working closely with an experienced counselor opens up channels of communication and provides guidance when navigating both victories, as well as times of difficulty during this journey. In addition to addressing drinking habits, individuals have the chance to get clear on any underlying issues that could be triggering their addictive behaviors such as peer pressure or family tensions in order to better understand themselves from within–ultimately benefiting physical health along the way.
Aftercare and maintenance includes relapse prevention and is usually found in peer recovery groups. Peer recovery groups include 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are free self-supporting groups for those who suffer from alcohol addiction. Members support each other in their sobriety, provide resources, and spread the message of hope.
Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram are medications approved to treat AUD.
Medications when used in combination with therapies and support groups such as AA, can be an effective way to help wean alcoholics off their addiction.
The following tips can help guide an individual during treatment:
A reputable rehab facility will have an addiction specialist that can help you taper off your drug intake, provide medication to help with the withdrawal symptoms, and do individual counseling.
It is important to have a treatment plan that is catered specifically to your needs. The facility should be able to accommodate the issue at hand and provide an effective solution for it.
For example, if a person has a child suffering from AUD or drug addiction, then specific family programs should be provided by the rehab center to help the family heal.
When selecting an alcohol treatment program, consider the specific details such as where it is located and if transportation will be needed after admission. Will there be any time restrictions? Is there a curfew or minimum hours of participation?
Some rehabs are fully cash pay but others accept most major PPO and HMO insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. It’s important to ask what insurance if any the rehab accepts and if they will accept your insurance.
If you have someone you care about that is struggling with alcohol use disorder, here are some ways that you can help them.
The answer is yes, millions of people have stopped drinking without going to rehab through resources like Alcoholics Anonymous and therapy. However, every individual is different and there isn’t anything wrong (or stigmas attached) to go to rehab for alcoholism. es, you can stop drinking on your own.
People that suffer from alcoholism can quit and maintain a sober lifestyle by deciding not to drink alcohol anymore. The initial withdrawal symptoms can be extremely dangerous to get through and cravings are extremely strong. Going to detox for alcohol withdrawal and seeking professional inpatient rehab is much safer than going cold turkey.
If you decide to go to rehab or that you want to quit on your own, it’s important to have a strong support system. AA, NA, Smart Recovery, and even Oxford groups are really important as well as friends and family that know you are trying to achieve sobriety. Having a support system is one of the best relapse prevention techniques that will help you in the long run and increase your chances of success.
At Magnified Health Systems, our team aids patients in becoming responsible for assessing and healthily getting their needs met in all 8 dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, mental, social, environmental, spiritual, occupational, and financial.
We offer a variety of therapies to help our patients deal with the effects of alcohol addiction and sobriety. Our experiential programs include yoga, song healing circles, or art groups for those who want more than just talk therapy in their journey toward wellness.
As well as psychotherapy sessions that can provide lasting relief from mental health issues such as depression through counseling at one on under-qualified professionals.
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Ottonello, M., Fiabane, E., Pistarini, C., Spigno, P., & Torselli, E. (2019). Difficulties in emotion regulation during rehabilitation for alcohol addiction: correlations with metacognitive beliefs about alcohol use and relapse risk. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 15, 2917.
Pang, T. Y., Hannan, A. J., & Lawrence, A. J. (2019). Novel approaches to alcohol rehabilitation: modification of stress-responsive brain regions through environmental enrichment. Neuropharmacology, 145, 25-36.
Prangley, T., Pit, S. W., Rees, T., & Nealon, J. (2018). Factors influencing early withdrawal from a drug and alcohol treatment program and client perceptions of successful recovery and employment: a qualitative study. BMC psychiatry, 18(1), 1-11.
Medical Advice Disclaimer
Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.
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