Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a mental and physical dependence on alcohol. Show
This chronic illness can include symptoms like an intense need for using alcohol, even when the use has become problematic. Symptoms can also include intense periods of withdrawal once you stop using alcohol. If you or someone you know is living with an AUD, the good news is that there are many different treatment options, and your doctor can help you choose the best one for you. They may recommend detoxification, medication, or relapse prevention training. Read on to learn more about how AUD is treated. There’s no cure for AUD. The road to recovering from AUD can be a long process that requires various treatments or therapies. Experts recommend that your individual treatment plan should potentially be based on your American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria results, as well as personal circumstances, like:
If you want to take steps to get treatment for your AUD, make an appointment with your doctor. They’ll likely ask you a series of questions to determine the severity of your dependency. These questions can also help them determine the best treatment option for your needs. Your doctor or therapist may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
DetoxificationMany treatment plans begin with a detoxification program to help treat your withdrawal symptoms after you stop drinking alcohol. Detoxification is often performed in an inpatient therapy treatment center or hospital. It typically takes 1 week to complete. Because the symptoms of physical withdrawal can be life-threatening, you may also be given medications to help prevent:
Therapy and behavioral modificationYour doctor may refer you to one-on-one therapy or group counseling. Benefits of therapyWorking with a therapist can help determine your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and can help get to the root cause of your AUD. Some other benefits of therapy can include:
Behavior modificationPeople who’re dependent on alcohol may need to learn skills and coping mechanisms to help avoid alcohol once you leave a treatment center or return to familiar environments. Your doctor may refer you to a counselor or other treatment program to help you learn those skills and coping strategies. Find support groupsSupport groups can be especially helpful when you’re going through treatment for AUD. A support group can help you connect with other people who’re facing similar challenges. They can help answer questions, provide encouragement, and direct you to support resources. But keep in mind that support groups aren’t for everyone, and they may not be helpful for some people. Types of support groupsThere are a few different support groups specifically for tackling alcohol dependency. There are also groups for family and friends helping their loved ones cope with AUD. Some of these include:
MedicationsSeveral medications are used to treat AUD. They include:
Naltrexone is available in the form of an oral tablet or injection. Vivitrol is an injected form of the drug that your doctor can give you once a month. This may be more reliable and convenient than oral pills, especially if you think you may forget or be unwilling to take a pill every day. AUD can take a physical toll on your body, causing a variety of complications. For example, it can raise your risk of:
Dependency is often accompanied by certain mood or mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Along with your treatment for AUD, you may need to seek medical care for other complications you experience. Treating AUD may be a lifelong journey. You may experience relapses and temptations, but this is completely normal. It’s not uncommon to slip in and out of sobriety on your recovery journey. Some people recover from AUD the first time they seek treatment, while others may require several treatment attempts. The more you try, the higher your chances of success. What strategies are used to treat alcoholism?Treatment for alcohol use disorder may include:. Detox and withdrawal. ... . Learning new skills and making a treatment plan. ... . Psychological counseling. ... . Oral medications. ... . Injected medication. ... . Continuing support. ... . Treatment for psychological problems. ... . Medical treatment for health conditions.. How can you support a person suffering from alcoholism?Supportive tips. Be empathetic when approaching your loved one.. Be honest about your concerns and offer your support.. Let the person know you're there if they need someone to talk to.. Offer to take them to meetings.. Take good care of yourself.. What is the first line of treatment for alcoholism?Naltrexone — For most newly diagnosed patients with moderate or severe alcohol use disorder, we suggest initial treatment with naltrexone. Naltrexone is our preferred choice due to its preferable dosing schedule and the ability to begin treatment for alcohol use disorder while the individual is still drinking.
What method of treatment has been found to be the most effective for alcoholics?Alcoholics Anonymous Is Most Effective Treatment for Addiction, Researchers Say. A new study concludes that the Alcoholics Anonymous program is the most effective way to treat alcohol use disorder.
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