If identified and treated early, someone with an alcohol addiction may be able to avoid major consequences of the disease. Understanding the available treatment options—from behavioral therapies and medications to mutual-support groups—is the first step. The can alcoholics have food cooked with alcohol important thing is to remain engaged in whatever method you choose.
Treatment Options
Primary care and mental health providers can provide effective AUD treatment by combining new medications with brief counseling visits. Ideally, health care providers will one day be able to identify which AUD treatment is most effective for each person. These advances could optimize how treatment decisions are made in the future.
Types of Treatment
A number of health conditions can often go hand in hand with AUD. Studies show that people who have AUD are more likely to suffer from major depression or anxiety over their lifetime. When addressing drinking problems, it’s important to also seek treatment for any accompanying medical and mental health issues. Three medications are currently approved in the United States to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent a return to drinking. These medications are prescribed by a primary care provider or other health care provider and may be used inspirational addiction recovery quotes alone or in combination with counseling.
The evidence suggests that the free and flexible assistance provided by mutual-support groups can help people make and sustain beneficial changes and, thus, promote recovery. Alcohol-related problems—which result from drinking too much, too fast, or too often—are among the most significant public health issues in the United States. Be prepared to discuss any problems that alcohol may be causing.
Instead, these are groups of people who have alcohol use disorder. Examples include Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and other programs. Your peers can offer understanding and advice and help keep you accountable. You doctor also can refer you to a treatment center or experts who can help. Treatment for alcohol addiction is individualized, so each person’s care plan will depend on their unique needs. Recognizing that you or a loved one has a problem with alcohol can be jarring.
Coping and support
Inpatient programs are often well-suited for people with severe alcohol addiction, complicated medical histories, multiple mental health conditions, or little support at home. After a person is stabilized in an inpatient rehab program, it is often beneficial to transition to an outpatient program for continued recovery. how long does molly stay in your hair Once a formal program at any level is completed, involvement in an aftercare program or support services is highly recommended.
Research shows that most people who have alcohol problems are able to reduce their drinking or quit entirely. 12-step facilitation therapy is an engagement strategy used in counseling sessions to increase an individual’s active involvement in 12-step-based mutual-support groups. Drugs used for other conditions — like smoking, pain, or epilepsy — also may help with alcohol use disorder.
- An intervention from loved ones can help some people recognize and accept that they need professional help.
- Therapy is useful to help teach someone how to manage the stress of recovery and the skills needed to prevent a relapse.
- For more information on a return to drinking, see An Ongoing Process.
- As defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, alcoholism – like other addictions – is a chronic brain disorder1.
- Realizing you may have an issue is the first step toward getting better, so don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider.
- If identified and treated early, someone with an alcohol addiction may be able to avoid major consequences of the disease.
Impact on your health
Or a doctor could prescribe drugs to assist with other emotions common in recovery. These complications are reasons why it’s important to treat alcohol addiction early. Nearly all risks involved with alcohol addiction may be avoidable or treatable, with successful long-term recovery. It can cause changes to the brain and neurochemistry, so a person with an alcohol addiction may not be able to control their actions. 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.