Most people with alcoholism or those who abuse alcohol enter
treatment reluctantly because they deny that they have
a problem. Health problems or
legal difficulties may prompt
treatment. Intervention helps some people
recognize and accept the need for treatment. If you''re concerned about a friend
or family member, discuss intervention with a professional. Various treatments
are available to help people with alcohol problems. Depending on the
circumstances, treatment may involve an evaluation, a brief intervention, an
outpatient program or
counseling, or a residential inpatient stay. Determining
your level of dependence: The first step in treatment is to determine
whether you''re alcohol dependent. If you haven''t lost control over your use of
alcohol, treatment may involve reducing your drinking. If you''re dependent on
alcohol, simply cutting back is ineffective. Abstinence must be part of your
treatment goal. If you aren''t dependent on alcohol but are experiencing the
adverse effects of drinking, the goal of treatment is to reduce alcohol-related
problems — often through counseling or a brief intervention, which usually
involves alcohol-abuse specialists who can establish a specific treatment plan.
Interventions may include goal setting, behavioral modification techniques, use
of self-help manuals, counseling and follow-up care at a treatment center. Counseling
may take many forms. With cognitive behavior therapy, you and your therapist
identify distorted thoughts and beliefs that trigger psychological stress. You
learn new ways to view and cope with traumatic events. Emphasis is placed on
developing a sense of mastery and control of your thoughts and feelings. Another
option may be aversion therapy, in which drinking alcohol is paired with a
strong aversive response — such as nausea or vomiting induced by a medication.
After repeated pairing, the alcohol itself causes the aversive response, which
decreases the likelihood of relapse. Residential treatment programs: Many
residential alcoholism treatment programs in the United States include abstinence,
individual and group therapy, participation in alcoholism support groups, such
as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), educational lectures, family involvement, work
assignments, activity therapy and the use of counselors and professional staff
experienced in treating alcoholism. Here is what you might expect from a
typical residential treatment program: Detoxification and withdrawal.
Treatment may begin with a program of detoxification, usually taking about four
to seven days. You may need to take sedating medications to prevent delirium
tremens or other withdrawal seizures. Medical assessment and treatment.
Common medical problems related to alcoholism are high blood pressure,
increased blood sugar, and liver and heart disease. Psychological
support and psychiatric treatment. Group and individual counseling and
therapy support recovery from the psychological aspects of alcoholism. Many
treatment programs also offer couples and family therapy because family support
can be an important part of the recovery process. In fact, involving a spouse
in the treatment process may increase the chances of successful recovery. Emphasis
on acceptance and abstinence. Effective treatment is impossible unless
you accept that you''re addicted and currently unable to control your drinking. Drug
treatments. An alcohol-sensitizing drug called disulfiram (Antabuse)
may be a strong deterrent. Disulfiram won''t cure alcoholism nor can it remove
the compulsion to drink. But if you drink alcohol, the drug produces a severe
physical reaction that includes flushing, nausea, vomiting and headaches.
Naltrexone (ReVia), a drug long known to block the narcotic high, also reduces
the urge to drink. Acamprosate (Campral) is an anti-craving medication that may
help you combat alcohol cravings and remain abstinent from alcohol. Unlike
disulfiram, naltrexonprosate don''t make you feel sick soon after
taking a drink. In June 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved
the first injectable drug to treat alcohol dependence. Vivitrol, a version of
the drug naltrexone, is injected in the buttocks once a month by a health care
professional. It may reduce the urge to drink by blocking neurotransmitters in
the brain thought to be associated with alcohol dependence. Vivitrol doesn''t
affect alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It''s intended for people with alcoholism
who are receiving counseling and who haven''t had a drink for at least a week.
Although similar medication can be taken in pill form, the injectable version of
the drug may be easier for people recovering from alcohol dependence to use
consistently. Continuing support. Aftercare programs and
support groups help people recovering from alcoholism or alcohol abuse abstain
from drinking, manage relapses and cope with necessary lifestyle changes.