Lena Savoie
Seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder can be challenging, but it's important to know that you are not alone. Many people face similar struggles and there are various support systems in place to help maintain confidentiality while providing treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, there are numerous hotlines and helplines that can provide information about treatment options and connect you with local resources. These services are typically free, confidential, and available 24/7 in multiple languages. Additionally, healthcare providers are bound by doctor-patient confidentiality, so seeking their help can be a good first step. It's also worth noting that treatment options are flexible and can include individual and group therapy, inpatient and outpatient treatment, counselling, sober-living facilities, and support groups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Confidentiality | Calls to helplines are confidential, and helplines will not ask for personal information. |
| Availability | Helplines are available 24/7, 365 days a year. |
| Language | Helplines are available in English and Spanish. |
| Cost | The service is free of charge. |
| Text Service | SMS text service is available for those who prefer not to call. |
| Treatment Options | Treatment options include inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, alcohol counseling, sober-living facilities, and support groups. |
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What You'll Learn
Confidentiality of treatment helplines
Confidentiality is a key concern for anyone seeking help with alcohol addiction. The good news is that treatment helplines are designed to be a safe, confidential space for people to discuss their addiction and get the help they need.
Alcohol addiction helplines are staffed by trained advisors, some of whom are themselves in recovery or have previously struggled with addiction. Calls are free and anonymous, and helplines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are a valuable resource for those suffering from addiction, as well as their friends and family members.
When you call an alcohol helpline, you will be asked some questions to assess your situation and see how they can help. These might include basic information such as your location, age, and gender, as well as questions about your drinking habits and whether you are ready to start treatment. The answers you give will help the advisor understand your specific situation and suggest the best course of action, such as detoxification or rehabilitation.
In addition to providing advice and emotional support, helplines can also refer you to other services and support groups in your local area. They can also provide information on the different types of treatment available and help you understand your health insurance coverage for rehab or other treatment options.
It is important to note that while helplines are confidential, if you are calling about someone else, it is always best to verify their confidentiality terms first. If the situation is life-threatening, you should always call 911 immediately.
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Treatment options
If the condition is mild, healthcare providers may recommend behavioural treatment, which involves counselling with addiction counsellors or psychologists. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one such therapy that helps individuals change their thinking and behaviours that lead to drinking. Motivational enhancement therapy is another form of talk therapy that uses one's internal strengths to encourage and motivate change.
For moderate to severe cases of AUD, healthcare providers may recommend inpatient medical treatment or residential rehabilitation. There are also three medications approved for AUD in the United States: Naltrexone, which is available as a pill or injection and helps reduce the urge to drink; Acamprosate, a pill that decreases the negative symptoms associated with alcohol abstinence; and Disulfiram, a pill that discourages drinking by causing unpleasant symptoms when alcohol is consumed.
Other treatment options include support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, which use sponsors and other members to help individuals through the process of stopping drinking. SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free and confidential referral service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
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Relapse
Confidentiality is a key concern for people seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder. In the US, SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The service does not ask for any personal information, but may request your zip code or other geographic information to accurately identify local resources. Similarly, the National Drug Helpline provides confidential support and guidance without judgment.
There are various treatment options available following a relapse. These include increased personal therapy, couples and family therapy, relapse prevention classes or groups, and behavioural therapies. Behavioural therapies can help prevent future relapses by teaching individuals to manage stress, cravings, and triggers. Medication can also help deter drinking during high-risk periods.
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Withdrawal symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they can sometimes be life-threatening. These symptoms occur when a person with alcohol use disorder (AUD) stops or significantly decreases their alcohol intake. AUD is the most common substance use disorder in the US, affecting 28.8 million adults. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within six to 24 hours of stopping or significantly decreasing heavy, long-term alcohol use.
Mild symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include anxiety, nervousness, irritability, excessive sweating, an upset stomach, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and tremors (shakiness) of the hands or other body parts. These symptoms can begin as early as six hours after the last drink and tend to peak within 24 to 72 hours. During this time, more serious symptoms can develop, such as hallucinations and seizures. The risk of seizures is highest 24 to 48 hours after the last drink.
In some cases, individuals may experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia and mood changes, which can last for weeks or even months. A severe form of alcohol withdrawal is delirium tremens (DTs), which can be fatal. DTs typically occur within 72 hours of the last drink and can continue for several days, with symptoms often peaking around four to five days after the last drink. Symptoms of DTs include severe confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol withdrawal, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if there are concerning symptoms. SAMHSA's National Helpline offers a free, confidential referral service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. They can provide referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Additionally, individuals can text their zip code to 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near them.
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Treatment providers
If you are seeking treatment for yourself, you can reach out to a treatment provider to discuss your rehab options. These calls are always free and confidential. Treatment providers are available 24/7 to answer your questions about rehab and recovery. You can submit your number and receive a free call from a treatment provider.
If you are seeking treatment for a loved one, you can still contact a treatment provider to discuss options. It is important to do your research and understand the specific issues that your loved one is facing. You can suggest or schedule a routine check-up appointment with a doctor and inform them of the addiction prior to the visit. Doctors will still protect doctor-patient confidentiality but can also recommend courses of action.
There are many treatment options available, from behavioural therapies and medications to mutual-support groups. You can use the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator to help guide your search for a treatment provider. SAMHSA's National Helpline is another free, confidential service that provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. This service is available 24/7, 365 days a year in English and Spanish.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, helplines such as SAMHSA’s National Helpline are confidential and free. They will not ask for any personal information.
No, your treatment is confidential. However, if you are missing work due to treatment, you may need to inform your employer about your absence.
If you have no insurance or are underinsured, you can be referred to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs.
Yes, you can remain anonymous when seeking treatment. Treatment providers will keep your information confidential.
Yes, treatment for alcohol use disorder is confidential. You can seek treatment without your family knowing, and they will not be able to access your medical records without your consent.
