Arielle Cruz
Alcohol use disorder is a chronic illness that can interfere with physical or mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. It is characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. Treatment for alcohol addiction typically includes medication, behavioural therapy, and support groups. To prevent alcohol addiction, it is important to recognise the signs of a drinking problem and seek help early on. Support is available through various helplines, treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organisations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment Options | Behavioral treatments, medications, support groups, therapy, rehab, detox, mutual-support groups, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment |
| Behavioral Treatments | Counseling, therapy, provided by licensed therapists, psychologists, or addiction counselors |
| Medications | Naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, topiramate, gabapentin |
| Support | Family therapy, youth support groups, mutual-support groups, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), spending time with people who understand your situation |
| Relapse Prevention | Intensive outpatient programs (IOP), therapy, building a new life where drinking is not an option |
| Resources | NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline, SAMHSA's Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, A-CHESS mobile tool |
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What You'll Learn
Recognise the signs of alcohol addiction
Recognising the signs of alcohol addiction is the first step to dealing with it. Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a common medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. People with AUD may drink despite the damage it causes to their relationships, or they may plan their life around their next drink. They may also experience physical symptoms such as alcohol cravings or withdrawal symptoms when they are not drinking.
If you are concerned that you or someone close to you may be struggling with alcohol addiction, look out for the following signs:
- Craving beverages containing alcohol
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the effects of alcohol wear off, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, dysphoria, malaise, feeling low, or seizures
- Drinking despite the negative impact on your health, safety, and personal relationships
- Planning your life around your next drink
- Experiencing mood and behavioural changes
- Having difficulty controlling your alcohol consumption, drinking more than you intended, or drinking faster than intended
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or others, it may be a sign of alcohol addiction. It is important to seek professional help and support to address the issue.
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Seek professional help
Seeking professional help is a crucial step in preventing and dealing with alcohol addiction. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism is a common medical condition characterised by an inability to stop drinking despite negative consequences. Treatment options include medication, behavioural therapy, and support groups. Here are some ways to seek professional help:
Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural treatments involve counselling and therapy sessions with addiction counsellors or psychologists. These sessions aim to change drinking behaviour, identify root causes of alcohol use, repair relationships, and develop healthier coping mechanisms to prevent relapse. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), for instance, uses a problem-solving approach to challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs contributing to alcohol dependence.
Medication
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate, and gabapentin to treat alcohol use disorder. These medications can reduce cravings and prevent relapse. For instance, acamprosate (brand name Campral) is often used in combination with counselling to reduce alcohol cravings. Additionally, nalmefene (brand name Selincro) works by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, reducing alcohol cravings.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
IOPs offer a structured approach to relapse prevention, often including group therapy, individual therapy, or family therapy. These programs can be tailored to work around your schedule and typically require a commitment of 9 to 19 hours of treatment per week.
Support Groups
Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, provide a sense of community and understanding. The 12-step programme promoted by AA helps individuals overcome their addiction, emphasising total abstinence as the only solution. SMART Recovery offers a similar approach with group meetings and online training.
Medical Detoxification
For long-term, heavy drinkers, medical supervision during detoxification is crucial. This can be done on an outpatient basis or in a hospital or alcohol treatment facility, where medication may be prescribed to prevent complications and relieve withdrawal symptoms.
Professional Resources
Various organisations offer guidance and support for individuals seeking help with alcohol addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides resources like the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator®, an online tool to help individuals find qualified treatment providers near them. Additionally, SAMHSA's National Helpline offers a free, confidential referral and information service for individuals and families facing substance use disorders.
Remember, recovery from alcohol addiction is a journey that often involves setbacks. Seeking professional help is a courageous step towards healing and regaining control over your life.
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Detoxification and medication
Detoxification is a crucial step in the recovery process for long-term, heavy drinkers. This process can be undertaken on an outpatient basis or in a hospital or alcohol treatment facility under medical supervision. Detoxification helps to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent medical complications. It is important to note that alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening and may cause dangerous changes in brain function, so seeking medical assistance is essential.
Medications can play a vital role in supporting recovery from alcohol addiction. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several medications to help individuals reduce their drinking or stop drinking altogether. These include naltrexone (oral and long-acting injectable), acamprosate, and disulfiram. Other medications such as topiramate and gabapentin can also help decrease cravings. These medications are typically prescribed by primary care providers or other healthcare professionals and may be used in conjunction with counselling or therapy.
In addition to medication, behavioural treatments are also an important component of recovery. These treatments focus on changing drinking behaviour through counselling or therapy. Licensed therapists employ various techniques, including brief interventions, reinforcement approaches, and mindfulness-based therapies. The goal is to build motivation, teach coping skills, and prevent a return to drinking.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are another option that offers relapse prevention. These programs can be tailored to work or school schedules and typically involve a commitment of 9 to 19 hours of treatment per week, including group therapy.
Overall, a combination of detoxification, medication, and behavioural treatments can provide a comprehensive approach to recovering from alcohol addiction and preventing relapse.
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Support groups and therapy
Behavioural treatments involve working with a healthcare provider to identify and change drinking behaviours. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can be done individually or in small groups, focusing on identifying feelings and situations that trigger heavy drinking and managing stress to prevent relapse. 12-step facilitation therapy is also used to increase engagement in mutual-support groups. Acceptance and mindfulness-based interventions improve awareness and acceptance of present experiences, while mindfulness-based skill-building strategies promote flexible responses to triggers.
Mutual-support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide a sense of community and shared experience, reducing isolation and offering advice and support for sobriety. Al-Anon is another mutual-help group for loved ones of those struggling with alcohol misuse, offering a space to share experiences and find strength and hope. Alateen is a similar support group specifically for teens with alcoholic family members. These groups can provide valuable social connections and build confidence in one's ability to avoid alcohol.
In addition to mutual-help groups, individual therapy or counselling can be beneficial for those struggling with alcohol addiction and their loved ones. Family therapy can also help navigate recovery together and repair damaged relationships. It is important to focus on one's own needs and set healthy boundaries while supporting a loved one's recovery.
To find support groups and therapy services, individuals can contact their primary care provider, health insurance plan, local health department, or employee assistance program. Additionally, SAMHSA's National Helpline offers a free and confidential referral service for individuals and family members facing substance use disorders, providing information on local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
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Preventing relapse
Behavioural Treatments and Therapy
Behavioural treatments, also known as alcohol counselling or talk therapy, are provided by licensed therapists and aim to change drinking behaviour. This can include brief interventions, reinforcement approaches to build motivation, and teaching coping skills to prevent a return to drinking. Therapy can help individuals identify the root causes of their alcohol use, repair relationships, and learn healthier coping mechanisms to deal with triggers. Mutual-support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), provide peer support and allow individuals to connect with others going through similar experiences.
Medication
Three medications—naltrexone (oral and long-acting injectable), acamprosate, and disulfiram—are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help reduce drinking and prevent relapse. Medications can be prescribed to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and prevent medical complications, especially for long-term, heavy drinkers. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate medication and treatment plan.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
IOPs focus on relapse prevention and typically involve a commitment of 9 to 19 hours per week for group therapy or other treatments. These programs can be scheduled around work or school, providing a flexible option for those seeking treatment.
Self-Care and Support
Taking care of oneself is essential during recovery. Eating right and getting enough sleep can help prevent mood swings and combat cravings. Building a supportive network and connecting with others who understand your situation, such as through support groups, can provide encouragement and guidance. It is important to remember that recovery is a journey, and setbacks are common. Seeking professional help early and maintaining regular check-ins with a treatment provider can be beneficial in preventing relapse.
Customized Treatment Plans
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing relapse. Treatment plans should be customized to the individual's unique problems and situation. It is important to explore different options, including rehab, therapy, and self-directed treatment approaches, to find what works best for you.
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Frequently asked questions
Treatment options include medication, therapy, and support groups. Medication such as naltrexone and acamprosate are approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). Topiramate and gabapentin can also reduce cravings. Therapy can help change drinking behavior and address underlying issues. Support groups provide connection and understanding with others going through similar experiences.
Recognizing a drinking problem is the first step to preventing alcohol addiction. If your drinking is causing issues with your health, social life, family, or job, it's important to seek help. Preventing high-risk drinking behaviors and reducing alcohol consumption can lower the risk of developing AUD.
Family therapy can play a crucial role in supporting a loved one with alcohol addiction. Encouraging emotional support from other adults, school counselors, or youth support groups like Alateen can be beneficial for teens with parents struggling with alcohol addiction. SAMHSA also offers a free, confidential National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) that provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
