Lena Savoie
Alcohol use disorder is a persistent medical illness characterized by the compulsive use of alcohol despite negative consequences. It is a complex disorder with biological and environmental underpinnings, and it often co-occurs with other mental health conditions. Treatment for alcohol use disorder depends on the severity of the condition, which is determined by the number of diagnostic criteria met. Treatment options include inpatient medical treatment, residential rehabilitation, behavioral treatment, and medication. Supporting someone with unhealthy alcohol use is a lifelong process, and relapse is common. It is important for loved ones to understand the disease of addiction and the specific issues the affected individual is facing. Interventions can be an effective approach, and professional help is available through hotlines, doctors, and treatment centers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Behavioral treatment, counseling, medication, inpatient medical treatment, residential rehabilitation |
| Support | SAMHSA's National Helpline, Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon Family Groups, Women for Sobriety, Secular Organizations for Sobriety, SMART Recovery, family therapy, local support groups, community-based organizations |
| Understanding | Learn about alcohol use disorders, the biology and environmental factors, the signs and symptoms, and the stages of addiction |
| Intervention | A chance for family to express their concerns and pain; providing ultimatums to the addicted individual |
| Relapse | Relapse is common, but it can be navigated through and remission can be achieved |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding alcohol use disorder (AUD) and its symptoms
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a persistent medical illness characterised by the compulsive use of alcohol despite the negative consequences it has on one's brain, body, and life. It is a complex disorder with many interrelated biological and environmental causes. AUD is a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe, and is diagnosed based on criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
The symptoms of AUD focus on changes in mood and behaviour. According to the DSM-5, symptoms include:
- Craving alcoholic beverages
- Continuing to consume alcohol despite its negative impact on relationships
- Drinking more or for longer than intended
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, consuming, or recovering from alcohol use
- Repeatedly trying to reduce alcohol consumption without success
- Failing to meet work, family, or social obligations due to drinking
- Giving up important activities in favour of drinking
- Using alcohol in hazardous situations
- Continuing to drink despite having a medical condition exacerbated by alcohol consumption
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help. AUD is a treatable condition, and recovery is possible. However, it is important to note that relapse may occur, and ongoing support is often necessary.
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Knowing how to stage an intervention
- Research and Understanding: Educate yourself about alcohol use disorders and the specific issues your loved one is facing. Understanding the nature of addiction, its stages, and its impact on the individual is essential for gaining perspective and validating your concerns. This knowledge will also help you communicate more effectively with your loved one.
- Involve Professionals: Consult a doctor or a professional addiction counsellor before the intervention. Inform them of your loved one's addiction, as they can provide valuable insights and recommend appropriate courses of action. Their involvement can also serve as a wake-up call for the affected individual, helping them see past their excuses and think more clearly.
- Choose an Appropriate Time and Place: Select a time and location that is private, comfortable, and free from distractions. Ensure that the environment is calm and supportive, as interventions can be emotionally charged.
- Prepare What You Want to Say: Write down specific examples of how your loved one's drinking has impacted their life and the lives of those around them. Express your concerns and emotions honestly and directly. It is important to be firm but also compassionate, as the goal is to motivate them to seek help rather than shame them.
- Set Clear Boundaries and Ultimatums: Interventions are often about setting boundaries and delivering ultimatums. Decide on specific consequences if your loved one refuses treatment. These consequences should be communicated clearly and firmly. While this may be challenging, it demonstrates your commitment to their wellbeing and can motivate them to take action.
- Offer Treatment Options: Provide information about treatment facilities, support groups, and community resources. Offer a range of options, including inpatient medical treatment, residential rehabilitation, behavioural therapy, and medication, if appropriate. It is important to be prepared with next steps if your loved one agrees to seek help.
Remember, interventions can be emotionally challenging for all involved. It is important to approach this process with compassion and a genuine desire to help. While interventions can be effective, they are not a guarantee of success, and relapse may occur during your loved one's recovery journey. Be prepared to provide ongoing support and encouragement.
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Researching treatment options, including rehab
Researching treatment options for alcohol use disorder is a crucial step towards recovery. It is important to understand that recovery is a lifelong process, and relapses may occur. Here are some steps to take when researching treatment options:
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterised by compulsive alcohol consumption despite negative consequences on the brain, body, and overall life. It is a treatable medical illness with a range of symptoms, including craving alcoholic beverages, continuing to drink despite negative impacts on relationships, drinking more than intended, spending significant time drinking or recovering from hangovers, repeatedly failing to meet obligations, and using alcohol in hazardous situations. Understanding these symptoms and their impact is essential for choosing the right treatment approach.
Seeking Professional Help
Consulting a healthcare provider or a doctor is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan. They can determine the severity of the condition—mild, moderate, or severe—and recommend appropriate treatment options. Professionals such as addiction counsellors, psychologists, or therapists can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the recovery journey.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for AUD vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual needs. They may include:
- Behavioural Treatment: This involves counselling sessions focused on changing drinking behaviour. It can be conducted by addiction counsellors or psychologists.
- Medication: The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved medications such as naltrexone and acamprosate for treating AUD.
- Inpatient Medical Treatment or Residential Rehabilitation: In severe cases, inpatient or residential rehab may be recommended to provide intensive care and support.
- Support Groups: Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon Family Groups, Women for Sobriety, and SMART Recovery can offer peer support and a sense of community during recovery.
Intervention Services
If your loved one is refusing treatment, intervention services can be considered. These services provide a structured framework for expressing concerns and encouraging the individual to seek treatment. It is important to approach interventions with care and compassion, as forcing someone into treatment may not always be effective. However, in some states, involuntary rehab is an option, allowing family members to legally compel their loved ones to receive treatment.
Support for Family Members
Supporting a loved one with AUD can be challenging, and it is important to also prioritise your own well-being. SAMHSA's National Helpline offers a free and confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing substance use and mental health disorders. They provide referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organisations. Additionally, resources such as "It's Not Your Fault" by NACoA offer support and assurance to teens with parents struggling with alcohol abuse.
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Managing expectations and understanding relapse
Understanding Relapse
Relapse is a common occurrence during recovery from AUD, with approximately 66% of individuals experiencing it at some point. A relapse happens when a person in recovery returns to active alcohol use. It is important to recognize that relapse does not signify failure or a lack of progress. Instead, it is often a normal part of the recovery process, and many individuals are able to navigate through it successfully and return to remission. Understanding and accepting the possibility of relapse can help manage expectations and provide a more realistic perspective on the recovery journey.
Managing Expectations
Helping a loved one with AUD and mental health issues is a challenging and rewarding pursuit that requires patience and perseverance. It is important to recognize that recovery is a lifelong process, and there may be setbacks and challenges along the way. Managing expectations involves understanding that progress may not always be linear, and there may be periods of relapse or difficulty. It is crucial to maintain realistic expectations and celebrate even the smallest achievements.
Supporting Relapse Prevention
While relapse is a normal part of recovery for some, it is also important to focus on relapse prevention. This involves helping your loved one develop strategies to manage triggers and high-risk situations. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, to develop healthy coping mechanisms and build a strong support system. Relapse prevention also involves ongoing self-care and management of co-occurring mental health conditions. This may include ongoing therapy, medication, or other recommended treatments.
Interventions and Professional Support
If your loved one is resistant to seeking help, an intervention may be necessary. Interventions provide a structured opportunity for family and friends to express their concerns and encourage the individual to seek treatment. It is important to approach interventions with compassion and understanding, providing a safe space for honest communication. Involving a professional interventionist or a trained addiction counsellor can increase the chances of a successful intervention. Additionally, seeking professional support for yourself, such as through support groups like Al-Anon Family Groups, can provide valuable guidance and emotional support throughout the process.
Education and Understanding
Educating yourself about AUD and mental health issues is essential for managing expectations and understanding relapse. Learn about the specific challenges your loved one is facing, the stages of addiction, and the available treatment options. This knowledge will enable you to better support your loved one and make informed decisions throughout their recovery journey. Understanding the biological and environmental underpinnings of AUD can help foster empathy and patience, as well as guide your expectations and responses during their recovery process.
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Seeking support from professionals and community groups
Supporting a loved one with an alcohol problem can be challenging, but it can also strengthen your relationship and improve their health and well-being. It's important to understand that recovery is a lifelong process, and relapse may be a part of it. It's also crucial to do your research and understand the specific alcohol and mental health issues your loved one is facing.
- Involuntary rehab: In some states, involuntary rehab allows you to force a person into treatment. For example, under Florida's Marchman Act, a judge can order your loved one into treatment. While families may hesitate to take this step, studies indicate that treatment can be effective even if the person does not voluntarily agree to it.
- Interventions: Interventions can be an effective way to express your concerns and provide ultimatums in a constructive manner. They can help your loved one understand the severity of the situation and encourage them to seek treatment.
- Professional help: Consider seeking help from professionals such as doctors, addiction counsellors, psychologists, or online addiction and mental health counsellors. Inform the doctor of the addiction before the visit so they can better identify the issues and recommend appropriate courses of action.
- Treatment facilities and support groups: SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) is a free and confidential service that provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. They can also refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid.
- Community resources: Explore recovery resources available in your community, such as spiritual or religious institutions, local Veterans Administrations, LGBTQ+ community groups, or county or regional healthcare authorities. These groups can provide additional support and guidance during the recovery process.
- Family therapy: Family therapy can play a crucial role in the recovery process. It can help family members cope with the impact of their loved one's addiction and provide a better understanding of how to support their recovery.
Remember, each person's journey to recovery is unique, and different methods work for different people. By seeking support from professionals and community groups, you can gain valuable knowledge, resources, and guidance to help your loved one on their path to healing.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), signs of an alcohol use disorder include craving beverages containing alcohol, continuing to drink despite drinking affecting relationships, drinking more than intended, spending lots of time drinking or recovering from hangovers, and giving up social activities because of alcohol.
You can consider staging an intervention, which provides a proper place and time to deliver ultimatums and express your concerns. You can also suggest or schedule a routine check-up appointment and inform the doctor of the addiction prior to the visit.
Treatment options include behavioural treatment, such as counselling with addiction counsellors or psychologists, and medication such as naltrexone and acamprosate. For those with severe alcohol use disorder, inpatient medical treatment or residential rehabilitation may be recommended.
SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. They can refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. You can also inquire with your doctor, spiritual or religious institutions, local Veterans Administrations, or local LGBTQ+ community for recovery resources.
