Vivian Marlowe
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder that affects millions of people. It can be challenging to talk about alcoholism, but it's important to remember that healthcare providers are there to help and support you. They can recommend treatments and resources to aid your recovery, such as medications, counselling, and support groups. It's also beneficial to gather information about different treatment options and providers to make an informed decision. Support from friends and family can also be crucial in overcoming alcohol problems, and they too can seek support from support groups. Remember, recovery is a journey taken one step at a time, and it's important to take care of yourself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Recognise that you may have an issue and do not hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider |
| Treatment | Your healthcare provider can recommend treatments and resources to help you recover from alcohol use disorder |
| Support | Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs, can provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on drinking |
| Medication | The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved naltrexone and acamprosate as alcohol use disorder treatments. Topiramate and gabapentin can also decrease cravings in some people |
| Self-guided programs | Your healthcare provider may suggest an online self-guided program, which has been shown to help people overcome alcohol problems |
| Family and friends | Support from friends and family members is important in overcoming alcohol problems. However, they may feel unsure about how to provide the best support |
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What You'll Learn
Recognising the problem and seeking help
Recognising that you may have a drinking problem can be difficult, but it is an important first step towards getting better. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition that affects millions of people, and it is characterised by a craving for alcohol and increased alcohol consumption. If you think you may have AUD, consider the following steps:
- Acknowledge the problem: Recognising that you have a drinking problem is the first step towards recovery. Be honest with yourself about the amount you are drinking and the impact it is having on your life.
- Seek professional help: Talk to your doctor or a healthcare provider about your concerns. They can evaluate your situation, recommend treatments, and refer you to specialists or support groups. Be open and honest about your drinking habits and any symptoms you are experiencing. Your doctor can also prescribe medications to help with withdrawal symptoms and make the process safer and less distressing.
- Explore treatment options: There are various treatment options available for AUD, including behavioural treatments, medications, and support groups. Your healthcare provider can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each treatment setting and make an informed decision.
- Connect with support groups: Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other 12-step programs can provide valuable peer support and help you connect with others who understand your situation. These groups can offer a layer of support in addition to professional treatment.
- Manage stress and triggers: Exercise is a great way to manage stress and cope with cravings. Identify your triggers and high-stress situations that may lead to a relapse, and seek additional mental health support if needed.
- Prevent relapse: Relapses are common, and it is important to be persistent in your recovery journey. Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel stressed or at risk of relapse. They can provide strategies and resources to help you stay on track.
Remember, seeking help for alcoholism is a sign of strength and self-care. Recovery is a journey that takes time and persistence, and there are professionals and support systems available to guide you along the way.
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Treatment options: medication and therapy
Treatment options for alcoholism typically involve medication and therapy, often used in conjunction with one another.
Medications
Medications are often prescribed to address the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, making the process safer and less distressing. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved naltrexone and acamprosate for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Additionally, topiramate and gabapentin can help reduce cravings in some individuals. Doctors may also prescribe medications for conditions beyond their FDA-approved uses. It is important to discuss the potential side effects and effectiveness of these medications with a healthcare professional.
Therapy
Therapy plays a crucial role in treating alcoholism and can take various forms, including:
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): This approach helps individuals identify and change the thoughts and behaviours that lead to drinking.
- Motivational enhancement therapy: This form of talk therapy leverages an individual's internal strengths to encourage and motivate positive change.
- Support groups: Mutual-support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs, provide peer support for those quitting or reducing their drinking. These groups offer a valuable layer of support, often in conjunction with professional treatment. Other support groups include SMART Recovery, LifeRing Secular Recovery, Secular Organizations for Sobriety, and Women for Sobriety.
Other Treatment Considerations
When considering treatment options, it is important to evaluate the available resources and choose a suitable approach. Cost is a significant factor, and individuals should assess their insurance coverage and explore alternative payment options if necessary. Online self-guided programs or e-health tools can also be recommended by healthcare providers and may be a helpful addition to treatment.
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Support groups and 12-step programs
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the most well-known 12-step programs, with a long history of helping alcoholics recover. The program is built on the foundation of one alcoholic sharing their experiences and helping another. AA is free and flexible, and its mutual-support model can help individuals make and sustain beneficial changes, promoting recovery. However, the 12-step philosophy doesn't appeal to everyone due to its spiritual and religious aspects and goal of total abstinence.
There are several alternatives to the 12-step AA approach, such as SMART Recovery, which is research-based and avoids labels like "alcoholic". It emphasizes psychoeducation and the development of self-management tools, using both motivational enhancement therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy components. SMART Recovery offers local in-person meetings, online support through a 24/7 chat board, and daily online meetings. Another alternative is LifeRing, a secular self-help group that encourages members to maintain abstinence and enhance their "sober self". Women for Sobriety (WFS) is a gender-specific support system for women in recovery, based on the New Life Program, which encourages emotional and spiritual growth. Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) is a collection of autonomous, non-12-step alcohol support groups that provide alternatives to spirituality-based recovery programs, offering online and in-person meetings.
Before choosing a support group or program, it is important to gather as much information as possible. Consider factors such as cost, insurance coverage, and whether the program's philosophy and format align with your personal needs and beliefs. Remember that recovery is possible, and you don't have to go through it alone. Combining peer support with evidence-based treatment approaches, such as medical detox and inpatient or outpatient rehab, can be beneficial.
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Managing high-stress situations and triggers
Identify Triggers
Firstly, it's important to recognize and identify the specific triggers that lead to the urge to drink. These triggers can vary from person to person and may include certain people, places, or day-to-day challenges. Knowing your triggers can help you anticipate and prepare for stressful situations.
Exercise
Engaging in physical exercise is an effective way to manage stress. Exercise helps to reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being. It can be a healthy outlet for channeling stress and negative emotions, providing a sense of accomplishment and improved mood.
Therapy and Support Groups
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be incredibly beneficial in managing stress and triggers. CBT helps individuals identify the feelings and situations that contribute to heavy drinking and develop strategies to cope with those triggers. It aims to change the thought processes that lead to alcohol misuse and build the necessary skills to navigate stressful situations without relapsing. Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, can also provide a sense of community and guidance, allowing individuals to connect with others who understand their struggles.
Holistic Therapies
Holistic therapies such as yoga and meditation can be valuable tools for alleviating stress and anxiety. These practices promote relaxation and help individuals find inner peace and clarity, reducing the urge to turn to alcohol.
Medication
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to address the symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and make the recovery process safer and less distressing. These medications can include naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate, and gabapentin, which can help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Seek Professional Help
If you feel overwhelmed or at risk of relapse due to stress, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Talking to a therapist or counselor can provide additional mental health support to navigate high-stress situations effectively.
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Relapse prevention and ongoing recovery
Relapse is a common part of recovery and doesn't mean that treatment has failed or that recovery is over. It is important to understand why relapses occur and not allow the voice of addiction to creep back in and undermine the progress made. Relapses can occur once or several times following treatment, and additional treatment measures should be considered.
To prevent relapse, it is important to be aware of any red flags that may suggest a relapse is forthcoming. Preventive techniques may include applying better stress management tools or not putting yourself in situations that may trigger cravings. It is also important to understand what triggers a relapse and how to manage it. For example, avoiding certain people, places, and things that used to lead the person to use alcohol can be helpful.
If a person has ongoing emotional, physical, and/or mental health issues, they may need to use additional strategies to help their recovery and prevent relapse. This could include finding the right mix of medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, and alternative tactics that encourage a more holistic wellness approach, such as meditation, mindfulness-based therapies, or yoga. Psychological help, such as psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, or alcohol or other drug therapy, can also be beneficial.
There are various treatment options available for relapse prevention and ongoing recovery. These include e-health tools, such as mobile applications and web-based programs, that can help individuals cut down or quit drinking. Behavioral therapies can also help individuals develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking. Medications, such as naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate, and gabapentin, can be prescribed by a healthcare provider to help reduce cravings and prevent a return to drinking. Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs, can provide valuable peer support and combined with treatment led by healthcare providers, can promote recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are craving your next drink, drinking more than the recommended limit, or feel that alcohol is negatively impacting your life, you may have alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Recognising a problem is the first step to getting better. Talk to your healthcare provider, who can recommend treatments and resources to support your recovery.
Treatments include behavioural therapies, medications such as naltrexone and acamprosate, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Your healthcare provider can advise on the best treatment plan for you.
It can be helpful to write down your concerns beforehand and bring a list of any medications you're taking. Be honest about your drinking habits and how they're impacting your life. Ask about treatment options and what support is available.
It's important to seek support for yourself and encourage your loved one to seek professional help. You can suggest they speak to their doctor or contact a helpline for advice. Remember, your loved one is ultimately responsible for managing their illness, but your support can make a big difference.
