Alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder is when alcohol consumption starts to affect multiple areas of a person’s life and health in a negative way. They are unable to control the amount of alcohol they consume due to the changes in brain functioning caused by drinking alcohol. Alcohol addiction is a type of brain disease. Although there is no clear cure for this condition, there are ways in which one can reduce or stop drinking altogether. The following treatment options are available:
Therapist
A person with alcohol addiction can speak to a therapist on a one-on-one basis. The therapist can help suggest changes in habits to reduce the inclination to drink alcohol. Depending on the stage of alcohol addiction, one may be given a short or a long session with the therapist. They will learn to deal with triggers that make them want to drink alcohol. A therapist can also help them deal with the stress that causes them to resort to alcohol. It can be an effective treatment option for people who wish to quit alcohol.
Group therapy
Alcohol addiction can turn a person’s whole life upside down. Group therapy can help them get back to normal as they consciously make the decision to quit alcohol. As there will be other people who have the same goal, one can get motivated and inspired by them. It is advisable to join a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous. Group therapy helps a person deal with the negative impact of alcohol addiction and help them get advice from others who have successfully quit drinking. It can help them quit alcohol faster and provides a long-lasting positive outcome.
Medications
There is no specific medication that can make a person stop drinking completely, but a few medicines ensure that people stay away from alcohol. Disulfiram is one such prescribed medication that makes people feel like vomiting if they drink alcohol. Naltrexone is another medication which helps reduce dependence on alcohol. Another medicine that is well-known for getting rid of alcohol addiction is acamprosate. This medication can help get rid of the craving for alcohol. It is best to consult a doctor before taking any medication.
Detox
A complete detox is when one stops drinking alcohol altogether. This period of ‘no drinking’ can last from a few days to up to a whole week. One can undergo detox at home or the hospital, depending on the level of alcohol addiction. Detox treatment helps to remove alcohol that is already present in the body. It is only recommended for the strong-willed because most people tend to go through intense withdrawal symptoms like hallucinations and tremors.
One should speak to a doctor before trying detox at home. The doctor will clarify if the goal is to quit drinking or reduce the consumption of alcohol. They will then come up with a treatment plan tailored to this goal.
