Treatment for Alcoholism

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Many people with alcohol problems don't recognize when their drinking gets out of hand. In the past, treatment providers believed that alcoholics should be confronted about denial of their drinking problems, but now research has shown that compassionate and empathetic counseling is more effective.

Three general steps are involved in treating the alcoholic once the disorder has been diagnosed: intervention, detoxification, and rehabilitation. Research finds that the traditional confrontational intervention - where the employer or family members surprise the alcoholic and threaten consequences if treatment is not begun - is NOT effective. Studies find that more people enter treatment if their family members or employers are honest with them about their concerns, and try to help them to see that drinking is preventing them from reaching their goals.

Once the problem has been recognized, total abstinence from alcohol is required for those who are dependent; for those who are problem drinkers, moderation may be successful. Since many alcoholics initially refuse to believe that their drinking is out of control, a trial of moderation can often be an effective way to deal with the problem. If it succeeds, the problem is solved. If not, the person is usually ready to try abstinence. Because alcoholism affects the people closely related to the alcoholic person, treatment for family members through counseling is often necessary.

Detoxification is the first phase of treatment. Withdrawal from alcohol is done in a controlled, supervised setting in which medications relieve symptoms. Detoxification usually takes 4 to 7 days. Examination for other medical problems is necessary. For example, liver and blood clotting problems are common. A balanced diet with vitamin supplements is important. Complications associated with the acute withdrawal of alcohol may occur, such as delirium tremens (DT's), which could be fatal. Depression or other underlying mood disorders should be evaluated and treated. Often, alcohol abuse develops from efforts to self-treat an illness.

Alcohol recovery or rehabilitation programs support the affected person after detoxification to maintain abstinence from alcohol. Counseling, psychological support, nursing, and medical care are usually available within these programs. Education about the disease of alcoholism and its effects is part of the therapy. Many of the professional staff involved in rehabilitation centers are recovering alcoholics who serve as role models. Programs can be either inpatient, with the patient residing in the facility during the treatment, or outpatient, with the patient attending the program while they live at home.

Medications are sometimes prescribed to prevent relapses. Naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) decreases alcohol cravings. Disulfiram (Antabuse) works by producing very unpleasant side effects if even a small amount of alcohol is ingested within 2 weeks after taking the drug. These medications are not given during pregnancy or if the person has certain medical conditions. Long-term treatment with counseling or support groups is often necessary. The effectiveness of medication and counseling varies.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a self-help group of recovering alcoholics that offers emotional support and an effective model of abstinence for people recovering from alcohol dependence. There are more than 1 million members worldwide, and local chapters are found throughout the United States.

Al-Anon is a support group for spouses and others who are affected by someone else's alcoholism. Alateen provides support for teenage children of alcoholics. See alcoholism - support group.

SMART recovery uses research-based cognitive techniques to help alcoholics recover. LifeRing recovery and SOS are two other secular programs. Women For Sobriety is a self-help group just for women - many female alcoholics have different concerns than men. Moderation Management is a program for problem drinkers seeking to moderate their drinking - it recommends abstinence for those who fail at such attempts.

Support Groups

Members of AA have help available 24 hours a day, associate with a sober peer group, learn that it is possible to participate in social functions without drinking, and are given a model of recovery by observing the accomplishments of sober members of the group. Other support groups are smaller, but growing, and all have an online presence which provides support even at home late at night.

continue: Prognosis and Medical Complications of Alcoholism

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Reviewed: 03/2006