Alcohol abuse, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical and social problem. It can lead to problems with drinking, work or school, domestic violence and legal troubles.
It can also harm the brain. This can cause a range of problems, including short-term memory loss, anxiety and depression.
Behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapy for alcohol abuse is a type of counseling that helps people deal with their drinking problems. It involves one-on-one sessions with a therapist and may include medication as well.
During treatment, a therapist will help you identify the feelings and situations that trigger your alcohol use. They will also help you develop coping skills to replace your drinking with healthier alternatives.
The therapy can last for a short period of time, or it may be ongoing until you meet your treatment goals. It is often combined with other therapies, such as group therapy.
Behavioral therapy for alcohol abuse also includes marital and family counseling. This is an important part of treatment because it can help you to repair your relationship with your spouse and other family members.
Prescription medicines
Drugs that treat alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder can help people stop drinking, reduce their alcohol intake or control their urge to drink. These medicines may be injected by a health care professional (such as Vivitrol, which is naltrexone) or taken in pill form.
Disulfiram is a medicine that produces an aversive interaction with alcohol by inhibiting the breakdown of acetaldehyde. It may increase abstinence rates in patients with alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder.
In contrast, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (approved for depression) and ondansetron (approved for nausea) may promote reductions in heavy drinking among nondependent hazardous drinkers, especially among younger drinkers. However, they may have counter-therapeutic effects among early-onset or Type-B patients with alcohol dependence. Newer medications that promote nonhazardous alcohol use among a broad spectrum of patients are needed.
Residential treatment
Residential treatment is one of the most intensive levels of care for alcohol abuse, and it can help people with severe addictions get a fresh start. Clients live at the center, and they receive frequent support from therapists and other mental health experts.
They may also participate in alternative treatments, such as yoga, acupuncture, meditation, or energy work. These treatments are designed to foster a whole-body wellness and encourage personal growth.
Research is needed to determine which clients benefit from residential treatment and what length of treatment confers positive outcomes. Studies must be rigorously conducted and use appropriate comparison groups.
Partial hospitalization
Partial hospitalization is a form of drug addiction treatment for those who need a little more structure than outpatient or residential care. Patients go to a facility for a few hours each day and then return home.
This program is often used as a transitional step from a residential treatment program to an outpatient program. During this time, patients get daily support and access to therapies that will help them to recover.
PHP programs are often effective in helping people regain control of their alcohol use. However, not everyone can benefit from this type of therapy.
Interventions
Interventions are a powerful tool for family members and friends who want to convince an alcohol abuser to seek treatment. An intervention can be a painful process for loved ones, but it can be effective in getting an alcoholic to seek treatment before they hit bottom--losing their job, health and family.
The goal of an intervention is to confront the person with a substance use disorder in a nonthreatening manner and encourage them to get help. Participants express their concern and love for the individual, detail how his or her substance use is affecting them, and state what the consequences would be if treatment is not sought.
