Alcohol abuse is a pattern of unhealthy drinking behavior that can result in health problems for the drinker. It can also lead to social problems such as alcohol-related crimes.
In the US, an estimated 10% of men and 5% of women suffer from alcohol abuse disorder. This affects them, their families and their communities.
Behavioral therapy
The treatment of alcohol abuse has many different approaches, but the most common is behavioral therapy. During this type of therapy, mental health providers work with you to identify the underlying causes of your substance use and teach you skills to change those habits.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective types of treatment for alcoholism, and its results are lasting. This is because CBT is a type of talk therapy that allows you to understand your own thinking patterns and behaviors, so you can make positive changes in your life.
Stimulus control is another aspect of behavioral therapy that focuses on eliminating situations and thoughts that trigger your behavior. For example, you may be watching a TV show that pairs with your drinking, and you need to eliminate this so you can stay sober.
Other types of behavioral therapy include aversion therapy, which involves pairing negative consequences with maladaptive behaviors. This can be done in overt or covert ways, depending on the client's needs and preferences.
Medicines
Alcohol can cause a number of health problems, including liver and heart disease, cancer, and depression. It can also lead to unsafe drinking (such as driving, swimming, working machinery, or having unsafe sex).
Medications can help people stop or reduce their drinking and avoid relapse. They can be prescribed by a doctor and used in combination with counseling and support groups.
Naltrexone works by blocking the parts of your brain that feel pleasure and intoxication from drinking. This helps you drink less often and stop drinking more easily.
Disulfiram, another medicine that is sometimes used to treat alcohol abuse, blocks the breakdown of alcohol in your body. This causes nausea, vomiting, flushing (reddening of your skin), sweating, and chest pain.
Acamprosate works by rebalancing chemicals in your brain that are changed when you drink too much. It can also ease withdrawal symptoms and make it easier to maintain abstinence.
Support groups
Support groups help individuals with alcohol abuse to connect with others in a similar situation. They are flexible, confidential, inexpensive, and welcoming.
A support group can also be a valuable resource for family members of those suffering from alcohol abuse. These groups are open to people of all ages and religions, and offer a safe place for families to share their experiences and find resources for dealing with the challenges of living with a loved one with addiction.
The most popular type of support group is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which was founded in 1935 and has a 12-step format. It encourages individuals to work on their addiction through prayer and other means, enabling them to become sober.
AA and other mutual-support groups are often used in conjunction with counseling or medication-assisted treatment. They are also an important resource for those who have successfully completed a rehabilitation program and are struggling to maintain their sobriety. They can offer a supportive environment that promotes self-empowerment, which is an essential part of recovery.
Activities
Alcohol is a substance that can cause health and social problems. It can also affect people’s ability to work, live and enjoy life.
Drinking too much can affect the brain, causing short-term problems like slurred speech and coordination issues, drowsiness and distortion of senses and perception. It can also lead to serious long-term health conditions, such as cancer and liver cirrhosis.
During pregnancy, drinking can cause miscarriage and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). FASDs are a range of serious physical and mental conditions that can impact a child’s development.
The long-term effects of alcohol abuse include increased risk of a number of diseases and injuries, including accidents, violence, road traffic crashes and death. It can also reduce your immune system’s ability to fight infections, making you more susceptible to illness.
