Author: Gary Jackson
Promising New Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
The evidence suggests that the free and flexible assistance provided by mutual-support groups can help people make and sustain beneficial changes and, thus, promote recovery. Alcohol-related problems—which result from drinking too much, too fast, or too often—are among the most significant public health issues in the United States. Alcoholism is a common and different term for alcohol use disorder. Milder cases — when people abuse alcohol but aren’t dependent on it — are as well. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Like with all drugs, long-term alcohol abuse creates changes in the brain’s biochemistry.
Couples and family counseling incorporates spouses and other family members in the treatment process and can play an important role in repairing and improving family relationships. Studies show that strong family support through family therapy increases the chances of maintaining abstinence (not drinking) compared with people going to individual counseling. When you or your loved one completes an inpatient or outpatient alcohol treatment program, this is a time for celebration. By classifying alcoholism as a chronic disease, it means that alcoholism is viewed as a progressive, long-lasting illness where there is no cure. No cure, however, does not mean there is no hope for long-term recovery. Like other chronic diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease, alcoholism and its symptoms can be successfully managed with proper treatment.
Treatment Options
Prazosin may normalize these stress system adaptations, reduce alcohol craving, and reduce overall alcohol intake. Your provider may also be able to suggest an online self-guided program. Such e-health tools have been shown to help people overcome alcohol problems. Your health care provider can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each treatment setting. Cognitive–behavioral therapy can take place one-on-one with a therapist or in small groups. This form of therapy is focused on identifying the feelings and situations (called “cues”) that contribute to heavy drinking and managing stress that can lead to a return to drinking.
What to expect from your doctor
If you are developing your own symptoms of depression or anxiety, think about seeking professional help for yourself. Remember that your loved one is ultimately responsible for managing their own illness. How does the program or provider handle a return to drinking? Setbacks can be common, so you will want to know how they are addressed. For more information on a return to drinking, see An Ongoing Process.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
In fact, there are many treatment options available thanks to significant advances in medical and behavioral research over the past decades. Your health care provider or counselor can suggest a support group. If a relapse occurs, it’s important to remember that this is not a sign of failure, but a blip on the road to lifelong sobriety.
- Examples include Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and other programs.
- Overall, gather as much information as you can about a program or provider before making a decision on treatment.
- Heavy drinking in this population is four or more drinks a day or eight drinks a week.
- Realizing you may have an issue is the first step toward getting better, so don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider.
Drugs used for other conditions — like smoking, pain, or epilepsy — also may help with alcohol use disorder. Talk to your doctor to see of one of those might be right for you. Alcohol causes changes in your brain that make it hard to quit. Trying to tough it out on your own can be like trying to cure appendicitis with cheerful thoughts. Alcohol use disorder is what doctors call it when you can’t control how much you drink and have trouble with your emotions when you’re not drinking. Some people may think the only way to deal with it is with willpower, as if it’s a problem they have to work through all on their own.
Setbacks Are Part of the Process
Studies show most people with this condition recover, meaning they reduce how much they drink, or stop drinking altogether. They may start drinking to cope with stressful events like losing a job, going through a divorce, or dealing with a death in their family or a close friend. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re under stress and think you may be at risk for relapse.
For many, continued follow-up with a treatment provider is critical for overcoming alcohol problems. The provider can help adjust the treatment plan and aid long-term recovery. Also known as “alcohol counseling,” behavioral treatments involve working with a health care provider to identify and help change the behaviors that lead to alcohol problems.
When Is It Time for Treatment?
Recovery can take a long time, so you may need ongoing treatment. Others may want one-on-one therapy for a longer time to deal with issues like anxiety or depression. Alcohol use can have a big effect on the people close to you, so couples or family therapy can help, too. This is a topic that continues to be of great debate in our society. While many consider alcoholism, or any addiction for that matter, to simply be a lifestyle choice, researchers and addiction specialists classify alcoholism as a chronic brain disease. Unlike the above-mentioned MAT drugs, Prazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist.