Author: Gary Jackson

Treatment of Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism: How To Stop Drinking

Living with someone who misuses alcohol can be stressful, so receiving support can often be very helpful. Read more about the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and alcohol support. One of the main beliefs behind AA is that alcoholic dependence is a long-term, progressive illness and total abstinence is the only solution.

It’s also called alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction or alcohol abuse. When alcoholism affects a spouse or partner, it’s possible to become too wrapped up in their well-being. You may get to the point where you feel compelled to help your person get well. However, family members and friends often have deep emotional ties that prevent them from having the objective viewpoint necessary for treatment.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Instead, these are groups of people who have alcohol use disorder. Examples include Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and other programs. Your peers can offer understanding and advice and help keep you accountable. An important first step is to learn more about alcohol use disorder and your treatment options. You’re likely to start by seeing your primary health care provider.

• You must not drive if you’re taking medication to help ease your withdrawal symptoms.
• The groups for family and friends listed below may be a good starting point.
• A combination of medications, behavioral therapy and support can help you or a loved one recover.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about proven strategies.

Have the conversation in a place where you know you’ll have quiet and privacy. You’ll also want to avoid any interruptions so that you both have each other’s full attention. Make sure your person is not upset or preoccupied with other issues. No matter the reaction, you should stay calm and assure your person that they have your respect and support.

Who can I call for help with alcohol use disorder?

Talk to your doctor to see of one of those might be right for you. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Overcoming alcohol use disorder is an ongoing process, one which can include setbacks.

• It works by blocking opioid receptors in the body, stopping the effects of alcohol.
• You might wonder what you can do to change the situation, and whether or not the person even wants your help.
• Other tests can indicate whether there is damage to the liver, or — in males — reduced testosterone levels.
• Some are surprised to learn that there are medications on the market approved to treat alcohol dependence.

They spend a lot of time thinking about alcohol, and they cannot control how much they consume, even if it is causing serious problems at home, work, and financially. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that uses a problem-solving approach to alcohol dependence. Acamprosate (brand name Campral) is used to help prevent a relapse in people who have successfully achieved abstinence from alcohol.

Step 4: Approach and listen with honesty and compassion

Behavioral treatments are aimed at changing drinking behavior through counseling. They are led by health professionals and supported by studies showing they can be beneficial. Before you do anything, it’s important to know whether your friend or loved one has an alcohol addiction. Alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, is more than just drinking too much from time to time. Sometimes alcohol as coping mechanism or social habit may look like alcoholism, but it’s not the same. People with alcohol use disorder don’t drink in moderation, even if they say they’re only having one drink.