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Beach House Recovery Center » Blog » How to Treat Alcoholism
Excessive alcohol consumption is a universal problem of devastating socioeconomic impact, particularly in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), over seven percent of Americans age 18 or older suffer from an alcohol use disorder (AUD) according to official diagnostic criteria— an unprecedented 17 million. Tragically, less than 25 percent seek professional help.
In almost every culture, from industrialized first-world nations to primitive societies, alcohol is readily available. This global prevalence and social popularity can make it difficult to determine exactly what constitutes abuse. Even in the United States, where alcohol is ubiquitous, what some subcultures and social circles consider “normal” use is actually excessive and dangerous.
Binge drinking is a universal indicator of behavior that leads to alcohol abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), binge drinking is defined as:
Although binge drinking is undoubtedly the most common form of alcohol abuse, a variety of excessive drinking patterns exist. For some people, immoderate alcohol consumption and associated behavior appear as:
Regardless of the specific type of drinking pattern one engages in, excessive alcohol consumption activates electrical and neurological changes in the brain— all of which are problematic. Once brain function has been negatively impacted by these changes, people generally exhibit even less control over their alcoholic behaviors. At this point, drinking is not just a habit, but a crippling compulsion, a debilitating psychiatric and medical condition requiring aggressive intervention. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), common indicators of alcoholism may include:
Just as there is a wide range of behavioral signs and symptoms that outwardly define alcoholism, there are also numerous subtypes of alcoholics. As with other forms of addiction, alcoholism has a strong genetic component in certain people. However, genetics alone is insufficient when determining the exact cause. The following five subtypes are widely recognized by NIAAA and used for clinical and diagnostic purposes:
Once alcohol abuse progresses into full-blown alcoholism, professional treatment is mandatory in order to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. For those who ignore the necessity of professional treatment against medical advice, a more difficult and painful recovery process can be expected. Even with professional intervention, alcoholism is an insidious disease known for its 40-60 percent relapse rate. Those who are serious about their health and longevity simply cannot afford to avoid undergoing medically managed treatment.
The very first step involved in properly treating alcoholism is detox— a process designed to help the body expel the toxic accumulation of alcohol from the system and stabilize emotional and psychological processes. Initial alcohol detox is usually a short-term process, with mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms appearing as early as two hours following the last drink and peaking within two days. For many clients, early withdrawal symptoms may include:
The initial intensity of the first 24-48 hours is followed by an extended withdrawal process of less acute symptoms that usually lasts for one to two weeks. Following this transitory period, a third and final withdrawal phase known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) kicks in. Although generally characterized by milder symptoms, PAWS may linger for months, or even years in certain clients. Although all cases of alcoholism require professional medical management and official diagnosis, extreme cases may require additional measures including 24/7 monitoring of blood pressure and vital signs, intravenous injections of special medication, and a host of other precautions on an as-needed basis.
Once a client successfully stabilizes following initial detox and demonstrates readiness to move on to the next phase of treatment, intensive inpatient treatment is generally considered the industry gold standard. This popular treatment method—which usually lasts for one month but may last as long as three—involves clients living at a designated residential facility while receiving ongoing medication management and individual and/or group psychotherapy. Many inpatient treatment facilities also feature ancillary benefits and services beyond the 24/7 staff monitoring and premium level of clinical care they provide. These benefits and services include alumni networking, comprehensive aftercare planning, alternative healing modalities, state-of-the-art technology, and on-site social and recreational amenities.
Although intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), outpatient treatment (OP), and government- subsidized programs represent additional treatment options, they are usually more casual and less effective than inpatient treatment and, therefore, inappropriate for those suffering from alcoholism. In most cases, they are better utilized as transitional methods of care following successful completion of detox and a reputable inpatient program.
MAT describes the use of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pharmacological interventions in tandem with psychotherapy. The following evidence-based therapies are frequently included in the scope of AUD treatment:
Depending upon a client’s presenting issues and overall case history, family therapy or other creative and expressive therapies may be incorporated into the treatment regimen. The following medications are currently considered the staple of AUD treatment:
Additional medications may be required to treat co-occurring substance abuse or mental health disorders— both of which play a significant role in the development of alcoholism.
Effectively treating alcoholism requires an intense, long-term commitment that lasts well beyond the initial detox and medically managed treatment phase. Aside from continuing one-on-one (or group) therapy and taking follow-up medications exactly as prescribed, many clients benefit from an empirically proven relapse prevention strategy that encompasses:
If you or someone you love is suffering from alcoholism, contact a substance abuse professional today. The first step to building a better tomorrow is admitting that you have a problem today. Never be ashamed of the fact that you need help; instead, use your courage as a motivating factor.
For more about alcoholism and recovery, check out these related articles:
Sources:
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. May, 2006.
OJM-International Journal of Medicine. Depression and Alcoholism. April, 2004.
The Lancet. No Level of alcohol consumption improves health. August, 2018.
PLOS ONE. Disulfiram Efficacy in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: A Meta-Analysis. Feb, 2014.
Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
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