Author: James Anderson
Overcoming Alcohol Addiction
Many people find that a combination of treatments works best, and you can get them together through a program. Some of these are inpatient or residential programs, where you stay at a treatment center for a while. Others are outpatient programs, where you live at home and go to the center for treatment. Your health care provider or counselor can suggest a support group.
Recovery can take a long time, so you may need ongoing treatment. And some people in recovery do relapse and drink again. Consider staging a family meeting or an intervention, but don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation. Offer your support along each step of the recovery journey. Keep a record of your drinking to help you reach your goal. For 3 to 4 weeks, write down every time you have a drink and how much you drink.
Overcoming an addiction to alcohol can be a long and bumpy road. And you don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom; you can make a change at any time. Whether you want to quit drinking altogether or cut down to healthier levels, these guidelines can help you get started on the road to recovery today. While getting sober is an important first step, it is only the beginning of your recovery from alcohol addiction or heavy drinking.
Or drink soda, water, or juice between alcoholic drinks. Drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea, so make sure you eat food when you drink. Make it clear that drinking will not be allowed in your home and that you may not be able to attend events where alcohol is being served. BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. The handbooks are full of tools, exercises and practical information that you can apply immediately.
What Are the Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder?
Trying to tough it out on your own can be like trying to cure appendicitis with cheerful thoughts. Take the assessment and get matched with a professional, licensed therapist. When you drink, sip slowly and take a break of 30 minutes or one hour between drinks.
- Take the assessment and get matched with a professional, licensed therapist.
- But while you can’t do the hard work of overcoming addiction for your loved one, your love and support can play a crucial part in their long-term recovery.
- This is a key step if your drinking problem is severe.
- If you are seeking help for a teen, check out these recommended adolescent treatment resources.
Treatment for alcohol use disorder can vary, depending on your needs. Treatment may involve a brief intervention, individual or group counseling, an outpatient program, or a residential inpatient stay. Working to stop alcohol use to improve quality of life is the main treatment goal.
Evaluating the costs and benefits of drinking
Lean on close friends and family – Having the support of friends and family members is an invaluable asset in recovery. If you’re reluctant to turn to your loved ones because you’ve let them down before, consider going to couples counseling or family therapy. Whether you choose to tackle your alcohol addiction by going to rehab, getting therapy, or taking a self-directed treatment approach, support is essential.
Make meetings a priority – Join a recovery support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and attend meetings regularly. Spending time with people who understand exactly what you’re going through can be very healing. You can also benefit from the shared experiences of the group members and learn what others have done to stay sober.
These groups are also often listed on the web. Alcohol abuse and addiction doesn’t just affect the person drinking—it affects their families and loved ones, too. Watching a family member struggle with a drinking problem can be as heartbreakingly painful as it is frustrating.
Medical Professionals
Talk to your doctor to see of one of those might be right for you. This is a key step if your drinking problem is severe. But alcohol use disorder is actually a brain disease. Alcohol causes changes in your brain that make it hard to quit.
Women and Alcohol
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. 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.
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. When you meet with your doctor, talk about your goals. Are you trying to drink less or stop drinking completely? Together, you can start to make a treatment plan.
You aren’t to blame for your loved one’s drinking problem and you can’t make them change. Express your concerns in a caring way and encourage your friend or family member to get help. Try to remain neutral and don’t argue, lecture, accuse, or threaten.