Author: James Anderson

The Most Important Things You Can Do To Help an Alcoholic

Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand with heavy drinking. Studies show that people who are alcohol dependent are two to three times as likely to suffer from major depression or anxiety over their lifetime. When addressing drinking problems, it’s important to also seek treatment for any accompanying medical and mental health issues.

1. It’s a disease of brain function and requires medical and psychological treatments to control it.
2. Many health professionals can play a role in treatment.
3. Not only does AUD affect the health of the person with the disease, but it also impacts the lives of those around them.
4. You’re likely to start by seeing your primary health care provider.

It affects 12.1% of males 12 and older and 9.1% of females in the same age group. Treating alcoholism isn’t easy, and it doesn’t always work the first time around. Often a person has been contemplating abstinence for some time, yet couldn’t get sober on their own. Don’t blame yourself if the first intervention isn’t successful. The most successful treatment happens when a person wants to change.

You can also participate in a program that’s designed for the friends and family members of alcoholics, such as Al-Anon. If you drink more alcohol than that, consider cutting back or quitting. Talk to your healthcare provider about proven strategies. Your treatment setting will depend on your stage of recovery and the severity of your illness.

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Understanding the available treatment options—from behavioral therapies and medications to mutual-support groups—is the first step. The important thing is to remain engaged in whatever method you choose. Because AUD can be a chronic relapsing disease, persistence is key.

When asked how alcohol problems are treated, people commonly think of 12-step programs or 28-day inpatient rehab but may have difficulty naming other options. In fact, there are a variety of treatment methods currently available, thanks to significant advances in the field over the past 60 years. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other 12-step programs can offer that social support. There are regular, free group meetings in most cities and towns.

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Ideally, health professionals would be able to identify which AUD treatment is most effective for each person. NIAAA and other organizations are conducting research to identify genes and other factors that can predict how well someone will respond to a particular treatment. These advances could optimize how treatment decisions are made in the future.

Alcohol use disorder (sometimes called alcoholism) is a medical condition. It involves heavy or frequent alcohol drinking even when it causes problems, emotional distress or physical harm. A combination of medications, behavioral therapy and support can help you or a loved one recover.

You may need inpatient medical (hospital), residential rehabilitation (rehab), outpatient intensive therapy or outpatient maintenance. When you meet with your doctor, talk about your goals. Are you trying to drink less or stop drinking completely? You doctor also can refer you to a treatment center or experts who can help. An important first step is to learn more about alcohol use disorder and your treatment options. 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.

Unlike many other resources you may find online, the Navigator has no commercial sponsors. Instead, it is produced by the leading U.S. agency for scientific research on alcohol and health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Group therapy, led by a therapist, can give you the benefits of therapy along with the support of other members.

What to Know About Alcohol Treatment

Not only does AUD affect the health of the person with the disease, but it also impacts the lives of those around them. Medications, behavioral therapies, and social support groups are among the strategies to combat this disorder. Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your health care provider or mental health provider.

Some are surprised to learn that there are medications on the market approved to treat alcohol dependence. The newer types of these medications work by offsetting changes in the brain caused by AUD. Due to the anonymous nature of mutual-support groups, it is difficult for researchers to determine their success rates compared with those led by health professionals. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that doctors diagnose when a patient’s drinking causes distress or harm. The condition can range from mild to severe and is diagnosed when a patient answers “yes” to two or more of the following questions.

But friends and family may feel unsure about how best to provide the support needed. The groups for family and friends listed below may be a good starting point. This is not an uncommon concern, but the short answer is “no.” All medications approved for treating alcohol dependence are non-addictive. These medicines are designed to help manage a chronic disease, just as someone might take drugs to keep their asthma or diabetes in check. Many health professionals can play a role in treatment. Below is a list of providers and the type of care they may offer.

Steps to Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

A health professional can conduct a formal assessment of your symptoms to see if AUD is present. For an online assessment of your drinking pattern, go to RethinkingDrinking.niaaa.nih.gov. Many people struggle with controlling their drinking at some time in their lives. More than 14 million adults ages 18 and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD), and 1 in 10 children live in a home with a parent who has a drinking problem.

Hoping the person will get better on their own won’t change the situation. No matter the reaction, you should stay calm and assure your person that they have your respect and support. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that’s changing medicine. Milder cases may only be problematic for a period of time.

Alongside other therapies, such groups can play a critical role. 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.