Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a real disease affecting millions of Americans. It is a chronic disorder causing compulsive and dependency-oriented drinking for many people.

Alcoholism is one of the most commonly denied disorders among people – those affected often do not think they have a problem with alcohol. With this in mind, the first step to curing alcoholism is to admit there is a problem and to seek professional help. Many different types of treatments are available and effective in treating alcoholism. However, only a professional can determine the correct treatment plan on an individual, case-by-case basis.

First, you and your health care professional need to determine your level of dependence. This is critical in determining the best way to cure your addition to alcohol. Some people may be able to control their drinking by cutting back if they have not lost control of the drinking. Though, a dependence on alcohol is a signal of a serious issue requiring treatment. If this is the case, eliminating alcohol is a must in your treatment plan.

In assessing your level of dependence, counseling and interventions are common. This involves discussion with alcoholism specialists who can develop a treatment plan for you. Interventions and counseling often include the creation of goals, behavior modification, discussion of a short- or long-term treatment center and coping mechanisms. There are many forms of counseling. Some affected with alcoholism have had success with cognitive behavioral therapy. Using this method, your health care professional identifies thoughts and beliefs that cause psychological stress. Cognitive therapy is often described as “mind over matter” fighting the inner psychological elements that cause dependence on alcohol.

Aversion therapy is also successful as a cure for alcoholism. This method combines drinking alcohol with a severe adverse response, for instance sickness, nausea or vomiting. The association of drinking with the adverse response lessens the person’s desire to drink and has proven effective in fighting alcoholism. Aversion therapy should only be conducted under the care of a health professional.

Beyond the psychological and psychiatric treatments of counseling, aversion and cognitive therapies, there are drug treatments, residential treatment centers and support groups. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first drug to treat alcoholism in 2006. The drug is called Vivitrol and is injected once a month by a health care professional. The active ingredient in Vivitrol is naltrexone, which blocks neurotransmitters in the brain reducing the urge to drink.

Residential treatment programs are also commonly recommended for those seeing to cure their alcoholism. The centers focus on individual and group therapy, education, counseling and the elimination of alcohol from daily lives. Residential treatment centers are equipped with the medical professionals to help patients through detoxification and withdrawal and health assessments related to alcoholism.

Group therapy is a common part of curing and maintaining an alcoholism-free life and preventing relapses. The well-known group Alcoholics Anonymous, organized as a self-help group, uses peer-to-peer discussion and support as its basis for therapy. The AA program is composed of 12 steps, considered a guide for those looking to lead sober lives. The AA program is free and doesn’t require membership. It is widespread across the country and the world readily available to those in need. Some affected with alcoholism have sought alternative medicine and therapy to cure their illness. Acupuncture has been used to treat alcoholism. The effect of acupuncture has been known to reduce some withdrawal symptoms.

Ongoing treatment, counseling and/or support groups such as AA are important in ensuring alcoholism is cured and the dependence on alcohol for everyday life is relieved.