The types of treatments for alcohol use disorder are typically a detox program, inpatient treatment, then outpatient treatment, followed by aftercare.
If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction. You may feel helpless and alone, but you are not. Millions of people worldwide are affected by addiction, and many of them have found recovery through courage and determination.
Your loved one’s road to recovery will be unique, but there are some general things that you can do to help. One of the most important is to educate yourself about co-occurring disorders. Many people with addiction also suffer from mental health conditions, and treating both is essential for lasting recovery.
You can also reach out to support groups for families of addicts. These groups can provide valuable information and emotional support. And finally, don’t give up hope. Recovery is possible, and your loved one can achieve it with courage and support.
Is Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder Effective?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious medical condition that requires treatment. AUD can damage your health, disrupt your life, and cause problems for your loved ones.
There are many effective treatments for AUD, including:
- Behavioral therapies
- Inpatient or outpatient treatment programs
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Medications
- Support groups
If you or a loved one is struggling with AUD, it’s important to get help. Treatment can help you detoxify from alcohol, manage your cravings, and stay sober.
Different Types of AUD Treatments
Recovery from addiction begins with courage. It takes tremendous strength and fortitude to seek out help when faced with a drinking problem. But it is worth it. Getting help for a loved one who is struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD) can save their life.
Detoxification is the first step in treating AUD. This is when a person stops drinking and allows their body to rid itself of the alcohol. Detox can be done on your own at home, but it is often best done under medical supervision. This is especially true among people who have developed heavy drinking patterns for a long time or have other health problems.
There are four basic levels of care for treating AUD:
- Outpatient treatment
- Intensive Outpatient
- Residential
- Intensive inpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment is the least intense level of care. It typically involves weekly individual therapy sessions and group meetings. Intensive outpatient treatment is more intense than outpatient treatment. It typically includes daily group meetings and individual sessions several days per week.
Residential treatment is the most intense level of care. It involves living at a facility where you can receive 24-hour care. This type of treatment is best for people who have been struggling with AUD for a long time or who have relapsed after other forms of treatment.
Intensive inpatient treatment is similar to residential treatment, but it is usually shorter in duration. It typically lasts for 30 days or less. This type of care is best for people who need a higher level of care than what outpatient or intensive outpatient treatment can provide.
If you are concerned about a loved one who is struggling with AUD, the first step is to talk to them about it. Let them know that you are there for them and that you want to help them get treatment. If they are resistant to getting help, there are still options.
You can contact a professional interventionist who can help you plan an intervention. This is a meeting where you and other family members or friends confront the person about their drinking and tell them how it is impacting their life and the lives of those around them. The goal of an intervention is to get the person into treatment.
Recovery from addiction is possible. With courage, strength, and a supportive aftercare program, your loved one can overcome AUD and go on to lead a healthy and happy life.
Can Medications Treat AUD?
Yes. A number of medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help people who struggle with AUD. These include:
- Naltrexone, reduces the craving for alcohol
- Acamprosate, helps to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal and relieves anxiety and restlessness
- Disulfiram, which produces an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed, deterring some people from drinking
All of these medications can be helpful in treating AUD, but they work best when combined with other forms of treatment, such as therapy and support groups.
Which Behavioral Therapies Are Used to Treat Alcoholism?
There are a number of different behavioral therapies that have been shown to be effective in treating alcoholism. These include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapy helps people to identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their drinking.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy: This therapy helps to motivate people who are reluctant to change their drinking behavior.
Contingency Management: This approach uses rewards or other types of incentives to encourage people to stay abstinent from alcohol.
Community Reinforcement Approach: This approach focuses on increasing positive activities and social interactions for people who are trying to quit drinking.
These are just a few of the many different types of behavioral therapies that can be used to treat alcoholism.
Why Do Different People Need Different Options?
Different people need different options when it comes to getting help for addiction. Some people may be able to get help through outpatient programs, while others may need inpatient treatment. Everyone suffers from addiction for different reasons, thus requiring different approaches to recovery.
Since there isn’t a universal solution, it’s important to find a treatment program that will meet the unique needs of your loved one.
The Importance of a Complete Assessment by a Health Professional
A comprehensive assessment can provide critical information about the best course of treatment. This assessment should include a physical exam, as well as a psychological evaluation.
The goal is to get a thorough understanding of the problem so that the best possible treatment plan can be put in place.
When Is It Time for Treatment?
There are many reasons people don’t seek treatment for addiction. Some people are in denial about their drug use or think they can quit on their own. Others may be afraid of the stigma attached to addiction or treatment. And some simply don’t know where to start.
If you’re wondering whether it’s time to get help for a loved one, there are a few key signs to look out for:
- The person is unable to control their drug use. They may be using more drugs than they intended, using them more often or for longer periods of time than they planned.
- The person is experiencing negative consequences as a result of their drug use, but they continue to use anyway.
- The person has tried to quit using drugs on their own but was unsuccessful.
If you’re seeing any of these signs in a loved one, it’s time to start considering treatment options. At NYC Addiction Resources, we can help you navigate the treatment process and find a program that’s right for your loved one.
We have a team of knowledgeable and compassionate addiction professionals who can help you find the right treatment program for your loved one. Contact us today to get started.
