People often think there are only two places to get help for alcohol problems—Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or residential rehab. Sunnyside is a private, anonymous way to start improving your relationship with alcohol. Vivitrol is an injected form of naltrexone that a doctor can give you once a month. This may be more reliable and convenient than oral pills, especially if you think you may forget or not want to take a pill every day. Your doctor how to treat alcoholism may refer you to one-on-one therapy or group counseling. Alcohol dependence develops over time and can disrupt the balance of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain and glutamate.
- You’ll need further treatment and support to help you in the long term.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for instance, focuses on identifying and altering negative thought patterns related to alcohol use.
- The effectiveness of a treatment option depends on the individual’s unique circumstances and needs.
- These questions can also help them determine the best treatment option for your needs.
- Just like any other medical condition, people with substance use disorders deserve to have a range of treatment options available to them.
What is the Best Treatment for Alcohol Dependence?
Many others substantially reduce their drinking and report fewer alcohol-related problems. During the recovery stage, it’s not uncommon to feel temporarily worse. For some people, AUD has hurt their relationships, careers, health, finances, self-esteem, and other aspects of their lives.
- Groups can vary widely, so it’s important to try different ones to find a good fit.
- Research has demonstrated that MOUD is effective in helping people recover from their OUD.567 It is important to find what works best each individual.
- During this stage, you will also learn coping skills that can be applied to everyday situations after leaving rehab.
- Treatment for alcohol addiction is individualized, so each person’s care plan will depend on their unique needs.
- Severe AUD is sometimes called alcoholism or alcohol dependence.
Side Effects Of Naltrexone
Don’t blame yourself if the first intervention isn’t successful. The most successful treatment happens when a person wants to change. Like naltrexone, acamprosate seems to work best for people who are able to stop drinking before starting treatment. Acamprosate https://materialdeapoio.assinemaya.com.br/goodbye-letter-to-addiction-example-free-pdf-2/ (Campral) eases withdrawal symptoms — such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and feeling blue — that can last for months after you stop drinking.
Mental Health 101
For serious alcohol use disorder, you may need a stay at a residential treatment facility. Most residential treatment programs include individual and group therapy, support groups, educational lectures, family involvement, and activity therapy. Research shows that naltrexone works best for people who have already stopped drinking for at least 4 days when they begin treatment. You take it daily as a pill or get a monthly injection at your health marijuana addiction care professional’s office. The medication can help you have fewer days when you drink heavily as well as drink less overall. Yet medications for alcohol use disorder can work well for people who want to stop drinking or drink a lot less.