Alcohol Dependency TreatmentAlcohol dependency treatment can have several approaches; these may vary from one center to another. However, the basic line for the treatment in most of these centers remains the same: all of them use the three basic steps involved in the treatment, which includes intervention, detoxification to reduce withdrawal, rehabilitation and maintenance. Many people mix the terms 'alcohol dependency' and 'alcohol abuse'.
If you abuse alcohol, it means that you consume too much of alcohol, but are not dependent on it. Patients who suffer from alcohol dependency become addicted to alcohol; they show some behavioral changes like increased tolerance to alcohol, craving for alcohol and impaired control. They find it very difficult to quit, even when it has a bad effect on their health.
Alcoholism Treatment ProgramsIntervention The first step involves motivating the patient to quit alcohol. In this step, the patients agree that they have a problem and resolve to participate whole heartedly in the treatment. It helps people to identify their drinking patterns and consciously cut down on drinking. This first step towards recovery has been found to be very effective in many countries. Studies indicate that if patients realize that their families or friends are genuinely concerned about their well being, it inspires them to reach their goals in the long run. Some centers provide sessions to patients that can last for as long as 60 minutes. The participants are given information about the harmful effects of alcohol and of binge drinking. Many treatment providers stress on reducing the alcohol intake rather than completely abstaining from it. At a later stage, they can start complete abstinence. Detoxification Before patients enter into a long therapy they are advised to undergo detoxification. When the addicts try to quit alcohol, they have strong cravings for the drink. When they do not consume alcohol, they experience withdrawal symptoms a few hours after the effect of the alcohol wears off. These symptoms include strong craving for alcohol trembling, feeling sick, sweating, dehydration and feeling awful. Some patients might experience convulsions or even delirium. During the detoxification or detox, patients are given medicines that help to control the above mentioned withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used drugs for detoxing the patients. The doctors prescribe a very high dose for the first day; it will gradually decrease in the next few days, till it is stopped. The patients are advised to abstain from alcohol in this phase of treatment. Your doctor might test you with a breathalyzer to check if you have really quit. During this phase, the patients might be asked to visit their doctor frequently. During this period, the support of family and friends is very beneficial for the patient. During the first few weeks of detoxification, patients might become slightly nervous and may have become a little restless for a few days and might experience insomnia. If you are undergoing detox, your doctor might prescribe some vitamin supplements, like vitamin B1. This is due to the fact that your body might become deprived of important nutrients when you consume alcohol over a period of time.
The main purpose of detox is to reduce or even stop your craving for alcohol. However, it will not make you stop drinking; the determination to quit your addiction will come from within you. The medication prescribed during detox will help to manage the withdrawal symptoms so that you complete your next stage of alcohol dependency treatment that is rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation Many centers provide alcohol rehab programs after the detox treatment is over. This consolidates the last phase of the treatment. The patients are given treatment from a team of professionals that comprises of counselors, doctors, nurses, physical therapist and so on. The patients are also be given education about the effects of alcohol addiction on their body and their family. Rehabilitation can be of two types: inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation.
An inpatient or outpatient alcohol dependency treatment is designed to recover an individual from the grasp which alcohol has instilled upon their lives. These treatments may also use some alternative alcohol rehab methods like spiritual or faith based. All these three phases of alcohol dependency treatment have only one goal and that is to help the patients quit consuming alcohol in the long run. The maintenance is equally important as the treatment. After the treatment, the patient must make resolutions and stick to them. Apart from the family and friends, there are many support groups to help fight the battle of alcohol dependency. Everyone can recover from it, provided they have the determination within themselves to do so. |
