If you or someone you know is living with AUD, many treatment options are available. They may recommend detoxification, medication, relapse prevention training, or a combination of these approaches. Healthcare providers diagnose the condition by doing a physical examination to look for symptoms of conditions that alcohol use disorder may cause. Couples and family counseling incorporates spouses and other family members in the treatment process and can play an important role in repairing and improving family relationships. Studies show that strong family support through family therapy increases the chances of maintaining abstinence (not drinking) compared with people going to individual counseling.
- Other programs may offer specialized tracks for specific populations, such as members of the LGBTQ+ community, men- or women-only groups, and veterans.
- Treatment, whether it be inpatient or outpatient rehab, can help you take back your life and move towards a healthier, alcohol-free future.
- This biological tug of war explains why willpower alone often isn’t enough to quit drinking.
- Several factors, including the severity of one’s addiction and length of time someone has used drugs or alcohol, impact the decision of which type of care to seek.
Medically Supervised Detox & Withdrawal Management
Anti-seizure drugs such as gabapentin and carbamazepine can help reduce your craving for more alcohol. Studies show that gabapentin can also help improve your sleep and mood, how to treat alcoholism which may make you less likely to relapse. You can take these medications by mouth, or your doctor may give you a longer-acting version of one of these drugs by IV in the hospital.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
This thought process can be a useful mental tool when the physical pain of withdrawal is most severe. The craving for alcohol may be a persistent challenge during and after withdrawal. There will be multiple points throughout the process where you will be tempted to drug addiction drink. It’s helpful to think of your craving as a wave; Cravings build, peak, crash and dissipate. The point is that eventually, your craving will go away — the wave will crash.
What medication helps with alcohol withdrawal?
Factors to consider include preferences for online or face-to-face meetings, group size, whether the group is faith-led, and if actionable steps are sought. Substance use can negatively impact neurotransmitters in the brain, altering cognitive functioning, emotional stability, and overall well-being. A diet rich in protein and complex carbohydrates can aid in overcoming common cravings in early recovery. It’s important to avoid substances like sugar and caffeine that can cause mood swings New Choices Treatment Center.
- Through individual therapy sessions and group education, dialectical behavior therapy promotes skill-building in four key areas.
- A word of appreciation or acknowledgment of a success can go a long way.
- It’s important to consider all available options and find a treatment plan that fits the individual’s unique needs and circumstances.
- If you’re given this type of medication, you’ll need to be closely monitored.
- Practicing your refusal ahead of time can help you feel more comfortable and confident when you find yourself in a situation that involves alcohol.
- By knowing what happens first, next, and later, you and your family can move through treatment with realistic expectations and greater confidence.