Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA
Many people with AUD do recover, but setbacks are common among people in treatment. Seeking professional help early can prevent a return to drinking. Behavioral therapies can help people develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking. Medications also can help deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk of a return to drinking (e.g., divorce, death of a family member). No matter how hopeless alcohol use disorder may seem, treatment can help. If you think you might have a problem with alcohol, call SAMHSA or talk to your healthcare provider.
Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that’s changing medicine. Talking with family members may help the doctor understand the situation, but they will need permission to do this. If a blood test reveals that the red blood cells have increased in size, it could be an indication of long-term alcohol misuse. Alcohol dependence can take from a few years to several decades to develop. For some people who are particularly vulnerable, it can happen within months. Alcohol consumption becomes a problem when it takes precedence over all other activities.
- A support group can help you connect with other people who’re facing similar challenges.
- A health care provider might ask the following questions to assess a person’s symptoms.
- Overall, gather as much information as you can about the program or provider before making a decision on treatment.
- Some signs and symptoms of alcohol misuse may be due to another condition.
- In this section, learn more about AUD, the professional treatment options available, and why different people may take different routes to recovery.
- Ask different programs if they offer sliding scale fees—some programs may offer lower prices or payment plans for individuals without health insurance.
But keep in mind that support groups aren’t for everyone, and they may not be helpful for some people. Your doctor may refer you to one-on-one therapy or group counseling. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a mental and physical dependence on alcohol.
Check in with your body for signs of detox
Some people attain their goal only to find that old habits crop up again later. Maybe you feel that you’re drinking too much or too often. Remember that changing deep habits is hard, takes time, and requires repeated efforts.
Your health care provider or counselor can suggest a support group. Relapse rates for drug use are similar to rates for other chronic medical illnesses. If people stop following their medical treatment plan, they are likely to relapse. If you’re living with alcohol use disorder, treatment at a medical rehabilitation facility is your best option.
How to Stop Alcohol Withdrawals
Theories suggest that for certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder. If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder. However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important.
Your doctor may refer you to a counselor or other treatment program to help you learn those skills and coping strategies. If you want to take steps to get treatment for your AUD, make an appointment with your doctor. They’ll likely ask you a series of questions to determine the severity of your dependency. These questions can also help them determine the best treatment option for your needs. The road to recovering from AUD can be a long process that requires various treatments or therapies.
Medical Professionals
Below is a list of providers and the type of care they may offer. If you have any of these symptoms, your drinking https://sober-house.org/ may already be a cause for concern. The more symptoms you have, the more urgent the need for change.
Scientists are working to develop a larger menu of pharmaceutical treatments that could be tailored to individual needs. As more medications become available, people may be able to try multiple medications to find which they respond to best. Be prepared to discuss any problems that alcohol may be causing. You may want to take a family member or friend along, if possible.
In fact, there are a variety of treatment methods currently available, thanks to significant advances in the field over the past 60 years. Many people struggle with controlling their drinking at some time in their lives. More than 14 million adults ages 18 and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD), and 1 in 10 children live in a home with a parent who has a drinking problem. Blood tests can only reveal very recent alcohol consumption.
Some of these are inpatient or residential programs, where you stay at a treatment center for a while. Others are outpatient programs, where you live at home and go to the center for treatment. Based on clinical experience, many health providers believe ecstasy withdrawal that support from friends and family members is important in overcoming alcohol problems. But friends and family may feel unsure about how best to provide the support needed. The groups for family and friends listed below may be a good starting point.
