How is Alcoholism Treated?

Alcoholism is a disease that affects millions of people around the world. It’s also one of the most common crimes in the United States. Many people believe that alcohol is simply a matter of personal choice or that it doesn’t affect others. However, alcoholism is a chronic disease that can’t be treated with willpower and good intentions. 

There are many different types of alcohol treatments. The type that’s right for you will depend on many different factors. These include the severity of your alcoholism, whether you have co-occurring disorders, and your personal preferences. The following information can help you understand which type of alcohol treatment is right for you.

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a drinking problem. It’s defined as a pattern of abnormal drinking, where a person drinks frequently to excess and develops a strong desire to cut back or stop. Alcoholism is a chronic disease, meaning it can’t be “cured.” Rather, it can be managed over time to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol and promote healthier living.

How Is Alcoholism Treated?

There are many different types of alcohol treatment. However, the most common types are Inpatient (within an alcohol treatment facility where the patient lives during the course of treatment), and outpatient (an alcohol treatment facility where the patient visits for specified hours at specified times and then goes home). These programs are usually less intensive and involve less commitment. Some people prefer these types of programs because they can still hold down a job and attend school or participate in extracurricular activities.

The intensity of treatment will depend on a number of factors, including The patient’s age, health, weight, the severity of the alcohol abuse, and the client’s willingness to change.

Medications

Medications are an important part of any type of therapy. They can help control cravings and prevent relapses. Medications are either prescribed by a doctor and taken under medical supervision or Over-the-counter (OTC), which are sold without a prescription and are therefore more likely to cause side effects.

There are many different types of medications that can treat alcoholism. The right medication for you will depend on your specific symptoms and medical conditions.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps people change the way they think and react to things. It teaches them to identify and change negative patterns of behavior that can lead to addiction.

There are a few different types of CBT. All of them aim to teach patients new ways of coping with their feelings and behaviors. This can help them identify and overcome the reasons they developed an addiction in the first place.

Enabling and Co-Occurring Disorders

Many people with an addiction will also have a co-occurring disorder. This can make it harder to recover and can interfere with the treatment process. Learning to identify and manage these disorders as part of your overall treatment plan could help improve your chances of success.

Examples of co-occurring disorders include: Depression – The leading cause of disability worldwide, depression is also common among people with addictions. It interferes with a person’s ability to recover from addiction and can even lead to suicidal thoughts.

Anxiety – Anxiety is a common result of living with depression. It can also make it difficult to sleep, which can negatively affect a person’s physical and mental health.

Rehabilitation Programs

Alcohol treatment programs take many forms and can be either residential or non-residential. Residential programs provide a stable, structured environment where patients live at the facility for the duration of treatment. They’re often the most intensive.

Non-residential programs are less structured. People attend these programs at their leisure, either in a group or individual format.

Self-Treatment

Self-treatment is becoming more and more common in alcohol treatment. This is because many people prefer to treat their own addiction rather than rely on medical assistance. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you attempt self-treat.

First, you should always discuss your goals with your doctor or a qualified health provider. They can help you develop a treatment plan that suits your individual needs and abilities.

Secondly, never use alcohol as a substitute for medical care. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are taking prescription medications, you should always seek proper medical assistance before attempting self-treatment.

Oasis Recovery Can Help 

Alcoholism is a prevalent and costly disease. It affects everyone, and there is no “cure” yet for it. Because of this, the best solution is prevention. The sooner you realize you have a problem, the sooner you can get help for it.

If you or someone you know has an alcohol problem, don’t wait. Get help right away. In many cases, the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of recovery.

If you or a loved one are currently struggling with alcohol addiction, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services. Oasis Recovery was founded from firsthand experience of addiction and recovery, with a mission of providing a space where people can heal from addiction in a compassionate, creative, open-minded, and heart-centered environment. We believe recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
• Aftercare Services

Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You no longer have to struggle with addiction on your own. We are here to help.