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Alcohol Abuse Therapy

Seeking therapy and treatment for alcohol abuse is a powerful step to recovery. Rehabilitation may include physical, psychological and spiritual treatment. Medical and mental health professionals differ on the origins of alcohol addiction, and treatment varies. The most popular alcohol abuse therapy is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a 12-step program. AA addresses physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs and provides a support group with others in different stages of recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with to alcohol or drugs, seek help immediately.

  1. What is Alcoholism?

    • Alcoholism and alcohol dependence is defined as a disease that includes an inability to control consumption, strong cravings, physical dependence and an increased tolerance to alcohol. Prior to 1980, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), released by the mental health profession, used the single category "alcoholism" to describe substance abuse. In 1987, the DSM-III placed alcoholism into two separate categories: "alcohol abuse" and "alcohol dependence." In 1994, the DSM-IV developed wider subsets within the categories and the criteria for diagnosis. These classifications include behavioral patterns, periods of abstinence, social and or legal problems, and coexisting psychological symptoms (including depression and anxiety). Those with alcohol dependency are more vulnerable to developing full-blown alcoholism.

    Uncovering Addiction

    • Mental health professionals and rehabilitation carers seek to discover root causes of addiction. One consideration is genetic predisposition, meaning alcoholism runs consistently through generations. However, coexisting causes are also present; such as psychological, social, and or spiritual factors. The AA model is holistic in approach. AA combines potential root causes and breaks them down into 12-steps. Each step is highly individualized to the person's circumstances and pace.

    Inpatient and Outpatient Therapy

    • Mental health professionals specializing in alcohol abuse offer inpatient and outpatient treatment on a per-case basis. Treatments include psychotherapy ("talk therapy") and/or psychiatric therapy (prescribing medication). To successfully begin alcohol abuse therapy the individual needs first to stop drinking alcohol. This is called "abstinence." The steps that follow will differ based on the therapy model. Inpatient therapy is for individuals who are unable to function at home, work or socially and need ongoing care and supervision by health professionals. Inpatient therapy will range from short-term to long-term, depending on the individual. Inpatient therapy often includes medication, detoxification and psychotherapy. With outpatient therapy, treatments vary. The individual may undergo any combination of psychotherapy, detoxification, prescription medication or attend AA 12-step programs.

    Medication and Detoxification

    • Prescription medications are designed to help the patient cope with insomnia, reduce cravings, curb anxiety and associated withdrawal symptoms (ie., constant shaking, sweating, nervousness). Some medication will cause the person to become physically ill if she drinks alcohol. Detoxification or detox is a method in which the individual undergoes a period of ridding the body of toxins and may be used in conjunction with medication. Detox requires abstinence and dietary restrictions. There are a range of detox methods, so programs will vary. Detox must be done under the supervision of a health care professional.

    Recovery

    • Recovery from alcoholism is reached through abstinence and ongoing behavioral modification. Success rates vary among individuals. With proper therapy, learning the tools to cope with anxiety, stress or depression allows the individual to cultivate and practice healthy behaviors. Recovery strategies include teaching the alcoholic to identify triggers (ie., environments, individuals, specific thoughts or emotions) for drinking and tools for effectively coping with stress, cravings, and unhealthy environments or situations. Recovery from addiction is extremely beneficial to long-term physical, mental, social and spiritual health.

    HALT Method

    • The HALT Method is an acronym commonly used in 12-step programs to describe a self-assessment tool when an individual begins to feel a strong craving or desire to drink. This self-assessment helps the individual discover the high likelihood they are one of the following: hungry, angry, lonely and or tired. When an individual evaluates his well-being in relation to any of these emotions, he is advised to address them appropriately. For example, napping, calling a friend or loved one, eating, exercise or prayer.

    Getting Help

    • If you or a loved one may have a problem with alcohol, seek help immediately. Available are 24-hour hotlines providing anonymous support. Call 1-866-96-SOBER (1-866-967-6237).

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