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Alcohol Intervention Methods

Alcohol abuse and dependence can have a negative impact on a person's life, leading to disruption in areas such as family, work or school. It can also result in major health consequences. People who abuse alcohol may also end up in dangerous situations, such as drinking and driving and have consequential legal involvement. Therapeutic interventions for people who abuse alcohol need to match the specific needs of the person. Treatment interventions depend on the severity of symptoms and addiction.

  1. Inpatient Interventions

    • Inpatient interventions are short-term programs that take place in substance recovery centers and hospitals. These usually last between a week and a month but can last up to a year. Inpatient programs allow patients to focus only on their own recovery in a supportive environment and without the stress and distractions of everyday life. These programs may be suitable to for patients who have been addicted to alcohol for a long time or are having a difficult time staying sober.

    Outpatient Interventions

    • For some patients, outpatient interventions may work best. These often take place at a drug or alcohol rehabilitation clinic and can include services such as group therapy, individual therapy, case management and psychiatric assistance. Group therapy is the most popular form of treatment for substance addictions, including alcoholism. Group interventions can include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychoeducational groups.

      Other outpatient interventions include 12-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. These are peer or self-run groups that exist outside of the mental healthcare system. The advantage of these groups is that they are free and offer a community of support to the person with alcoholism.

    Dual Diagnosis Interventions

    • Some people with alcohol abuse and addiction problems also suffer from mental health issues. These people are sometimes referred to as dual diagnosis. For people with dual diagnosis, treatment in facilities that specializing in treating both substance abuse and mental illness tend to be the best intervention. Many partial hospitalization programs are designed as dual treatment facilities. These programs offer intensive day treatment programs that address both substance abuse and mental health problems. However, it is also recommended that someone addicted to alcohol go through an alcohol detoxification program prior to using any other interventions, since the process of detoxification can create serious medical side effects.

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