How to Treat Alcohol Dependence

Alcoholism is a serious problem that can affect every part of your life. It can jeopardize your health, your relationships, your home life and your career. Alcohol addiction can be tough to overcome on your own, and you might need professional help, either in an outpatient or inpatient capacity. Certain self-care measures are also necessary to end your dependence.

Instructions

• 1

  Seek therapy. Talking with a health care professional can help you examine the issues that led to your drinking and help you find ways to quit. You will have the opportunity to examine negative beliefs, habits and behavior, and to replace them with new ones. Your counselor also can help you outline specific goals and treatment strategies to help you give up alcohol.

• 2

  Talk to your doctor about medications to help curb cravings or cause unpleasant reactions when you drink. They include Antabuse, ReVia, Campral and Vivitrol. These medications cannot guarantee you will stop drinking and are most effective as part of a treatment plan that involves counseling and support groups, among other things.

• 3

  Consider using natural therapies to complement your addiction treatment. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests the following treatments might be useful for you. Kudzu might reduce cravings for alcohol. In addition, homeopathic remedies often are used to help treat alcohol addiction and symptoms of withdrawal. These include arsenicum album, nux vomica, lachesis and staphysagria. Homeopathy is a very individualized system of medicine; if you are interested in using it, you should meet with a professional homeopath for maximum benefit.

• 4

  Try acupuncture; it might help relieve cravings and alleviate side effects of withdrawal. It is best used as a supportive measure and not as a sole means of treatment.

• 5

  Go to Alcoholics Anonymous or another support group where you are surrounded with people going through the same thing. These support groups help you feel less alone in your struggle, and you can get tips and advice from other recovering alcoholics on how to deal with this problem.

• 6

  Find ways to manage stress and other negative emotions; they are dangerous triggers that can lead you back to alcohol. Exercise regularly, and experiment with yoga, meditation, positive visualization and anything else that makes you feel better. Make time for your hobbies and interests.

• 7

  Consider inpatient rehabilitation facilities that offer more-intensive treatment if you find outpatient treatment ineffective. Your doctor or other health care professionals are good sources of information on an appropriate treatment center.