Understanding the Different Options for Recovery from Alcohol Addiction
Recovery from alcohol addiction is not a simple fix. There is no universal treatment that works for everyone. Some people facing Alcohol Use Disorder find success with certain types of treatment such as taking medication while others benefit more from behavioral treatments. In many cases, it is a combination of different therapies that proves to be the most impactful for many addicts. It is important to know that you do have options in recovery and you can work with a team of specialists to understand what treatments may work best for your situation.
Behavioral Therapies
One of the most common treatments for alcohol addiction involves behavioral therapies. This could involve group or individual counseling and often incorporates a participant’s loved ones. Behavioral treatments are usually moderated by a licensed therapist that can help both the person in recovery and their support system set manageable goals and avoid triggers.
Medication
There are a number of prescription medications that can help those facing addiction. Some of the most common are Naltrexone, Acamprosate and Disulfiram. A treating physician familiar with alcohol dependence should prescribe all medications. The drugs can have negative side effects which may help some people start drinking but should be monitored by a medical professional.
Detox and Rehabilitation
Many recovery options include an initial detox stage followed by rehabilitation. There are in-patient rehabs, which require the individual to live in sobriety in a dedicated facility, and there are outpatient treatment options, which allow people to live at home while attending counseling and other therapies designed to help someone overcome obstacles, related to addiction.
Learn more about different treatments from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.