Author: Alex Thompson

Treatment of Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism: How To Stop Drinking

Ask different programs if they offer sliding scale fees—some programs may offer lower prices or payment plans for individuals without health insurance. Ideally, health professionals would be able to identify which AUD treatment is most effective for each person. NIAAA and other organizations are conducting research to identify genes and other factors that can predict how well someone will respond to a particular treatment. These advances could optimize how treatment decisions are made in the future. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications for treating alcohol dependence, and others are being tested to determine whether they are effective. Due to the anonymous nature of mutual-support groups, it is difficult for researchers to determine their success rates compared with those led by health professionals.

Are you trying to drink less or stop drinking completely? You doctor also can refer you to a treatment center or experts who can help. You may have tried to quit drinking alcohol and discovered that the symptoms you experienced were more severe than you anticipated. Maybe you decided to go back to drinking just to relieve those symptoms.

Based on clinical experience, many health providers believe that support from friends and family members is important in overcoming alcohol problems. But friends and family may feel unsure about how best to provide the support needed. The groups for family and friends listed below may be a good starting point. Instead, these are groups of people who have alcohol use disorder. Examples include Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and other programs. Your peers can offer understanding and advice and help keep you accountable.

The newer types of these medications work by offsetting changes in the brain caused by AUD. If you have any of these symptoms, your drinking may already be a cause for concern. The more symptoms you have, the more urgent the need for change. A health professional can conduct a formal assessment of your symptoms to see if AUD is present.

For an online assessment of your drinking pattern, go to RethinkingDrinking.niaaa.nih.gov. Research shows that about one-third of people who are treated for alcohol problems have no further symptoms 1 year later. Many others substantially reduce their drinking and report fewer alcohol-related problems. Many people struggle with controlling their drinking at some time in their lives.

The Navigator helps adults find alcohol treatment for themselves or an adult loved one. If you are seeking help for a teen, check out these recommended adolescent treatment resources. Professionals in the alcohol treatment field offer advice on what to consider when choosing a treatment program. Scientists are working to develop a larger menu of pharmaceutical treatments that could be tailored to individual needs.

Types of Professionals Involved in Care

Make no mistake about it, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and in some cases fatal. If you are a daily drinker, a heavy drinker, or a frequent binge drinker, suddenly quitting will likely produce a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms. You’re likely to start by seeing your primary health care provider. If your provider suspects that you have a problem with alcohol, you may be referred to a mental health provider. If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder.

1. Doctors and other experts can keep an eye on you and give you medicine to help with your symptoms.
2. A heavy drinking binge may even cause a life-threatening coma or death.
3. Ideally, health professionals would be able to identify which AUD treatment is most effective for each person.
4. Overall, gather as much information as you can about the program or provider before making a decision on treatment.
5. Working to stop alcohol use to improve quality of life is the main treatment goal.

Overall, gather as much information as you can about the program or provider before making a decision on treatment. If you know someone who has first-hand knowledge of the program, it may help to ask about his or her personal experience. All approved medications are non-addictive and can be used alone or in combination with other forms of treatment. Individuals are advised to talk to their doctors about the best form of primary treatment. Drugs used for other conditions — like smoking, pain, or epilepsy — also may help with alcohol use disorder. Talk to your doctor to see of one of those might be right for you.

Don’t keep alcohol in your house. Having no alcohol at home can help limit your drinking.

If you’re concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person. Alcohol use disorder (sometimes called alcoholism) is a medical condition. It involves heavy or frequent alcohol drinking even when it causes problems, emotional distress or physical harm. A combination of medications, behavioral therapy and support can help you or a loved one recover. Another alternative, especially if you have experienced severe withdrawal in the past, is to check yourself into a professional detoxification facility.

Too much alcohol affects your speech, muscle coordination and vital centers of your brain. A heavy drinking binge may even cause a life-threatening coma or death. This is of particular concern when you’re taking certain medications that also depress the brain’s function. Genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior. Theories suggest that for certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition involving frequent or heavy alcohol use.

Alcohol Use Disorder

People with alcohol use disorder can’t stop drinking, even when it causes problems, emotional distress or physical harm to themselves or others. Cost may be a factor when selecting a treatment approach. Evaluate the coverage in your health insurance plan to determine how much of the costs your insurance will cover and how much you will have to pay.

FIND YOUR WAY TO QUALITY ALCOHOL TREATMENT

You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Milder cases may only be problematic for a period of time. Unlike many other resources you may find online, the Navigator has no commercial sponsors. Instead, it is produced by the leading U.S. agency for scientific research on alcohol and health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Ultimately, receiving treatment can improve your chances of success.

Knowing what helps with alcohol withdrawal can make the experience less uncomfortable and risky. There are a number of common alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but not everyone will experience these symptoms. They can range from mild to severe and are usually proportionate to the amount of alcohol you usually consumed and how long you’ve been drinking. Your health care provider or mental health provider will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.

Behavioral treatments are aimed at changing drinking behavior through counseling. They are led by health professionals and supported by studies showing they can be beneficial. Your health care provider or counselor can suggest a support group. Many people with alcohol use disorder hesitate to get treatment because they don’t recognize that they have a problem. An intervention from loved ones can help some people recognize and accept that they need professional help.