Alcoholism Treatment

Alcoholism is a chronic disease that causes dependency on the consumption of alcoholic beverages. It can lead to severe health issues, including damage to the liver (see cirrhosis), stomach and intestines, certain cancers, heart disease and other problems with organs, and nutritional deficiencies due to loss of appetite. Alcoholism can also cause serious psychological problems, including depression and anxiety, as well as mood swings.

If you think you have a drinking problem, the first thing to do is to see your healthcare provider or therapist. They may ask you questions about your drinking habits and your family history of alcoholism, and perform a physical exam. If your provider suspects that you are an alcoholic, they will likely refer you to a mental health care provider or to an alcohol treatment program.

Alcohol addiction is usually thought to be a complex disorder that involves a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. Theories of the cause of alcoholism range from heredity, environmental contagion and bad character to bleak childhoods, preexisting depressive disorders, economic misery or affluence and the ready availability of alcoholic beverages.

There are several types of alcoholism treatment, depending on the severity of your problem and how long you have been drinking. Some treatments are inpatient, which means you stay at a facility during treatment. Others are outpatient, where you attend sessions at a clinic or treatment center for a set amount of time per week. Some treatment centers also offer group therapy or support groups led by a therapist or trained counselor.

In general, your treatment will be individualized to meet your specific needs. You will probably start with behavioral therapy, which helps you change your drinking patterns. You may also be given medications to ease symptoms of withdrawal or reduce the amount of alcohol you consume. Medications used in alcohol treatment may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs or sedatives.

Some people with a mild to moderate alcohol use disorder can stop drinking and maintain sobriety without going through formal rehab. However, it’s important to have a strong support system in place to help you stay sober as you work through your recovery. This could be a group of friends, family members or an Alcoholics Anonymous or other support group. You may also benefit from attending a rehab program or a care program that offers group therapy or support groups, as well as medication and counseling.

The functional subtype makes up the smallest percentage of alcoholics, but these individuals are often described as "functional alcoholics." They typically begin drinking at a later age than other alcoholics and develop an alcohol dependence later. They have the highest education and income levels of all alcoholics and are more likely to be married. They also have lower rates of co-occurring mental health conditions and other substance use disorders. They are most likely to seek treatment through private health care providers and self-help programs. This group is also the least likely to have legal problems associated with their drinking.