This guide was intended for individuals, as well as their families and friends seeking options to tackle alcohol issues. It’s intended to be an aid to help you understand what treatment options are available and the factors to take into consideration when deciding between them. Be aware that NIAAA recently unveiled its NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator. This online tool will help you locate the best treatment for you and in your area. It walks you step-by step to locate a highly experienced professional treatment center.
When is the Right Time to Get Treatment?
The effects of alcohol-related issues – caused by drinking excessively or too fast or frequently–are one of the biggest public health concerns throughout the United States.
A lot of people struggle to control their drinking at least once during their lifetime. Over 14 million people 18 and above suffer from alcohol dependence disorder (AUD), and one in 10 children reside in the home of one parent with an alcohol problem.
Does treatment work?
The positive side is that, regardless of how serious the issue may appear the majority of people suffering from AUD will benefit from some kind of treatment.
Studies show that approximately one third of people being treated for alcohol-related problems experience no other symptoms one year after. A lot of people significantly reduce their drinking and experience less alcohol-related issues.
An indication for an Alcohol Problem
Alcohol abuse disorder (AUD)is a medical condition that doctors recognize when alcohol consumption results in harm or distress. The symptoms can range from mild to serious and is diagnosed when a person is able to answer “yes” to at least two in the questions below.
In the last year, do you remember:
- Did you have a time when you ended having a drink more or for longer than you had planned?
- Many times, I’ve tried to reduce or quit drinking or stop drinking but could not?
- Did you spend some time drinking? Or spent a long the time drinking? Are you sick or getting upset from the aftermath?
- Are you experiencing a desire–a urgent need or desire to drink?
- Did you find that being sick or drinking due to drinking frequently caused problems in taking charge of the needs at your family home as well as your loved ones? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?
- You continued to drink even when it caused problems in you loved ones or your friends?
- Did you give an up or reduced in activities which were important or interesting for you, or brought you pleasure, to drink?
- There have been numerous times when you’ve been involved in situations following or while drinking alcohol that increase your risk of injury(such as swimming, driving, using machines, walking in an area that is dangerous or engaging in sexually unsafe activities)?
- You continued to drink even though it made you feel anxious or depressed or causing another health issue? or after experiencing an brain blackout?
- Did you have you to consume more than you did previously in order to achieve the effects you wanted? Perhaps you noticed that your usual amountof drinks produced significantly less impact than it did before?
- It was discovered that as you realized that the alcohol effects began diminishing You experienced withdrawal symptoms that included shaking, insomnia and irritability, anxiety or depression, restlessness sweating, nausea? or sensed things that weren’t present?
If you experience any of these signs, your drinking might already be a cause of worry. The more you exhibit symptoms the more urgent is the need to change. A doctor can perform a formal evaluation of your symptoms to determine whether you have AUD.
Treatment Options
If asked about how alcohol-related issues are dealt with, most people think of 12-step programs and 28-day inpatient rehabilitation, but they may be unable to identify alternatives. In reality, there is various treatment options which are available today, due to major advances in the field over the last 60 years.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and what could work for one individual might not be a great match for another. Understanding the various choices is a crucial first step.
Different Types of Treatment
Treatments for Behavioral Disorders
Behavioral therapies are designed to altering drinking habits through counseling. They are supervised by health professionals, and backed by research showing that they are effective.
Medicines
Three medicines are accepted by the United States to help people to stop or cut down on their drinking and avoid the possibility of relapse. They are recommended by a primary care doctor or another health professionals and can be taken on their own or in conjunction with counseling. Let see Pompano Beach Alcohol Addiction
Mutual-Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs offer assistance from peers to those who are trying to quit or reducing their drinking. Together with the help of health professionals, mutual support groups provide a great additional level of assistance.
Because of the anonymity of mutual-support organizations they are difficult for researchers to establish the success rate of these groups compared to the ones that are run by health experts.
Beginning with the Primary Care Doctor
For anyone considering seeking treatment, speaking with an experienced primary doctor is a crucial first step. He or she could be a reliable source for treatments and medication. A primary care physician may also:
- Examine a patient’s drinking habits
- Create a treatment strategy
- Assess the overall health
- Examine whether alcohol-related medication might be suitable
Patients are encouraged to speak with their doctor regarding the best method of treatment for them.
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