Author: John Carter
How to Search and What to Ask Navigator NIAAA
Do you want to stop drinking altogether or just cut back? If your goal is to reduce your drinking, decide which days you will drink alcohol and how many drinks you will allow yourself per day. Try to commit to at least two days each week when you won’t drink at all.
- Taking the first step to seeking professional help for alcoholism can feel scary and overwhelming.
- Try to commit to at least two days each week when you won’t drink at all.
- This is not an uncommon concern, but the short answer is “no.” All medications approved for treating alcohol dependence are non-addictive.
- If you have any of these symptoms, your drinking may already be a cause for concern.
- Most people with alcohol problems do not decide to make a big change out of the blue or transform their drinking habits overnight.
Make meetings a priority – Join a recovery support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and attend meetings regularly. Spending time with people who understand exactly what you’re going through can be very healing. You can also benefit from the shared experiences of the group members and learn what others have done to stay sober. The symptoms listed above may be a sign of a severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens, or DTs. This rare, emergency condition causes dangerous changes in the way your brain regulates your circulation and breathing, so it’s important to get to the hospital right away.
See a Counselor or Therapist
When asked how alcohol problems are treated, people commonly think of 12-step programs or 28-day inpatient rehab but may have difficulty naming other options. In fact, there are a variety of treatment methods currently available, thanks to significant advances in the field over the past 60 years. 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. The decision to finally get help for an alcohol addiction is a brave step toward regaining control of your life.
A drinking relapse doesn’t mean you’re a failure or that you’ll never be able to reach your goal. Each drinking relapse is an opportunity to learn and recommit to sobriety, so you’ll be less likely to relapse in the future. Make a note about how you feel physically and mentally on these days—recognizing the benefits may help you to cut down for good. Write your drinking goal down and keep it where you will frequently see it, such as on your phone or taped to your refrigerator. Let friends, family members, and co-workers know that you’re trying to stop or cut back on drinking. If they drink, ask them to support your recovery by not doing so in front of you.
Alcohol use disorder
However, your participation can make a big difference. 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. Because AUD can be a chronic relapsing disease, persistence is key. It is rare that someone would go to treatment once and then never drink again.
Most people with alcohol problems do not decide to make a big change out of the blue or transform their drinking habits overnight. In the early stages of change, denial is a huge obstacle. Even after admitting you have a drinking problem, you may make excuses and drag your feet.
It’s much easier to avoid drinking if you don’t keep temptations around. Keep a record of your drinking to help you reach your goal. For 3 to 4 weeks, write down every time you have a drink and how much you drink. Reviewing the results, you may be surprised at your weekly drinking habits. BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Examples of alcohol treatment programs
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that doctors diagnose when a patient’s drinking causes distress or harm. The condition can range from mild to severe and is diagnosed when a patient answers “yes” to two or more of the following questions. Many people struggle with controlling their drinking at some time in their lives. More than 14 million adults ages 18 and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD), and 1 in 10 children live in a home with a parent who has a drinking problem. Although addiction helplines are trusted resources, they cannot provide emergency care.
Types of Behavioral Treatments
If addiction has led to a medically or mentally-dangerous situation (such as suicide attempts), call 911 immediately. When you meet with your doctor, talk about your goals. 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.
Alcohol Addiction Hotline Guide
Alcoholism is a common and different term for alcohol use disorder. Milder cases — when people abuse alcohol but aren’t dependent on it — are as well. Specialists who are board certified have thousands of hours of training and practice. And they must continue to take training courses to keep their certification. Mental health and wellness tips, our latest guides, resources, and more.
Studies show that people who are alcohol dependent are two to three times as likely to suffer from major depression or anxiety over their lifetime. When addressing drinking problems, it’s important to also seek treatment for any accompanying medical and mental health issues. 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. After completing treatment with AAC, you’ll also be able to benefit from an alumni support system, quality care, and a 90-day promise. If you relapse after completing 90 days of treatment within an AAC program, they can return for 30 days of complimentary treatment.
Alcohol abuse and addiction doesn’t just affect the person drinking—it affects their families and loved ones, too. Watching a family member struggle with a drinking problem can be as heartbreakingly painful as it is frustrating. But while you can’t do the hard work of overcoming addiction for your loved one, your love and support can play a crucial part in their long-term recovery. Whether you choose to tackle your alcohol addiction by going to rehab, getting therapy, or taking a self-directed treatment approach, support is essential. Recovering from alcohol addiction or abuse is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance.
If you’re a long-term, heavy drinker, you may need medically supervised detoxification. Talk to your doctor or an addiction specialist to learn more. Three medications are currently approved in the United States to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent relapse.