|
|
ALCOHOLISM
|
|
|
Alcohol Treatment
What types of treatment statistically show the highest success rate?
Alcoholism Treatment Centers
Many different treatment centers offer expert treatment of alcoholism. Their cost, duration, counseling methods, and treatment protocols vary widely and deserve careful research
|
|
|
|
|
ALCOHOL FACTS
|
|
|
Alcoholism Facts
30% of Americans say they have had problems with alcohol
14,000,000 U.S. adults are addicted to alcohol
500,000 U.S. children are addicted to alcohol
6 1/2 times more youth are killed each year from alcohol than all other drugs combined
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GETTING SOBER
|
|
|
Alcohol Detox and Treatment
Confronting alcoholism is not easy. But keep in mind that the sooner you get help, the better your chances for a long-term, successful recovery. Learn more about where to begin and what resources you have.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STAYING SOBER
|
|
|
For long-term successful recovery, the alcoholic's work does not end with the treatment program. An ongoing commitment to stay sober is really only possible with support of one's family, friends, and social sphere. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings provide a social support network for recovering alcoholics worldwide. Many recovering alcoholics attend meetings on a regular basis for years after quitting; some for a lifetime.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALCOHOLISM AND ITS TREATMENT
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alcohol Treatment Centers
Many different programs and levels of care are available today for the treatment of alcoholism, ranging from medically managed hospital-based inpatient programs for the most severe cases, to short-term out-patient recovery programs for more mild degrees of alcoholism. Determining which of these are best for you is the first step in seeking care.
Residential Treatment Programs
There are many residential alcoholism treatment institutions throughout the world. Their cost, duration, counseling methods, and treatment protocols vary widely and deserve careful research, if that is at all possible. Many residential alcoholism treatment programs include abstinence, individual and group therapy, participation in alcoholism support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), educational lectures, family involvement, work assignments, activity therapy, and the use of counselors and professional staff experienced in treating alcoholism.
The purpose of all residential programs is to oversee the initial stage of detoxification and treatment of withdrawal symptoms that may occur. Once good health is stabilized, psychological counseling and psychiatric treatment is offered to the recovering alcoholic, their spouses, and, in some cases, their families. The principal emphasis of all residential programs is to help the recovering alcoholic and those around them to recognize the reality of the problem and to motivate the recovering alcoholic to practice abstinence. Those who are unable to fulfill this basic criteria usually do not succeed with therapy.
|
A typical residential treatment program will involve these components:
- Medical assessment and treatment. A comprehensive medical intake will be performed to determine current medical health and to detect the presence of alcohol-related medical problems, such as high blood pressure, compromised blood sugar balance, liver conditions, or heart disease.
- Detoxification and withdrawal. Treatment for alcoholism then shifts to a program of detoxification, usually taking about four to seven days. Depending on the severity of the alcoholism, one or more sedating medications to prevent delirium tremens or other withdrawal symptoms may be administered.
|
ALCOHOL TREATMENT
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treatment Programs
Here's what you might expect from a typical residential treatment program.
|
|
|
|
|
- Psychological counseling. At the cornerstone of the rehabilitation process is group and individual counseling and therapy. This provides crucial support for the psychological aspects of alcoholism. Since family support is vital to recovery, many treatment programs also offer couples and family therapy. Studies have shown that involving a spouse in the treatment process increases the likelihood of successful recovery.
- Behavioral training. This aspect of therapeutic rehabilitation emphasizes acceptance of alcoholism as a real and life-threatening problem and the development of abstinence as an attitude and new way of living. The recovering alcoholic must learn new skills for meeting life's challenges, as well as everyday routines and situations, without relying on alcohol as a psychological crutch.
- Drug treatments. See below.
- Continuing support. Aftercare programs and support groups help people recovering from alcoholism or alcohol abuse abstain from drinking, manage relapses and cope with necessary lifestyle changes. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings are almost always a part of a residential treatment program, and the recovering alcoholic is encouraged to continue to attend meetings long after leaving the treatment program.
Drug treatments
Disulfiram (Antabuse) is an alcohol-sensitizing drug which has been in use for more than 40 years. It was the first drug used for aversion therapy, and it remains one of the most potent drugs for creating a physical deterrent response to alcohol. It works by producing a severe physical reaction (flushing, nausea, vomiting and headaches), whenever alcohol is ingested. Disulfiram won't cure alcoholism, nor will it remove the compulsion to drink. Because the reaction is so severe, the drug is rarely used today; most alcoholics are reluctant to take it.
Naltrexone (ReVia), is a drug that blocks the narcotic high. This drug works very differently than disulfiram, and does not produce the intense physical reaction to alcohol ingestion.
Acamprosate (Campral) is an anti-craving medication that is known to reduce alcohol cravings and help the recovering alcoholic maintain abstinence from alcohol. Unlike disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate have fewer side effects and do not produce serious nausea and vomiting if alcohol is consumed.
Vivitrol is the first injectable drug to treat alcohol dependence, recently approved by the FDA. It is a drug similar to naltrexone, and is administered monthly by an intramuscular injection in the buttocks monthly. It has been shown to decrease the urge to drink by blocking neuro receptors/transmitters that may be coupled with alcohol dependence. Vivitrol has no effect on the withdrawal symptoms of alcoholism. The drug is recommended for use by alcoholics who are undergoing psychosocial therapy and have not consumed any alcohol in the recent past. The drug is also available as a pill, but it has been found that the injectable formulation is easier for individuals recovering from alcohol dependence and only has to be administered once a month.
Psychological, Behavioral and Social Therapy
Group and individual counseling and therapy that address personal psychological issues, behavior modification, and interpersonal skills are crucial to rehabilitation. A very wide range of therapy approaches exist, and any given treatment center will provide a unique blend of therapeutic approaches and staff. If at all possible, a thorough examination of a center's counseling staff and techniques is highly advisable
A primary component of rehabilitation counseling is motivational enhancement therapy, which is designed to help the recovering alcoholic become more engaged in living and make changes in lifestyle that support abstinence. Cognitive behavioral therapy identifies distorted thoughts and beliefs that trigger psychological stress and the craving to drink. The recovering alcoholic learns new ways to see and cope with traumatic events. Emphasis is placed on developing a sense of mastery and better control of thoughts and feelings. Another counseling technique is aversion therapy, which utilizes the medication disulfiram (Antabuse) to create a strong aversive response to drinking alcohol (nausea or vomiting, for example). After repeated experiences, the alcohol itself may cause the aversive response, which decreases the likelihood of relapse. Behavioral marital therapy simultaneously addresses the issue of alcoholism with skills that strengthen the marital relationship through sharing, teaching and communication skills.
|
|
SEE ALSO
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alcohol Treatment
Treatment begins with detoxification, which safely withdraws the alcoholic from drinking. Rehabilitation then helps the alcoholic begin to develop skills for sober living.
Alcohol Treatment Centers
Many alcoholics benefit from longer-term rehabilitation programs, day treatment programs, or outpatient programs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DRUG ADDICTION
|
|
|
|
Drug Addiction
Modern medicine has shown that drug addiction is, in fact, a disease. Like many diseases, addiction is treatable. Learn about the chemistry behind drug addiction cravings and what you can do about it.
|
|
|
|
|
DRUG ADDICTION SIGNS
|
|
|
Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Wondering if you have a drug addiction? If you are, the answer is probably yes. If you're even asking this question, it means that your symptoms are severe enough that they are getting your attention. Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if you have a substance abuse problem.
|
|
|
|
|
DRUG DETOX & REHAB
|
|
|
|
Drug Rehabilitation
Drug rehabilitation is a multi-phase, multi-faceted, long term process. Detoxification is only the first step on the road of addiction treatment. Physical detoxification alone is not sufficient to change the patterns of a drug addict.
|
|
|
|
|
RELAPSE FACTS
|
|
|
Studies indicate that 80 - 90% of people treated for alcohol or drug abuse relapse, sometimes after years of abstinence. According to one study, three factors put the recovering addict at high risk for relapse:
- Feelings of frustration and anger, especially if unexpressed
- Pressure from friends, co-workers, or family members to drink or use
- Internal temptations to escape, medicate or numb with alcohol or drugs, especially during times of stress or hardship
|
|
|
|
|
BODY DETOX
|
|
|
detox.fm
Information for detoxing your body: kidney cleansing, liver cleansing, colon cleansing, foods for detoxing, and more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
