Nearly 15 million Americans are suffering from an alcohol use disorder. Thankfully, there is an approach to alcohol addiction therapy that can help anyone who wants to beat their addiction. If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol addiction, contact Midwest Recovery online or call us at 833.627.0039 today to learn about how our alcohol addiction treatment can help you overcome and live a happier, healthier life.
Where Does Alcohol Addiction Treatment Start?
Your alcohol addiction treatment will probably begin with a conversation between you and your doctor. If your doctor suspects that you have a problem with alcohol use, she may refer you to a mental health professional or a treatment facility like Midwest Recovery staffed by a skilled team dedicated to your alcohol addiction therapy and committed to helping you experience a long term recovery. You will likely be asked to:
- Answer questions about your drinking habits
- Give permission to the doctor to speak with your family and friends to gain more insight into your behavior and condition
- Undergo a physical exam
- Undergo lab tests to identify any internal damage caused by your alcohol addiction
- Complete a psychological evaluation
This is where your recovery begins, but it is just the start of a journey to overcome a dependency on alcohol. Alcohol addiction treatments can vary, depending on your specific needs, history of use, and other factors. Treatment may involve:
- An intervention
- Alcohol addiction therapy through individual or group sessions
- Outpatient programs
- Residential inpatient stays
How Is Alcohol Addiction Treated?
Alcohol addiction treatment is a lifetime process. While you will start with a doctor, go through detox, have therapy to learn skills, and surround yourself with a caring support network, you will be tasked with making positive choices every single day to stay clean and sober for yourself, your family, and your friends.
Treatment for an alcohol use disorder may include some or all of the following:
Detox
A medically managed and professionally supervised detox is often a part of a successful alcohol addiction treatment program because, through a detox, every last trace of the harmful substance that has been dominating your mind, body, and spirit is removed. From here, you can and will live a happier and healthier life free from alcohol and its damaging effects on your body, life, and relationships.
Withdrawal
The side effect of detox is a painful withdrawal as your body and mind adjust to not having the alcohol it has for so long needed to feel “normal.” You will experience intense cravings and suffer through pain for a short period of time. Still, the compassionate team at Midwest Recovery will monitor you and assist you in getting through this necessary phase of your addiction recovery.
Learning New Skills
From nutritional education to exercise routines, alcohol addiction therapy will also arm you with a set of new skills to cope with the temptations, situations, and cravings that may be up ahead on your path toward a successful long-term recovery from alcohol addiction.
Psychological Counseling
Through one-on-one and group counseling sessions, your alcohol addiction therapy will help you understand your past issues with drinking better and give you the psychological tools needed to change your thought patterns and behaviors. In turn, positively alter the trajectory of the rest of your life.
Medications
In addition to detox, skill-building, and therapy, you may be prescribed medications as part of your individual alcohol addiction treatment plan. Antabuse, for example, produces a physical reaction including nausea, vomiting, and headaches should you have a drink. Naltrexone, on the other hand, is a drug capable of blocking the euphoria of drinking alcohol and, therefore, may prevent heavy drinking and reduce the urge to drink. To help minimize or eliminate your cravings for alcohol, Acamprosate may be prescribed once you have stopped drinking.
A Support Network
Through aftercare programs and support groups, to learning how to build your own circle of supportive and understanding family and friends, you will have an abundance of help in recovering from your alcohol addiction. Having reliable relationships with supportive people can help manage relapses and make coping with everyday life easier.
Dual Diagnosis
Because alcohol use disorders are commonly occurring simultaneously with other mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety, you will receive the help you need to overcome all of your struggles. This holistic approach to treatment will increase the odds of experiencing the full recovery you deserve and living the life you always imagined.
Learn More at Midwest Recovery
If someone you love needs alcohol addiction treatment, learn how Midwest Recovery can help get their life back on track. Contact us using our secure online form or call us at 833.627.0039 today.
