Alcoholism, as the most common addiction in our country, has many available methods of treatment and rehabilitation, follow-up measures to prevent relapses. Alcohol addiction treatment programs guide the drinker through a safe and effective medical detox followed by counseling aimed at addressing the causes of the addiction. But first you need a desire to be treated and an appeal to a narcologist, a rehabilitation specialist and a psychotherapist.
Overcoming alcohol addiction begins with a visit to a specialized medical center and a consultation with a narcologist who can help treat the underlying and associated disorders. Because of the prevalence of alcohol in our culture, recovering alcoholics are constantly surrounded by potential triggers. Treatment centers should be equipped to help the recovering user find effective ways to manage triggers and cravings to be effective for each individual patient.
Modern methods of treatment of alcoholism
The first step to getting rid of alcohol is detoxification, removing the withdrawal so that the physical symptoms do not lead to an increase in the craving for alcohol. The removal of alcohol and its metabolic products from the body of an addicted person is the first part of recovery. People with severe alcohol dependence may experience severe withdrawal symptoms and withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol dependent patients usually require controlled alcohol detoxification to prevent potentially fatal complications. Possible symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are tremors, sweating, seizures, and hallucinations. A medical detox can prevent discomfort and complications during alcohol withdrawal.
One of the benefits of inpatient treatment is the treatment of the physical aspects of addiction. The use of prescription drugs in combination with non-drug treatments increases the chance of a successful recovery by up to 50%.
Medications can be used to relieve withdrawal symptoms to avoid relapse or to cause a negative physical reaction to alcohol that helps eliminate the urge to drink.
Inpatient rehabilitation provides round-the-clock care and individual support from medical staff. Inpatient treatment is a good choice for those who want to fully focus on their recovery without being distracted from work, school, or social obligations. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the recovery process and can be a good choice for people who have tried other treatments without success. Inpatient alcohol rehab treatment can last from 30 days to six months or longer – recovery time depends on the needs of the individual.
Treatment in residential centers may include behavioral therapy, the most popular of which is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies encourage participants to change how they respond to stressful external stimuli (such as failing an exam or losing a job), promoting healthy ways to cope (without alcohol). Many centers also offer group and individual counseling, experiential therapy, and education on nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
The best thing a person can do after rehab to overcome alcohol addiction is to find support in order not to return to their old life.
Many ask friends and family to support them in their recovery so they can be proud to take control of their lives again. Support groups can help you deal with the normal everyday problems that inevitably come up when you return to normal life.
Medication
Traditional treatment of alcoholism involves the use of two main methods. This is psychotherapy in its various manifestations, when the doctor works with the patient’s consciousness and subconscious, inspiring him with new, positive attitudes that are not tied to alcohol. To enhance the effect and its prolongation, the creation of conditioned reflex connections, drug treatment is used.
It is carried out only after the abstinence is removed, severe physical symptoms are eliminated.
Drug therapy for alcoholism has a number of serious problems, and is used only by experienced narcologists and mainly in the clinic or under the supervision of a physician. Key treatment problems:
- a number of contraindications to taking medications, especially in patients aged or with chronic diseases;
- treatment is impossible without the desire of the patient himself;
- drugs have a selective effect and are not always effective in all groups of patients.
The scheme is selected based on the stage of the disease, the presence of additional health problems, the general condition and age, the gender of the alcoholic. Several groups of drugs are used:
- drugs that cause disgust for alcoholic beverages – when trying to take alcohol, drugs provoke a persistent gag reflex, attacks of respiratory disorders and a sharp trembling of hands and feet;
- drugs that reduce cravings for alcohol – they help in blocking the pleasure center, which reduces the need for alcohol intake.
- drugs that inhibit the manifestations of intoxication syndrome against the background of chronic alcohol intake – they help in the normalization of metabolic processes in the body, which helps to feel better after alcohol withdrawal.
Coding
Coding is understood as the methods of emotional stress psychotherapy that affect the patient at the level of the subconscious, not controlled by the cortex of the brain. Among the effective methods of treatment are:
- a psychological approach with subconscious programming and the use of special persuasion methods;
- drug coding with subcutaneous suturing of drugs or their intravenous administration with the formation of certain attitudes towards alcohol;
- laser exposure with a concentration of light fluxes in certain areas of the brain;
- creation of conditioned reflex connections based on micro-current therapy or hyperthermia.
Hypnosis
Effective hypnosis courses with an experienced specialist, with several sessions in a row. Alcoholics, when they are taken out of a trance state, are directed to a life of sobriety, forming a stable aversion to alcohol.
The method can be used everywhere, at home and in clinics, and has no contraindications.
Dovzhenko’s method
There is a known method of coding patients from alcohol from a narcologist Dovzhenko, who inspired a person with a detailed essence of all fatal consequences from taking alcoholic beverages. This is a kind of shock therapy for alcoholics, the impact on mental processes with the interruption of the pathological craving for alcohol.
In fact, this is one of the methods of hypnosis, the formation of an attitude towards sobriety and the creation of an indifferent attitude towards alcohol. The desire to drink decreases and then completely disappears.
Psychotherapy
The most commonly used is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), developed as a method to prevent relapse and minimize problems with alcohol use. It is a popular form of therapy for alcoholism. CBT helps people recognize negative thoughts that can lead to self-destructive actions such as alcohol abuse. CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts and actions and aims to change negative behaviors by changing thought patterns. People learn how to recognize potential triggers as well as how to manage stress and develop healthy coping strategies. Relapse prevention strategies are learned and practiced during CBT sessions for alcoholism.
CBT has been shown to positively change brain function. Some brain circuit damage caused by long-term alcohol abuse can also be corrected with CBT. It is important for the individual to continue attending CBT sessions to ensure that new thoughts and behaviors are established and working. The tools and skills gained during CBT can be useful for a long time in the recovery process.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
A research-based form of cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). Today, it has many uses, including the treatment of comorbid psychiatric disorders and addictions. DBT focuses on helping people accept themselves as well as making positive changes in their lives. It is necessary to establish a delicate balance between changes for the better and recognition of oneself as worthy.
Individual sessions prioritize issues, usually addressing suicidal and self-injurious behaviors first, and then moving on to things that might interfere with treatment. Finally, classes focus on working to improve the quality of life in general.
Popular questions and answers
Answered questions about the treatment of alcoholism neurologist of the highest category Evgeny Mosin.
Why addiction occurs and how to treat it?
Alcohol dependence as a complex disease affects each person in its own way, therefore, the treatment is purely individual. What works for one person may not work as well for another. There are several forms of addiction treatment used to treat alcoholism that can help addiction and psychiatrists, neurologists develop a specific program that is optimal for the person seeking help.
Is it possible to cure alcoholism without the knowledge of the patient?
Does the treatment of alcoholism with folk methods help?
Examples of holistic and alternative therapies include:
Hippotherapy – This therapy includes the care of horses. It can help boost self-esteem and create a nonjudgmental environment in which a person can learn to recognize cues and emotional states to promote personal growth and self-awareness.
It may also include comprehensive care for such a large being, which means the person will not be able to think of anything else during the session, minimizing emotional and physical discomfort.
Animal therapy or animal therapy – cats, dogs, rabbits, and other creatures are often used in therapy sessions as they can help people feel more relaxed and more open. Animal therapy can also help build a person’s self-confidence as they care for another being and learn how to care for the needs of others. Animals are also sensitive to emotions, which helps humans recognize their own moods and learn how to control them.
Art therapy or creative therapy – creative self-expression can be a healthy outlet for people to express their feelings and better understand themselves and their emotions. It can also relieve stress and increase self-confidence.
Mindfulness Meditation – This type of holistic therapy improves the connection between body, mind and soul and teaches people to be more in tune with their physical body in order to better control their emotional self and enhance spiritual growth. By turning inward, people can become more aware of themselves and learn how to effectively manage stress, control cravings, and cope with external and internal pressure. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, help reduce stress, and teach a person to successfully calm down, thereby helping to reduce relapses. Mindfulness meditation can be used anywhere and anytime to prevent a crisis, making it a handy recovery tool.
Massage therapy Massage can relieve physical pain and tension and therefore help reduce stress. Therapeutic massage also helps to relax and improve sleep. When a person feels better physically and gets enough sleep, they are more likely to cope with emotional stress.
Acupuncture is a method of Oriental medicine, acupuncture, which aims to improve a person’s qi, or energy flow, by placing needles along strategic pressure points in the body. This is believed to improve the overall way the body functions, as well as reduce emotional stress in the process. Acupuncture can also help detoxify the body and improve blood flow, making it an additional type of therapy that can be used during detox and alcohol addiction treatment.
Nutritional Therapy Proper nutrition is just as important as healthy sleep. A therapeutic nutrition program can help replenish the body’s stores of nutrients that may have been depleted due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Alcohol dehydrates the body and serves as empty calories. A healthy eating plan that includes balanced meals at specific times can help restore the body.
Exercise Programs – Physical fitness can help strengthen the body, increase self-esteem, and provide an outlet for stress. Exercise can be a healthy aspect of an addiction treatment program that can help people clear their minds. It may also be helpful in minimizing relapses. There are many different forms of exercise, and a fitness program can be tailored to each individual’s specific physical abilities and circumstances.
In general, holistic and alternative therapies are considered most effective when used as complementary therapies. Ideally, they should be included as part of a complete addiction treatment program, which often includes medication and behavioral therapy.