Alcohol Treatment Intervention: How To
Despite all the hype about curing alcohol addiction, the one major problem with alcoholics is getting them to even admit they have problem with alcohol. This is always the most difficult step and the majority of alcoholics are in the denial stage until it is too late and then the treatments have high failure rates. The majority of alcoholics seek treatment only after they have run into legal or financial problems. The current day treatments for individuals with alcohol related problems include the following:
Determining alcohol dependence: The first most important aspect of treatment is to check whether you have alcohol dependency. If you can live without alcohol and have not lost control of your senses, then one can try cutting down on drinking alcohol. If you are dependent on alcohol and have no control, the just cutting back the drinking is useless. Your goal must be abstinence.
Counseling: For those individuals who experience adverse effects when drinking alcohol, the treatment approach may involve counseling with health care professionals. The treatment may include self help, counseling or admission to an alcohol treatment center. At the center, one may undergo behavior therapy to overcome negative and destructive thoughts. One is taught a variety of coping methods to deal with alcohol. You once again become the master of your thoughts and actions- not alcohol.
Aversion therapy: Sometimes drugs can be administered which will cause a severe adverse effect when combined with alcohol. The nausea and vomiting generated will cause an instant aversion to alcohol.
Residential treatment programs: If one is admitted to an alcohol treatment center, many types of therapies can help. Besides abstinence, many of these centers offer individual and group therapy, participation in alcoholics anonymous, education lectures, family counseling and a variety of activity therapies.
When drugs (Antabuse, naltrexone, Vivitrol) are used to induce aversion to alcohol, the treatment of alcohol addiction is monitored by health care professionals.
Continuing support. The majority of residential alcohol treatment programs offer some type of aftercare service. Some will arrange outpatient seminars and counseling sessions. The aftercare programs are designed to help you cope with your new lifestyle and avoid relapses