You can’t force them to stop drinking if they aren’t ready. Caring for a person who has problems with alcohol can be very stressful. It is important that as you try to help your loved one, you also find a way to take care of yourself.
Some may have an increased ability to manage co-occurring mental or medical conditions alongside addiction. Other programs may offer specialized tracks for specific populations, such as members of the how to wean off prozac 10 mg LGBTQ+ community, men- or women-only groups, and veterans. Dependency is often accompanied by certain mood or mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Along with your treatment for AUD, you may need to seek medical care for other complications you experience.
Is there a cure for alcohol use disorder?
Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. Ultimately, receiving treatment can improve your chances of success. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Overcoming AUD is an ongoing process—one that can include setbacks. You will want to understand what will be asked of you in order to decide what treatment best suits your needs.
More on Substance Abuse and Addiction
- When asked how alcohol problems are treated, people commonly think of 12-step programs or 28-day inpatient treatment centers but may have difficulty naming other options.
- Also, a healthy diet can help undo damage alcohol may have done to the person’s health, like weight gain or loss.
- Treatment, whether it be inpatient or outpatient rehab, can help you take back your life and move towards a healthier, alcohol-free future.
- Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that’s changing medicine.
- Instead, those seeking recovery must commit to a treatment and aftercare plan designed by professionals.
If you’re worried that someone you know has an alcohol addiction, it’s best to approach them in a supportive way. This could push them away and make them more resistant to your help. If how to store urine for a future drug test you drink more alcohol than that, consider cutting back or quitting.
Groups for Family and Friends
Quitting alcohol cold turkey can cause serious or life-threatening symptoms, including death. As a person progresses in recovery, they may transition from one level of care to another. Treatment programs at every level may vary in the specific services they offer.
Support groups can be especially helpful when you’re going through treatment for AUD. A support group can help you connect with other people who’re facing similar challenges. They can help answer questions, provide encouragement, and direct you to support resources. Your doctor may refer you to a counselor or other treatment program to help you learn those skills and coping strategies. As a loved one of someone with an alcohol addiction, try to be encouraging and provide emotional support.
Many rehab centers will set patients up with aftercare as part of discharging them from a program. Treatment professionals help patients navigate aftercare options to find the right fit. A common initial treatment option for someone with an alcohol addiction is an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation program. An inpatient program can last anywhere from 30 days to a year.
It can help someone handle withdrawal symptoms and emotional challenges. Outpatient treatment provides daily support while allowing the person to live at home. If you’re receiving counseling, ask your provider about handling high-stress situations when fun group activities for substance abuse treatment you may feel like you need some additional mental health support. In this disorder, people can’t stop drinking, even when drinking affects their health, puts their safety at risk and damages their personal relationships. Studies show most people can reduce how much they drink or stop drinking entirely.
Others are outpatient programs, where you live at home and go to the center for treatment. There is no quick fix or “cure” for alcohol addiction, but it can be overcome and effectively treated with the help of professional treatment programs. By classifying alcoholism as a chronic disease, it means that alcoholism is viewed as a progressive, long-lasting illness where there is no cure. No cure, however, does not mean there is no hope for long-term recovery.
Unlike cocaine or heroin, alcohol is widely available and accepted in many cultures. It’s often at the center of social situations and closely linked to celebrations and enjoyment. Currently, there are three medications approved for AUD in the United States, and they are an effective and important aid in the treatment of people with this condition. Acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions increase awareness and acceptance of present-moment experiences. Mindfulness-based skill-building strategies promote flexible, rather than autopilot, responses to triggers that can prompt drinking.
