Other medications can help you quit drinking by suppressing alcohol cravings or making you feel sick when alcohol enters your body. If you have a history of withdrawal symptoms, see a health professional before quitting. You should also see a professional before quitting alcohol if you have other health conditions. Alcoholism is a treatable disease, with many treatment programs and Does Animal-Assisted Therapy Work The Pet-Human Bond approaches available to support alcoholics who have decided to get help.
One size does not fit all and a treatment approach that may work for one person may not work for another. Treatment can be outpatient and/or inpatient and be provided by specialty programs, therapists, and health care providers. A health care provider might ask the following questions to assess a person’s symptoms.
In addition, AUD is an addiction disorder, which means you may have a difficult time stopping alcohol consumption, even when you want to. The definition of AUD also includes the impact that such drinking has on your health and life. Treatment for alcoholism often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support.
Factors affecting alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm
The NIAAA has identified five subtypes that can help you better understand alcohol use disorder and how it affects different individuals. Heavy alcohol use is the most identifying feature of alcohol use disorder. Toketemu has been multimedia storyteller for the last four years. Drinking also adds calories that can contribute to weight gain. And drinking raises the risk of problems in the digestive system. The criteria include having a pattern of consumption that leads to considerable impairment or distress.
Experts define levels of alcohol use by the number of drinks a person consumes per day and week. These levels include moderate drinking, binge drinking, and heavy drinking. People with severe or moderate alcohol use disorder who suddenly stop drinking could develop delirium tremens (DT). It can be life-threatening, causing serious medical issues like seizures and hallucinations that require immediate medical care. Though at-risk and binge drinking can result in a range of adverse consequences, not all people who engage in these kinds of unhealthy alcohol use have alcohol use disorder.
Physical symptoms of alcohol misuse
- Rehabilitation programs are an excellent treatment option for people with severe symptoms of the condition.
- Drinking also adds calories that can contribute to weight gain.
- Having support and seeking professional treatment increases the chances for recovery from AUD.
- A person who misuses alcohol often experiences problems at home, in school, or at work because their drinking problem has caused them to neglect their responsibilities and obligations.
Medications, such as benzodiazepines, are given to help control withdrawal symptoms. If necessary, patients may receive intravenous fluids, vitamins, and other medications to treat hallucinations or other symptoms caused by withdrawal. With the use of appropriate medications and behavioral therapies, people can recover from AUD. For some people, alcohol misuse results from psychological or social factors.
Impact on your safety
A person severely dependent on alcohol will usually experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Research studies have shown that a third of people being treated for alcohol use disorders exhibited no symptoms after a year of treatment. Many others reportedly reduced their alcohol consumption and had fewer problems related to alcohol. With the support of a doctor, people can develop a treatment plan that is individualized for them. It may be in an inpatient or outpatient setting, and may require detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms. Health professionals sometimes prescribe medications to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal.
People should note that some support groups can be stigmatizing for certain individuals, and can adversely impact a treatment plan or progress towards recovery. Licensed therapists work with people who are misusing alcohol to help them stop drinking. They also help people identify and avoid their triggers for drinking. A recent literature review suggests that frequent aerobic exercise may complement behavioral therapy used for AUD, leading to reductions in alcohol intake. More study is needed in this area, and all the natural remedies above.
