There’s no cure for AUD. Recovering from AUD can be a difficult process and requires many treatments.
Experts recommend your treatment plan should be based on your American Society of Addiction Medicine’s (ASAM) Criteria results.
- History of alcohol dependency and alcohol withdrawal
- Other medical or mental conditions
- Interest in treatment options
- Physical and social environment
Make an appointment with your doctor if you are interested in taking steps to get treatment. Your doctor will ask you questions to assess the severity and extent of your dependency. These questions will help them decide the best treatment plan for you.
The following options might be suggested by your doctor/therapist:
- Detoxification
- Alcohol medication
Relapse prevention training, which includes therapy and behavior modification
Detoxification
A detoxification program is a common part of many treatment plans. It helps to treat withdrawal symptoms that occur after you stop drinking alcohol.
A hospital or inpatient treatment center is the most common place to perform drug detox. It usually takes about a week to complete. Physical withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and you might be prescribed medications to treat them.
- Shaking
- Confusion
- You should sweat
- Affirmation
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Tachycardia (rapid pulsebeat)
- Hallucinations
Therapy
Talking with a therapist is a great way to determine your thoughts and feelings. It can also help pinpoint the root cause of your AUD. Other benefits of therapy include:
- Developing coping strategies for your dependency
- Be yourself, without fear of being judged
- Practicing self-awareness
- To reduce dependency, learn how to adopt a healthier behavior to decrease dependence
Behavior Modification
People who are dependent on alcohol might need to learn skills to avoid drinking after leaving treatment centers or returning to their home environment.
You may be referred to a counselor by your doctor to learn these skills and to develop coping strategies.
Locate Support Groups
The support group is especially helpful if you’re undergoing treatment for AUD. Support groups can be a great way to connect with people facing similar difficulties. They can answer your questions and provide support.
However, support groups may not suit everyone.
Long Term Outlook For Alcohol Misuse Disorder
Your body can suffer from AUD, which can lead to many complications. You could be at greater risk of:
- Heart disease
- Many types of cancer exist
- Scarring of your liver, also known as cirrhosis
- Inflammation of your stomach lining, also known as gastritis
- Dementia, and other neurological disorders
- Erectile dysfunction
Dependency often comes with certain mental or mood conditions, such as anxiety or depression. In addition to your treatment for AUD, you may need medical care for other complications.
Takeaway
The journey to AUD treatment can be long and difficult. It is normal to experience temptations and relapses. It is normal to slip between sobriety and addiction during your recovery journey.
Some people can recover from AUD in one visit. Others may need several attempts. You have a better chance of succeeding the second time around.
