Alcohol DependenceAlcohol dependence is a terrible and sometimes lethal disorder. It is very hard to deal with for both sufferer and his nearest. As with any addictive substance, alcoholic sinks deeper and deeper in his or her addiction. Long-term alcohol abuse produces physiological changes in the brain. Alcohol also damages almost every organ in the body. Because of the cumulative toxic effects of chronic alcohol abuse, the alcoholic risks suffering a range of medical and psychiatric disorders.
Alcohol TreatmentsOne can try to persuade an alcoholic to quit but it isn’t so simple. On the contrary, alcoholism requires patience and proper treatment. There are various alcohol treatment options available, but choosing the right one can be a daunting task.
If an alcoholic decides on his or her own to stop drinking, he or she will have to deal with many withdrawal symptoms associated with alcoholism. One may easily give up the moment he or she feels urge to drink. Only close friends and family may help in such case, by supporting the alcoholic. Also, a drinker must choose different activity to replace his or her habit. Alcoholics must keep themselves occupied for certain period of time. They must avoid bars and places that sell alcohol to avoid temptation. After every day that passed without alcohol consumption, a quitter can reward him or herself. This will have positive effect and keep them on the right track.
Rehabilitation CentersWhen a person cannot possibly quit drinking on his or her own, medical help must be searched. There are many rehabilitation centers that can provide such help. In these centers, an alcoholic can get therapy and counseling. Doctors and psychologist are there to monitor their patients and offer help and support. Aim of rehab centers is not just to aid in quitting alcohol but to prevent relapse as well.
MedicationsFDA has approved three different medications that are used for alcohol treatment. They include:Naltrexone (Revia) – this drug targets alcohol craving by blocking the effects of alcohol in the brain.Antabuse (Disulfiram) – induces sickness from alcohol thus preventing people from taking alcohol.Acamprosate (Campral) - relieves withdrawal symptoms.Support GroupsIf an alcoholic doesn’t choose rehabilitation center he or she has another option. One may join a support group that will provide needed support. Alcohol abuser in such group has a chance to talk about what he or she is going through and become motivated to stay sober. Support group offers several programs designed to help an alcoholic to quit and never return to addiction. One of them is 12 steps program. This approach includes a step known as “call a friend”. That means that, if a person feels the urge to drink he or she must call appointed friend that will have to prevent the person to consume the alcohol.
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