The best approach to alcoholism recovery

 

 

What could be the best approach to alcoholism recovery? That could be a very complex question because alcoholism is a complex disease with physical, social and psychological consequences. And this isn’t not only for alcoholics but also for people closest to them, family and friends! Although, in the past, alcoholism was often viewed as a moral weakness or character flaw; today- people began accept that alcoholism is a life-threatening, chronic disease involving psychological and physical dependence on alcohol.  Statistical data are saying that each year in the United States, alcohol-related automobile accidents are a major cause of teen deaths.  Not only that- the fact is also that alcohol also is often a cause in other teenage deaths, including drownings, suicides and homicides.  There are several approaches to alcoholism recovery and among the most effective ones are: detoxification, medical and psychological support!

Alcoholism represents a very common disease and therefore represents a major public health problem facing many countries. If we talk about the United States today, more than 15 million Americans are estimated to suffer from alcoholism.  In the United Kingdom, the number of alcoholics was calculated as over 2.8 million in 2001.

After several clinical researches, experts are sure now that physical dependence on alcohol occurs gradually! This is because while the person is drinking-alcohol alters the balance of some chemicals in brain. In most cases we are talking about altered balance of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which inhibits impulsiveness, and glutamate, which excites the nervous system. Alcohol also raises the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is associated with the pleasurable aspects of drinking alcohol. Excessive, long-term drinking can deplete or increase the levels of some of these chemicals, causing your body to crave alcohol to restore good feelings or to avoid negative feelings.

Several researches done in the past have connected several possible factors to the high risk of developing alcoholism and some of those are: 

Although most of the experts aren’t so sure in the validity of this fact- truth is that some genetic factors may cause a person to be vulnerable to alcoholism.

It is logical to assume that high levels of stress or anxiety can lead some people to drink alcohol in order to try forgetting all things that could have caused the stress.  

Most of the psychologists claim that certain personality traits such as those with low-self esteem or depression may make a person more likely to abuse alcohol.  Not only that – it is also logical to assume that having friends  who drinks regularly ould promote excessive drinking.   

According to most of the American psychiatrics - they recognize four signs of alcoholism:

·         Loss of control over drinking

·         Continued use of alcohol despite social, medical, family, and work problems  

·         Increased alcohol tolerance over time

·         Withdrawal symptoms when alcoholics stop drinking after a period of heavy drinking such as anxiety, agitation, increased blood pressure, and, in extreme cases, seizures

 Some of the common alcoholism signs are also

·         Drinking alone  

·         Be unable to limit the amount of alcohol used

·         Losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure

·         Feeling a need or compulsion to drink

·         Keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car

·         Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and shaking in non- drinking periods   

 

It is important thing to know that some researchers divide alcoholism into two types:

·         Type I alcoholism

This is the most common form which occurs in both men and women and is associated with adult-onset alcohol dependence. This form appears to be the result of genetic predisposition and environmental provocation.

·         Type II, or male-limited, alcoholism

This form of alcoholism, on the other hand, is due mainly to genetics. How come? Well, it is provn that it occurs only in men, usually with early onset in the teen years, and unfortunately- is more difficult to treat.  

 

It is extremely important to point out that the biggest problem in the alcoholism treatment is the fact that most people with alcoholism enter treatment reluctantly because they deny that they have a problem.  It is logical to assume that the best possible treatment will get a person which recognized and accepted the need for treatment.  It is also important to know that there are really various treatments made to help people with alcohol problems and they may involve an evaluation, a brief intervention, an outpatient program or counseling, or a residential inpatient stay.

 

Although most people believe that the first step should always be the strict abstinence- the fact is that the first step in treatment is to determine whether the person is really an alcohol dependent. Not too many people are familiar with the fact that in case of dependent on alcohol, simply cutting back is totally ineffective. The effective treatment should be based on counseling or a brief intervention with alcohol-abuse specialists. Possible interventions may include goal setting, behavioral modification techniques, use of self-help manuals, counseling and follow-up care at a treatment center.

 

Like we have already mentioned- a good residential program should include several things beside simple abstinence and that’s why –most of the good residential alcoholism treatment programs in the United States beside, abstinence, also include:

·         individual and group therapy

·          participation in alcoholism support groups

·         educational lectures

·         family involvement

·         work assignments

·          activity therapy

·          counselors and professional staff    

 

It is extremely important that all patients get familiar with one typical residential treatment program because that’s how- they will know what to expect! Several things should be expected:

·         Detoxification and withdrawal – every good treatment should start with some good program of detoxification, usually taking about four to seven days. During this period – patient is getting the sedating medications to prevent delirium tremens  

·         Medical assessment and treatment – Everyone should know that treating alcoholism also means treating all kinds of alcohol complications such as high blood pressure, increased blood sugar, and liver and heart disease.

·         Psychological support and psychiatric treatment – every good treatment program should offer couples and family therapy because family support can be an important part of the recovery process

 

The most famous alcohol-sensitizing drug is definitely the one called Disulfiram (Antabuse. It is important to point out that this medication will not cure alcoholism nor can it remove the compulsion to drink. The thing about this drug is that, when someone uses alcohol, the drug produces a severe physical reaction that includes flushing, nausea, vomiting and headaches.

Naltrexone (ReVia), a drug long known to block the narcotic high, also reduces the urge to drink.

There is also one good anti-craving medication that may help an alcohol addict combat alcohol cravings and remain abstinent from alcohol and it is called the Acamprosate (Campral).

There is also one important thing to know about these medications. Last year, a major breakthrough has happened- the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first injectable drug to treat alcohol dependence. The drug is called Vivitrol, which represent nothing more then a version of the drug Naltrexone. This Vivitrol should be injected in the buttocks once a month by a health care professional and it should reduce the urge to drink by blocking neurotransmitters in the brain thought to be associated with alcohol dependence.  

It isn’t necessary to point out that the most important thing is to know or to recognize a family history of alcoholism in order to maybe prevent the possible cases of alcoholism in the family! This is considered the most important step toward seeking treatment before alcohol use or alcohol abuse progresses to alcoholism.

Why is this early intervention important? Well, it is crucial in preventing alcohol dependence in teenagers. The fact is that alcohol use among teens increases dramatically during the high-school years.  Family and surrounding of the possible addict is also important because, for young people, the likelihood of addiction depends on the influence of parents, peers and other role models.