Table of Contents
Drinking
The most important risk factor for developing an addiction is drinking by it self. Most of the people are not aware of this. Drinking over 15 drinks a week for men or 12 drinks a week for women increases the risk of developing alcohol dependence.
Age
It is proven that people who begin drinking at an early age are at a higher risk of becoming an alcoholic.
Genetics
Certain genetic structures may cause imbalance in several brain chemicals and increase a person’s risk of alcohol dependency.
Gender
Men are more likely to develop alcohol dependence.
Family history
The risk of alcoholism is higher for people who had a parent or a close family member who abused alcohol.
Emotional disorders
A person that’s being severely depressed or is having issues with anxiety is definitely at greater risk of abusing alcohol. Adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may be more likely to become dependent on alcohol.
Treatment of alcoholism
Although every treatment is completely individual because every alcoholic drinks for its own reasons, there are some guidelines that should work for every addicted person.
Determining the level of dependence
The first step in the treatment should be determining the level of dependence. This is because if a person hasn't lost control over the use of alcohol, the treatment may only involve a reduction in drinking habbits. If a person is seriously dependent on alcohol, cutting back is inappropriate and ineffective.
Residential treatment programs
Most of these programs include
- abstinence,
- individual and group therapy,
- participation in Alcoholics Anonymous,
- educational lectures,
- family involvement,
- work assignments,
- activity therapy and
- the use of counselors and professional staff
Drug treatments
The classical use of medications for alcoholism is to encourage abstinence.
There are several medications that are being used in the alcoholism treatment and the most common is Disulfiram (Antabuse).
What is the most important thing that every person should know about this drug? Disulfiram won't cure alcoholism nor can it remove the compulsion to drink, but if a person drinks 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 belongs to this group of medications which reduce a recovering alcoholic's urge to drink.
Acamprosate (Campral) is an anti-craving medication that may help combat alcohol cravings and remaining abstinent from alcohol.
Detoxification and withdrawal
Detoxification is often the first step in every successful treatment because body tissues and blood must be cleared of all the traces of alcohol. It usually takes about four to seven days. Patients may need to take sedating medications to prevent delirium tremens or other withdrawal seizures. Most common withdrawal symptoms are:
- Rapid heart rate and sweating
- Restlessness or agitation
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Tremors and seizures
Psychological support and psychiatric treatment
Alcoholism is almost impossible to overcome alone, but with the help of others, a large number of people find recovery. Both group and individual counseling and therapy support can really help in recovery from the psychological aspects of alcoholism. Sometimes, the emotional symptoms of the disease may mimic psychiatric disorders. It is very important to know that effective treatment is impossible unless a person accepts that he or she is addicted and unable to control drinking. Aftercare programs and AA help recovering alcoholics abstain from alcohol, manage relapses and cope with necessary lifestyle changes.