Today, alcoholism therapy is a serious problem, since the risk of breakdowns and relapses is quite high. We will discuss methods of treating alcoholism, modern and popular, which are used to combat the problem.
Alcoholism, as the most widespread addiction, has many available methods of treatment and rehabilitation, follow-up measures to prevent relapse. Alcohol dependence treatment programs guide the drinker through safe and effective medical detoxification followed by counseling to address the causes of the addiction. But first, you need a desire to be treated and an appeal to a narcologist, a rehabilitation specialist, and a psychotherapist.
Overcoming alcohol addiction begins with a visit to a specialized medical center and a consultation with a narcologist who can help treat underlying and related disorders. Because alcohol is so widespread in our culture, recovering alcoholics are constantly surrounded by potential triggers. Treatment centers must be equipped to help the recovering user find effective ways to manage triggers and cravings to be effective for each individual patient.
Modern methods of treating alcoholism
The first step to getting rid of alcohol is detoxification, removing withdrawal symptoms so that physical symptoms do not lead to increased cravings for alcohol. Removing alcohol and its metabolic products from the body of an addict is the first part of recovery. People with severe alcohol dependence may experience severe withdrawal symptoms and withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol-dependent patients usually require controlled alcohol detoxification to prevent potentially fatal complications. Tremors, sweating, seizures, and hallucinations are possible symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Medical detox can prevent discomfort and complications during alcohol withdrawal.
One of the benefits of inpatient treatment is the treatment of the physical aspects of addiction. Using prescription drugs in combination with non-drug treatments increases the chance of a successful recovery by up to 50%.
Medications can be used to relieve withdrawal symptoms, avoid relapse, or induce a negative physical reaction to alcohol, which can help eliminate the urge to drink.
Inpatient rehabilitation provides round-the-clock care and personalized support from medical staff. Inpatient care is a good choice for those who want to focus fully on their recovery without being distracted from work, school, or social obligations. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the recovery process and can be a good choice for people who have tried other treatments without success. Inpatient alcohol rehabilitation treatment can last from 30 days to six months or longer - recovery time depends on the individual's needs.
Inpatient treatment may include behavioral therapy, the most popular of which is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). These therapies encourage participants to change how they respond to stressful external stimuli (such as failing an exam or losing their job) by promoting healthy coping strategies (alcohol-free). Many centers also offer group and one-to-one counseling, experimental therapy, and nutrition and health education.
The best thing a person can do after rehab to overcome alcohol addiction is to find support in order not to return to their old life.
Many people ask friends and family to support them in their recovery so they can be proud to have taken control of their lives again. Support groups can help you overcome common household problems that inevitably arise when you return to your normal life.
Drug treatment
Traditional treatment for alcoholism involves the use of two main methods. This is psychotherapy in its various manifestations, when the doctor works with the patient's consciousness and subconsciousness, instilling in him new, positive attitudes, not tied to alcohol. To enhance the effect and prolong it, create conditioned reflex connections, drug treatment is used.
It is performed only after withdrawal symptoms have been removed and severe physical symptoms have been eliminated.
Drug therapy for alcoholism has a number of serious problems, and is used only by experienced narcologists and mainly in the clinic or under the supervision of a doctor. Key treatment issues:
a number of contraindications to taking medications, especially in patients with age or with chronic diseases;
treatment is impossible without the desire of the patient himself;
drugs have a selective effect and are not always effective in all groups of patients.
The scheme is selected based on the stage of the disease, the presence of additional health problems, general condition, and age, the sex of the alcoholic. Several groups of drugs are used:
drugs that cause aversion to alcoholic beverages - when trying to take alcohol, drugs provoke a persistent gag reflex, attacks of respiratory distress, and a sharp tremor of the arms and legs;
drugs that reduce alcohol cravings - they help in blocking the pleasure center, which reduces the need for alcohol.
means that suppress the manifestations of intoxication syndrome against the background of chronic alcohol intake - they help in the normalization of metabolic processes in the body, which helps to feel better after the withdrawal of alcohol.
Coding
Coding is understood as the method of emotional-stressful psychotherapy that affects the patient at the level of the subconscious, beyond the control of the cortex of the brain. Among the effective methods of treatment are:
psychological approach with the programming of the subconscious and the use of methods of special persuasion;
drug coding with subcutaneous stitching of drugs or their intravenous administration with the formation of certain attitudes towards alcohol;
laser exposure with the concentration of light fluxes in certain areas of the brain;
creation of conditioned reflex connections based on micro-current therapy or hyperthermia.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis courses by an experienced specialist are effective, with several sessions in a row. Alcoholics, when they are brought out of a state of trance, are directed to live in conditions of sobriety, forming a stable aversion to alcohol.
The method can be used everywhere, at home and in clinics, and has no contraindications.
Dovzhenko method
There is a known method of coding patients from alcohol from the narcologist Dovzhenko, who inspired a person with the detailed essence of all the fatal consequences of taking alcoholic beverages. This is a kind of shock therapy for alcoholics, an effect on mental processes with an interruption of the pathological craving for alcohol.
In fact, this is one of the methods of hypnosis, the formation of an attitude towards sobriety, and the creation of an indifferent attitude towards alcohol. The desire to drink decreases and then completely disappears.
Psychotherapy
The most commonly used cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is designed to prevent relapse and minimize alcohol use problems. It is a popular form of alcoholism therapy. CBT helps people recognize negative thoughts that can lead to self-destructive behaviors such as alcohol abuse. CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts and actions and seeks to change negative behavior by changing thought patterns. People will learn how to recognize potential triggers, as well as how to manage stress and develop healthy coping strategies. Relapse prevention strategies are studied and practiced during CBT sessions for alcoholism.
CBT has been shown to positively change brain function. Some brain circuit damage caused by long-term alcohol abuse can also be corrected with CBT. It is important for the individual to continue to attend CBT sessions to ensure that new thoughts and behaviors are entrenched and working. The tools and skills learned during cognitive behavioral therapy can be useful for a long time in the recovery process.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Based on research, another form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, DPT was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). Today it has many uses, including in the treatment of comorbid mental disorders and addictions. DPT focuses on helping people accept themselves as well as making positive changes in their lives. It is necessary to strike a delicate balance between changing for the better and recognizing yourself as worthy.
One-to-one lessons prioritize problems, usually addressing suicidal and self-harming behavior issues first and then moving on to things that might interfere with treatment. Finally, classes focus on working to improve the quality of life in general.
Popular questions and answers
Why addiction occurs and how to treat it?
Alcohol addiction is considered a brain disorder that has both emotional and physical manifestations. It interferes with a person's daily life and has many social and behavioral consequences.
Alcohol addiction is a complex disease that affects each person in its own way, therefore, the treatment is purely individual. What works for one person may not work as well for another. There are several forms of addiction treatment used to treat alcoholism, which can help narcologists and psychiatrists, neurologists to develop a specific program that is optimal for the person seeking help.
Is it possible to cure alcoholism without the knowledge of the patient?
Yes, there are such techniques, but their effectiveness is lower than traditional ones, and for many, it has not been proven.
Does the treatment of alcoholism with traditional methods help?
There are not folk, but alternative and so-called holistic methods of treating alcohol abuse. There are many alternative forms of therapy that can be helpful in treating addiction, many of which are used in addition to traditional methods. The term “holistic” refers to healing the entire body, and these therapies can address all aspects of healing, from physical to emotional and spiritual.
Examples of holistic and alternative therapies include:
Hippotherapy - This therapy involves grooming horses. It can help boost self-esteem and create a non-judgmental environment in which a person can learn to recognize signals and emotional states in order to promote personal growth and self-awareness.
It can also involve taking comprehensive care of such a large being, which means the person will not be able to think about anything else during the session, which minimizes emotional and physical discomfort.
Animal therapy - cats, dogs, rabbits, and other creatures - is often used in therapy sessions because it can help people feel more relaxed and more open. Animal therapy can also help build a person's self-confidence as they care for the other being and learn how to take care of the needs of others. Animals are also sensitive to emotions, which helps humans recognize their own moods and learn to control them.
Art therapy creative therapy - creative expression can be a healthy outlet for people to express their feelings and better understand themselves and their emotions. It can also relieve stress and boost self-confidence.
Mindfulness meditation- This type of holistic therapy improves the connection between body, mind, and soul, and teaches people to be more in harmony with their physical body in order to better control their emotional self and increase spiritual growth. By turning inward, people can become more aware of themselves and learn how to effectively manage stress, control cravings, and deal with external and internal pressures. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, help reduce stress and teach a person how to calm down successfully, thereby helping to reduce relapses. Mindfulness meditation can be used anywhere and anytime to prevent a crisis, making it a handy tool for recovery.
Massage therapy- Massage can relieve physical pain and tension and therefore help reduce stress. Massage therapy also helps to relax and improve sleep. When a person is feeling better physically and getting enough sleep, they are more likely to deal with emotional stress.
Acupuncture is a method of oriental medicine, acupuncture, aimed at improving a person's qi, or energy flow, by placing needles along with strategic pressure points in the body. It is believed to improve the overall way the body functions and also reduces emotional stress in the process. Acupuncture can also help flush toxins from the body and improve blood flow, making it a complementary type of therapy that can be used during detoxification and alcohol addiction treatment.
Nutritional Therapy - Eating well is just as important as sleeping well. A nutritional therapy program can help replenish nutrient stores that may have been depleted by excessive alcohol consumption.
Alcohol dehydrates the body and serves only as empty calories. A healthy eating plan that involves eating a balanced diet at a specific time can help your body recover.
Exercise Programs - Physical fitness can help strengthen the body, increase self-esteem and release stress. Exercise can be a healthy aspect of an addiction treatment program that can help people clear their minds. It can also be helpful in minimizing relapses. There are many different forms of exercise, and a fitness program can be tailored to the specific physical abilities and circumstances of each individual.
In general, holistic and alternative therapies are considered most effective when used as complementary therapies. Ideally, they should be included as part of a complete addiction treatment program, which often includes medication and behavioral therapy.
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