Alcohol addiction is a mental health condition that can be successfully treated with the help and support of professionals. There are several types of alcoholism treatment methods. It is often the case that a combination of therapies is the most effective solution. People who experience withdrawal symptoms need alcohol detoxification and medical care.
At Michael’s House, we offer alcohol addiction treatment and comprehensive care from the first day of treatment. To learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment and how it can help you recover, call us today at 760.548.4032. You aren’t alone in your recovery journey—we are here to help.
Understanding Treatment Options for Alcoholism
Various alcoholism treatment methods can be used to manage alcohol addiction, including:
Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox is a crucial first step for treating severe addiction. Without medical care to address withdrawal symptoms, the need to self-medicate to manage withdrawal symptoms may override any attempts at abstinence.
Few people stop drinking on their own, and it isn’t safe to try. Too often, underlying medical issues cause complications, plus patients may deal with severe symptoms. It is more effective to wait to stop drinking until under the medical care and supervision of addiction treatment professionals.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms often include mild anxiety, shakiness, and even seizures. There is a small risk of death from the more severe complication known as delirium tremens (DTs), which includes confusion, rapid heartbeat, and fever.
Currently, there are three medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating alcohol use:
- Acamprosate (Campral®) – Reduces withdrawal symptoms and normalizes brain systems disturbed by ongoing alcohol use
- Disulfiram (Antabuse®) – Produces an unpleasant reaction if a person drinks alcohol while taking it
- Naltrexone – Lowers the feelings of euphoria when a person drinks alcohol
Doctors may prescribe medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, depending on the severity of your alcohol addiction.
Psychological Treatment
Often, alcohol addiction begins as an attempt to deal with trauma and co-occurring mental health conditions that come with psychological symptoms. Psychological treatments give patients the tools to manage cravings to drink and understand how negative thoughts lead to cravings. These therapies may include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Group and individual counseling sessions
- Alternative therapies
- Education about addiction, relapse prevention strategies, and healthy coping mechanisms to manage cravings
These options allow patients to discuss what happened before and during active addiction and process the emotions. If co-occurring mental health conditions are present, patients get help for mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, fear, and other symptoms without turning to alcohol.
Sober Living
Many people need more than a seven-day detox or a 30-day alcohol rehab program to heal before heading home. Sober living homes offer a place to begin the transition process, offering the same drug-free environment and accountability found at alcohol rehab but with a little more freedom to create a new life in the community.
Accompanied by sober companions, residents leave the sober living estate to look for or go to a job, attend school, or go to 12-step meetings in the community. Creating a support system in the real world while still living in an alcohol-free environment provides the necessary assistance to transition into a sober life and reduce the risk of relapse.
Finding Alcoholism Treatment Options That Suit Your Recovery
Determining the proper alcoholism treatment methods is a personal journey that depends on your unique circumstances and recovery needs. It’s crucial to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one individual may not work well for another. Factors such as:
- The severity of the addiction
- The presence of any co-occurring mental health conditions
- Personal preferences can all affect the choice of treatment
It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a trusted advisor to explore all options and make an informed decision. Remember, the ultimate aim is to find a treatment method that can support achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Call Michael’s House to Enroll in Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Are you interested in learning more about alcohol detox, addiction treatment, or sober living options in Southern California? Here at Michael’s House, we offer alcohol addiction treatment options tailored to our patients’ needs.
Contact us today at 760.548.4032 for an assessment. It’s never too late to start your journey to sobriety—we are here to help you on your recovery journey.
