Alcohol abuse is a public health problem that affects many Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies alcohol abuse as a pattern of drinking with the same effects as alcoholism--a strong craving for alcohol and continued use despite harm or personal injury. The alcoholic is not able to limit drinking and may drink more to feel the effects. Alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol dependence. A number of treatment options are available to help stop this behavior.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment centers provide a controlled medical setting to help you stop drinking with help from a medical staff and modern facilities. You have a better chance of recovery with this treatment option because professionals are there 24 hours a day to monitor your progress. These facilities typically provide laboratory workups to assess complications from alcohol abuse. They also check nutritional needs and provide nutritional supplements. If necessary, they prescribe medication to control alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment programs rely on "cold turkey" withdrawal from alcohol without the benefits of medical supervision. This treatment option does not typically provide nutritional counseling or medication. Rather, you visit a clinic and attend individual or group counseling sessions to learn how to control emotional situations that lead to drinking.
Behavioral Treatment
One type of behavioral treatment involves support programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous where you meet with other members and follow a program toward sobriety. Another behavioral treatment is motivational enhancement therapy, in which you meet with a therapist, take responsibility for your drinking problem and devise a plan for change based on abstinence, treatment options and goals. Lastly, cognitive behavioral therapy views the drinking problem as a learned response to unwanted emotions. The goal of this therapy is to help you "unlearn" undesirable behavior and replace it with a positive way of thinking.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- Alcohol and Public Health
- National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information Center -- Treatment
- Alcohol Recovery Info - Treatment Options for Alcohol Abuse
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism -- New Advances in Alcoholism Treatment
- "Under the Influence: A Guide to the Myths and Realities of Alcoholism"; Dr. James R. Milam and Katherine Ketcham, Bantam Books, 1981
