Alcohol abuse occurs when you have an overwhelming compulsion to consume alcohol and this need to consume leads to constant trouble a work, home, school and even with law enforcement. With alcohol abuse, unlike alcoholism, you still have some control over your consumption, you can stop when necessary and you do not usually experience physical withdrawal symptoms, reports MayoClinic.com. If you suffer from alcohol abuse, it is important to understand that you can get help.
Basics
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), there are various forms of treatment for alcohol abuse that have been shown to be effective. Treatment for alcohol abuse will most likely be less intense than it would be for someone who is experiencing alcohol dependence, and you will not have to undergo the detoxification process.
Types of Therapy
Different treatments options may become more beneficial to you as you work your way through your treatment goals. Your abuse of alcohol is based on your environment, your personality, your family history and your life experiences; therefore, the therapy you engage in will have to complement your background and your individual alcohol abuse. According to MayoClinic.com, the treatments for alcohol abuse can include brief interventions, self-help groups, individual counseling sessions, family or couples counseling and inpatient treatment.
Therapeutic Involvement
The NIAAA reports that you can join self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, before you even begin an individual treatment plan. These groups teach coping skills and provide a new social system of support that may replace the people you used to drink with. Brief interventions focus on providing you with information on the negative effects and risks of alcohol. This type of intervention is often done by your primary care physician over a period of weeks, and has shown success in reducing alcohol consumption, reports NIAAA. Individual and couples' therapy can help change the way you think about alcohol and replace your desire for alcohol with positive activities, such as socializing with a new group of friends, enjoying a hobby or spending more time with family. Also, involving your significant other or family in the treatment will give them the support they need while also supporting you.
Alternatives
According to MayoClinic.com, there are medications that can help reduce your cravings for alcohol. These include Antabuse, which produces physical reactions such as nausea, vomiting and headaches when you drink alcohol; Naltrexone, which has been shown to reduce the positive feeling associated with alcohol; and Vivitrol, which has the same effects as Antabuse but is injected by a health care provider. Because the intake of Vivitrol is controlled by your physician, you might be more consistent in taking it than you would with Antabuse, which is a self-administered pill. These alternative medications have been shown to be effective for some people, but increase in effectiveness if used in conjunction with psychotherapy, reports the NIAAA.
Locating Help
To find a treatment plan that meets your needs, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. He should be able to assess the situation and provide you with treatment referrals and recommendations. Also, you should be able to contact your company's Employee Assistance Program to get involved in one of their substance abuse treatment programs, reports HelpGuide.org. If you would like a free referral, HelpGuide.org suggests contacting the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP.
