WomensHealth.gov, a website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, defines alcoholism as a chronic condition involving alcohol that includes physical dependence, craving, loss of control and tolerance. Further, alcoholism negatively affects a person's social, occupational and health functioning, according to MayoClinic.com. Several options are available to help a person committed to ending alcohol abuse.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone treats alcoholism by reducing a person's desire for alcohol. Naltrexone is a prescription drug that blocks the area of the brain that triggers pleasure sensations from alcohol use. Without these pleasure sensations, a person experiences a reduced need to drink alcohol. The reduction in his desire to drink helps the person quit, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Therapy
Therapy or counseling in an outpatient setting is another treatment for alcoholism. Therapies employed include individual, group or family counseling. Typically, a person suffering from alcoholism works with a therapist or counselor to determine the source of her alcoholism and develops strategies to limit or stop future alcohol use.
Residential Treatment Center
Serious cases of alcoholism may require treatment at a residential treatment center. The New York Times Health Guide notes that individuals whose alcohol use escalates to the point of putting them in danger are candidates for in-patient care. Techniques employed by residential treatment centers include a wide array of methods. One technique employed is detoxification. Detoxification involves close monitoring of the patient and sedation, if necessary, after he ceases alcohol use to limit withdrawal symptoms such as fevers, shaking and hallucinations. Detoxification typically lasts four to seven days, according to MayoClinic.com. In addition, a person in treatment at a residential center receives individual and group therapy, individualized treatment plans, behavior modification tools, exposure to the Alcoholics Anonymous support system and a follow-up care treatment plan.
