According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 700,000 Americans receive treatment for alcoholism on any given day. Strategies for treating alcoholism are effective when treatment is integrative, or takes several avenues for helping the individual with alcoholism achieve recovery success. Motivational interviewing, medication intervention and moderation management are promising strategies in treating problematic behaviors and resistance to treatment often found in alcoholism.
Inspiring Motivation
Motivation for change is a significant aspect of the alcoholics willingness to enter and stay in treatment. The International Center for Alcohol Policies explains that motivational strategies encourage realistic goal setting as well as movement toward changing drinking patterns. The general principles of the motivational interviewing technique involves the clinician having empathy toward the recovering person, supporting the level of determination and belief in self the individual displays as well as rolling with resistance by exploring individual concerns for alcohol recovery.
Brief Intervention
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains that brief intervention strategies are useful in prompting a reduction in drinking in shorter periods of time than traditional long-term counseling. Brief intervention involves using a straightforward approach to explore the negative consequences of drinking and determine if moderation or abstinence from drinking is achievable. The International Center for Alcohol Policies further indicates that giving feedback, prompting the alcoholic to take responsibility for choices and teaching skills for change are emphasized as brief strategies.
Use of Medication
Medication therapy for alcoholism is a viable treatment strategy. According to MayoClinic.com, there are four U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved options for treating alcoholism. Disulfiram is an alcohol use deterrent that when taken causes extreme discomfort in the user if alcohol is ingested. The medication naltrexone is available in two different forms, as a pill or injection, and helps to reduce alcohol cravings by blocking the intoxicating effects of alcohol when alcohol is used. Acamprosate is the final option, similar to naltrexone in reducing cravings.
Recognizing Moderation and Change
Substance abuse recovery occurs in stages for many people. Addiction Alternatives notes that recognizing the stage of change the alcoholic is in helps the clinician apply effective intervention strategies appropriate to the individual. Each stage of change signifies a different dilemma for the person in recovery. For instance, acknowledging the problem and agreeing to receive help are the beginning stages of change. Once help is accepted the individual begins to utilize new behaviors taught by the clinician and later learns how to maintain the positive change. Within this process of change, some choose to continue drinking alcohol. Moderation management offers support during the struggle to decide to quit while also encouraging continued efforts toward sobriety.
