Alcohol treatment begins when people admit that they have lost control over their drinking. Many people reach this conclusion before seeking help. Others need an intervention process from relatives, friends or coworkers. Intervention may consist of a group meeting with the alcoholic. Group members point out that drinking is destroying the life of the person and the lives of loved ones. Intervention aims to convince the alcoholic that treatment must begin. Treatment and medication work together to help many recovered alcoholics return to normal living.
Effects
Alcoholics who admit they have a problem may go through a detoxification or withdrawal process when they quit drinking. "Detox" refers to the body's removal of the addictive substance and causes withdrawal symptoms once a person stops using the substance. Cravings for alcohol, irritability and shakiness may occur. Some long-term, heavy drinkers may experience confusion or hallucinations, known as "delirium tremens." Sedative medication helps ease these effects, MayoClinic.com explains. Doctors usually recommend that alcoholics who quit drinking go through the process under medical supervision and with the support of family or friends.
Rehabilitation
After the detoxification process, treatment for recovering alcoholics includes rehabilitation programs to keep them away from drinking, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Programs offer a variety of support techniques designed for each person's needs. One-on-one counseling and support groups with other recovering alcoholics help educate people on the effects of alcoholism and the rewards of continuing life sober. The programs work on an inpatient or outpatient basis in rehab facilities, depending on the severity of the problem.
Motivation
Recovered alcoholics may discuss a treatment plan with alcohol-abuse specialists. Psychological counseling and motivation therapy help alcoholics deal with the reasons for their abusive drinking and understand the benefits of abstinence, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Therapy that includes spouses or family members may increase the success of continued abstinence.
Prevention
Medication can help many alcoholics on the road to recovery, but drugs do not cure alcoholism. Disulfiram causes flushing, headaches, nausea or vomiting when a person drinks alcohol. Naltrexone may reduce the urge to drink by blocking the pleasurable effects produced by alcohol. A form of naltrexone that is injected monthly helps some patients take the medication consistently. Acamprosate may help reduce the cravings for alcohol. Patients take these drugs on a regular basis during counseling or under medical care only.
Aftercare
People often need continued support following rehab programs. Many rehab facilities offer aftercare programs to avoid relapses and encourage the healthy aspects of sobriety. Self-help groups may include the 12-step program started by Alcoholics Anonymous to cope with a new lifestyle. Many other support groups offer similar programs tailored to the needs of different people for a successful recovery.
