Treating Alcoholism As A Chronic Disease: Medications and Therapies 

Treating Alcoholism As A Chronic Disease: Medications and Therapies , updated 11/24/21, 6:16 AM

It’s easy to cross the line from being a regular drinker to a person suffering from alcoholism. There are no biological indicators that will signal that the condition is underway.

Treating alcoholism as a chronic disease requires both medical and emotional intervention. Medications can help manage the pain and cravings that come during and after alcohol detoxification, but having a counselor helps to reduce the chances of an alcohol relapse occurring.

 

https://havenhouserecovery.com/treating-alcoholism-as-a-chronic-disease-medications-and-therapies/

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Treating Alcoholism as a Chronic Disease:
Medications and Therapies

B L O G | H A V E N H O U S E R E C O V E R Y
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Treating alcoholism as a chronic
disease is not that easy, especially
when the sufferer doesn’t even
know that he or she has developed
alcoholism.
You
see,
this
condition doesn’t start with a
specific set of symptoms, such as
a fever, a cold, or a headache. It’s
not like the flu. You can’t pop a pill
and sleep it off, hoping for a better
tomorrow.
The only way
to determine
success is to make sure the
person in question achieves and
maintains sobriety. With the right
guidance and treatment approach,
beating alcoholism is within reach.
Treating alcoholism as a chronic
disease takes time, but that can
move faster if you have help.
Medications to Treat Alcoholism

When people decide to quit and
address their alcoholism, they’re
bound to experience withdrawal,
often characterized by an array of
physical symptoms. There are
many
prescription
drugs
for
alcoholism that can help
this
process, such as:
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an ideal medication for
alcoholism with its anti-craving effects.
Just take it once a day, and the
yearning
for alcohol goes away.
However, it’s not suitable for people
with
liver problems because they
become at risk for hepatotoxicity.
Vivitrol
Vivitrol
is
the
injectable
counterpart of Naltrexone, which
lasts
longer because of
its
extended-release form. Experts
believe that drugs for alcoholism
with
longer-lasting
effects
produce more favorable outcomes
when combating addiction.
Acamprosate
Much
like
Naltrexone,
Acamprosate diminishes alcohol
cravings by assisting the brain
function as it recovers from the
addiction. It needs to be taken
thrice a day and reduces distress
caused by alcohol withdrawal
rather than specific withdrawal
symptoms.
Benzodiazepines
Diazepam and Clonazepam are
some of the best drugs of choice
when dealing with withdrawal
symptoms. People undergoing the
alcohol detoxification phase often
become agitated and highly anxious
for no reason.
Benzos sooth a user by binding to
the
brain’s
GABA
(gamma-
aminobutyric
acid)
receptors,
which control anxiety levels, and
increasing their activity.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors (SSRIs)
This
type of medication
for
alcoholism
treats
depression,
which can occur for anyone with
alcohol dependence. The physical
and emotional changes these
people
go
through
can be
overwhelming.
Baclofen
People with immense addictions
are at risk of
life-threatening
withdrawal symptoms, such as
seizures and tremors. Baclofen, a
muscle relaxant for people with
Multiple Sclerosis, also doubles as
medicine
for
alcoholism
by
relaxing
the
muscles
and
managing cravings.
Support for Alcoholism
Aside from medical intervention,
it’s
also
important
to
seek
counseling and build a strong
support
system.
Treating
alcoholism as a chronic disease is
a comprehensive process. It’s not
just treating alcoholism, but also
getting to the bottom of what led
to it.
When you treat
the physical
manifestation of alcoholism and
the withdrawal symptoms that go
with it, you are only managing part
of the condition.
If you want to eradicate it truly,
you must cut it from the root,
which can only be achieved
through therapy. Individuals can
also learn to fight their cravings
when they don’t have anyone
around to reprimand them.
During
the
initial phases of
recovery, it is highly critical to
attend daily counseling. If the
counselors
notice
drastic
improvements, the sessions will
decrease over time. Visits are
necessary
to prevent alcohol
relapse.
At
the beginning of
recovery,
counseling may take place daily.
Regular visits can help those in
recovery to prevent relapse.
Relapse Prevention Strategies for
Alcoholism
Treating alcoholism includes a
long recovery process. It takes
focus, determination, and a few
coping mechanisms to make sure
relapse doesn’t creep up on you.
Here are some strategies that can
help you stay on the path of
recovery:
Don’t forego therapy, even
when you think you have
things under control.
Understand your emotions and
respect them. It’s normal to
feel sick and sad at the
beginning of your journey.
Avoid temptations, such as
bars and parties.
Find ways to manage your
cravings,
such as calling
sponsors,
meditating,
exercising, and so on.
Discover and pursue new
passions. A new hobby can
help you divert your attention
and regain confidence.
It’s hard to say there will be no
alcohol relapse, but it’s possible to
get over your addiction and
manage recovery, especially with
continuous therapy from a Christ-
based center.
If you are considering a Nashville
recovery center, check Haven
House in Hartsville too!
Santa Rosa beach, FL
(850) 622-3774
Hartsville, TN
(888) 622-3702
PHONE NUMBER
https://havenhouserecovery.com
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