Alcohol addiction treatment can take many forms and includes a considerable amount of alcohol treatment services. Alcohol rehab usually starts with detox that should be conducted under a doctor’s watch because of the potentially serious side effects. An alcohol addiction rehab center provides a number of counselling services designed to help you on the path to long-term alcohol recovery. Treatment for alcohol addiction doesn’t end in rehab, either. You need a plan that includes continued support and outside help that usually includes participation in a 12-step program.

A hallmark symptom of alcohol addiction is denial, which is why you need alcohol addiction treatment centers to help you determine whether you have a problem or not. It’s not always easy to see yourself and your behavior clearly. But there are clear, proven warning signs that often indicate your drinking may have crossed the line from casual drinking to the need for alcohol addiction treatment:

  • Blackouts, periods of time you can’t remember after drinking
  • Unexplained injuries
  • Loss of appetite
  • Digestive difficulties
  • Loss of libido
  • Withdrawal symptoms, such as hallucinations, tremors, anxiety or disorientation
  • Insomnia
  • The need for a drink in the morning
  • No will power to not drink
  • Friends, family or employers suggesting you have a drinking problem

There is no permanent cure for alcohol addiction. A slew of alcohol rehab centers, such as the outpatient rehab at Pain Physicians NY, can help you break the cycle and stay clean — so you’re no longer a slave to alcohol. Your long-term sobriety depends on the quality of care you receive at the outset, coupled with a sincere commitment to your recovery.

Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol detox and alcohol addiction treatment come in many forms. The goal of alcohol treatment is to stop any use of alcohol permanently and to improve your quality of life. The best treatment for alcohol addiction depends on your level of alcohol use and your commitment to the idea of not drinking. The primary steps to a successful alcohol recovery include:

  • Detoxification. If you’re suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you may need to start with detoxification at an inpatient alcohol rehab center or hospital because the physical withdrawal can be life-threatening.
  • Treatment plan. An alcohol addiction rehab center provides many turnkey services. These alcohol rehab services often include setting personal goals, learning behavior change techniques, studying self-help manuals, counseling and follow-up care.
  • Psychological counseling. Alcohol recovery often benefits from counseling or medication for mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Individual, couples or family therapy may also be an important part of your alcohol recovery.
  • Individualized drug counseling. Alcohol addiction counseling helps you stop alcohol use. It may also help you in other areas, such as employment status, stopping illegal activities and social relations.
  • Group counseling. Group therapy employs the social aspects of a group where you can offer reinforcement to your peers, as well as receive support and reinforcement from them. Knowing you’re not alone and hearing how others are successful can be very motivating.
  • Revia is an oral form of naltrexone. It’s prescribed to reduce the urge to drink.
  • Acamprosate (Campral) may help combat alcohol cravings once you stop drinking.
  • Disulfiram (Antabuse) may help to prevent you from drinking by causing flushing, nausea, vomiting and headaches if you drink alcohol.
  • 12-Step programs. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), about 74 percent of alcohol addiction treatment centers use some form of the 12-Step philosophy pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These programs work on the premise that alcoholics can help themselves when they help others abstain from drinking.
  • Spiritual practice. People who are involved with some type of regular spiritual practice may find it easier to maintain alcohol recovery or recovery from other addictions. For many people, getting involved more with their spiritual lives is a key element in their recovery.

Vivitrol for Alcohol Treatment

Vivitrol is an injectable version of the drug naltrexone. According to recent NIH studies, it’s a useful treatment option for reducing cravings and preventing relapse of alcohol dependence in those who have already quit drinking for at least a week. A medical worker administers an injection once a month. It doesn’t cause any of the feelings of sickness that Antabuse is known for as part of alcohol addiction treatment.

Vivitrol is not a cure for alcohol addiction and dependency. While on the drug, you don’t get the “high” or pleasant feelings you normally get when you drink. There are a few negative side effects, but as long as you closely follow your doctor’s orders at your alcohol addiction rehab center, your alcohol addiction therapy can proceed, often with improved results. Your alcohol rehab team can help you decide if it’s the right alcohol addiction relapse prevention treatment for you.

Page Updated on Jan 24, 2023 by Dr. Reyfman (Pain Management Specialist) of Pain Physicians NY