Treatment for alcohol addiction

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS

Introduction

At different times throughout their life, many people struggle to control their alcohol intake. Over 14 million persons, 18 and older, are estimated to be affected by 1 in 10 kids living with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and homes where one or both parents struggle with alcohol-related problems. Effective treatment for alcohol addiction typically involves therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication.

Fortunately, most people with AUD can benefit from a variety of treatment modalities, regardless of how serious the problem is thought to be. According to studies, after a year, about one-third of people who receive treatment for alcohol-related disorders are symptom-free. Many people also succeed in drastically limiting their alcohol usage and dealing with alcohol-related issues less frequently.

A combination of medical and behavioral interventions is needed to treat the medical illness known as alcohol consumption disorder to manage. It is characterized as a disruption in brain function. Alcohol use disorder can range in intensity from low to moderate to severe. It may begin suddenly or gradually over a long period of time.Alternative names for this illness include alcohol dependency, alcohol addiction, andalcohol abuse.

Along with psychosocial therapies, the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone is recommended for treating alcohol dependence. It works by inhibiting -opioid receptors, which reduces alcohols pleasurable effects. As a result, there are less intoxicating sensations and urges

Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase is inhibited by disulfiram, which is how it works. Despite being used to treat alcoholism for almost 40 years, there is still no proof of its effectiveness. According to a review done by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality6, research utilizing the disulfiram implant has serious methodological issues, especially when it comes to bioavailability.

The results of the four oral disulfiram placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were also inconclusive. While oral disulfiram was shown in two trials to reduce the number of drinking days, it did not show any improvement in relapse rates when compared to placebo.

Two trials found low patient adherence to oral disulfiram, and a third found a dropout rate of 46%. It is difficult to assess with certainty the degree of benefit for patients utilizing disulfiram because of these methodological limitations and inconsistent findings.

The activity of glutaminergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors is thought to be inhibited by acamprosate (calcium homotaurinate), while -aminobutyric acid type A receptors are thought to be stimulated. Its use in the management of alcoholism has recently received FDA approval. According to a thorough analysis of 15 trials, acamprosate reduces relapse rates in people with alcohol dependency both in the short term (less than six months) and the long term (over six months) when used in conjunction with psychosocial therapies.

Table of Contents

What triggers a drinking disorder?

Science is still working to understand the causes of alcohol use disorder. It appears as though one or more of the following variables have come together to cause it:
Genetic propensity.
Events that occurred in childhood.
Actions taken to lessen emotional anguish.
People are more likely to experience alcohol use disorder if they:
Consume alcohol regularly, in large amounts, or start drinking when they are still young.
Have gone through terrible situations, such as sexual or physical abuse.
Possess a history of alcohol use disorders in the family.
Suffer with mental health conditions like eating disorders, grief, anxiety, despair, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Have had Roux-en-Y surgery, or stomach bypass surgery, due to weight issues.

Option for treatment

When people ask about how to deal with alcohol-related problems, they frequently think of 12-step programs or inpatient rehab that lasts a month. Alternative choices, however, may prove difficult for many people to remember. Due to notable advancements in the industry, the landscape of treatment modalities has remarkably changed during the past60 years.

Realizing that there isn’t a single answer to all problems is crucial. What works for one person might not be appropriate for another. Getting a handle on the variety of possibilities accessible is an essential first step.

Types of Treatment Behavioural Interventions
Through counseling sessions, behavioral treatments try to change drinking patterns.
These sessions are supervised by healthcare professionals, and research supporting
their beneficial effects has been published.
Drug-Related Approaches

Three drugs have received approval in the US for helping people cut back on or stop drinking as well as for preventing relapse. These drugs may be prescribed by generalpractitioners and other medical experts alone or in conjunction with counseling.

Support Groups Run by Peers
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs offer group support for people trying to stop drinking alcohol or reduce their use. These peer-led groups can give a crucial extra layer of support when used in conjunction with medically supervised treatment.

Addiction treatment centers

Alcohol addiction treatment medicines

Despite the fact that alcohol is a substance, it may seem counterintuitive. Medication is an essential part of treating alcohol addiction.

The need to drink can be defeated with the help of the right medication, which can also help the body and mind cope with the potentially fatal physical withdrawal symptoms.

It’s crucial to remember that not all general practitioners are knowledgeable about drugs used to treat alcohol addiction. To treat withdrawal symptoms and ensure long-term sobriety, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about the following options.

Acamprosate (Campral) is a drug that has been approved for the treatment of alcoholism by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It works by replenishing brain chemicals that may have been damaged by binge drinking.
Disulfiram (Antabuse) is a medication that has FDA-approved medication that has been used to treat alcoholism. However, consuming alcohol causes unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, flushing (a face, neck, or chest reddening), perspiration, and chest pain. These outcomes may last for an hour or more.
Naltrexone (Revia, Vivitrol): This drug reduces cravings, which helps it reduce alcohol cravings, and has FDA approval for alcohol dependency*.
Topiramate (Topamax, Trokendi XR, Qudexy XR): Some medical professionals utilize this drug to treat alcohol use disorder despite it being first FDA-approved for controlling seizures and avoiding migraines. It helps to correct the electrical activity of brain cells and replenish brain neurotransmitters.

What phases are there in alcohol use disorder?

There are several phases that separate regular alcohol usage from an alcohol use disorder.

At-risk phase: During this stage, drinking may be done socially or as a way to cope with stress or emotional pain. Alcohol tolerance may start to emerge.
Early alcohol use disorder: This stage involves the development of symptoms such as blackouts, lonely or hidden drinking, and alcohol obsession.
Mid-stage alcohol use disorder: At this stage, drinking has gotten out of hand and is causing problems with employment, family, finances, and general physical and mental health. Laboratory analyses and imaging studies can reveal signs of organ damage.
Alcohol abuse in its last stages: During this stage, drinking takes precedence over necessities, including food, intimacy, health, and happiness. Despondency sets in, and the possibility of death looms large, which is exacerbated by problems caused by organ damage.