An alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a mental and physical dependence on alcohol. This is a chronic illness that demands alcohol addiction treatment to overcome. Alcohol addiction has various symptoms, most notably an intense need for drinking, even when alcohol use has become problematic at home and work. If you or someone you know is living with alcohol addiction, there is help available. Reach out to Midwest Recovery online today, or give us a call at 833.627.0039 to learn our alcohol addiction treatment program and how it can start you on a path toward recovery.
What Happens During Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Sadly, there is no cure for alcohol addiction, and the road to recovery can be long. At Midwest Recovery, your medical team will design an alcohol addiction treatment program for you based on your individual needs as well as personal circumstances, like:
- Your own history of alcohol use or dependence
- History of previous alcohol withdrawal
- Additional medical issues
- Psychiatric conditions
- Your expressed desire to be treated
How is Alcohol Addiction Treated?
Alcohol addiction treatment is a lifelong process. Many people begin with detox, then enter an addiction treatment program that provides therapy to learn life skills and coping mechanisms. A treatment center also provides peer support and a caring support network. You will also be tasked with making positive choices to stay clean and sober for yourself, your family, and your friends.
Treatment for an alcohol use disorder may include some or all of the following:
Detox
A medically managed and professionally supervised detox is often a part of a successful alcohol addiction treatment program because. During detox, all traces of the harmful substance that has been dominating your mind, body, and spirit is removed from your system. From here, you can begin to live a happier and healthier life free from alcohol and its damaging effects.
Withdrawal
The side effect of detox is a painful withdrawal as your body and mind adjust to not having the substance it has become dependent on. You will experience intense cravings and suffer through pain for a short period of time, but the skilled and compassionate team at Midwest Recovery will be supervising your withdrawal. You will have the assistance necessary to get through this phase of alcohol addiction treatment.
Learn Life Skills and Ways To Cope
From nutritional education to exercise routines, alcohol addiction therapy will arm you with a set of new life skills to cope with the temptations, cravings, and situations that lie ahead. It treats not only your past alcohol addiction but also aims to set you up for a life of sobriety. With the tools you gain from therapy, you will be better positioned to enjoy a successful long-term recovery from alcohol addiction.
Counseling
Through one-on-one and group counseling sessions, your alcohol addiction therapy will help you better understand your past issues with drinking and give you the tools needed to change your thought patterns and behaviors. The result will be a positive outlook on life and a realization that you yourself are enough to cope with, adjust to, and handle anything in life without the need for a drink.
Medications
In addition to your alcohol detox, skill-building exercises, and therapies, you may be prescribed medications as part of your individualized alcohol addiction treatment plan. These can include:
- Antabuse, for example, produces a physical reaction including nausea, vomiting, and headaches should you have a drink.
- Naltrexone, on the other hand, is a drug capable of blocking the euphoria of drinking alcohol and, therefore, may prevent heavy drinking and reduce the urge to drink.
- Acamprosate may be prescribed once you have stopped drinking to help minimize or eliminate your cravings for alcohol.
A Support Network
By utilizing aftercare programs and support groups, you will learn to build your own circle of supportive, patient, caring, and understanding family and friends. You will never walk alone in your journey toward a lifetime of sobriety. Instead, you will have an abundance of help in recovering from your alcohol addiction, people who will help you manage relapses and make coping with everyday life easier.
Dual Diagnosis
Because alcohol use disorders often occur simultaneously with other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, we treat the whole of you to ensure you can overcome all of your struggles. This holistic approach to alcohol addiction treatment increases the chances that you will find the full recovery you deserve.
Learn More at Midwest Recovery
If someone you love needs alcohol addiction treatment, learn how Midwest Recovery can help get their life back on track. Contact us using our secure online form or call us at 833.627.0039 today.
