Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in problems with the law, difficulty maintaining relationships or trouble holding down a job.

Problem drinking can also lead to addiction if it is not treated properly. Treatment helps the person overcome alcohol abuse and regain control of their life.

Alcohol Detox

Alcohol is a very socially acceptable substance, so it can be easy to become physically and psychologically dependent on it. This can develop before anyone else notices it, and it can often lead to more serious issues down the road.

Because of this, it's important to get treatment for alcohol use disorder as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of your addiction, inpatient or outpatient detox treatment is often recommended.

During detox, your body will adjust to a decreased level of the chemical stimulants that it has been producing. This causes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

In some cases, your medical team may prescribe medications to help reduce these symptoms and keep you comfortable. These drugs include benzodiazepines such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan).

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is a form of treatment that can help people who are struggling with alcohol abuse. It focuses on teaching patients life skills and coping strategies to prevent them from relapse.

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is one type of behavioral therapy that is commonly used in substance abuse treatment. CBT is based on the belief that your thoughts and emotions have a powerful influence on your behavior.

A therapist trained in CBT can look at your thoughts and beliefs and identify any patterns that may be contributing to your alcohol abuse. The therapist can then use different therapeutic tools to help you change these patterns.

Behavioral couple therapy (ABCT) is another type of behavioral therapy that can be effective for treating alcohol abuse. This therapy aims to reduce couples’ relapse by changing their relationship dynamics and improving their communication skills. This type of therapy can be a very useful addition to outpatient treatment programs.

Prescription Medicines

If you’re in a treatment program for alcohol abuse or alcohol use disorder, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you stop drinking. These drugs can be used by themselves, or together with other treatment options to help you change your behavior and your life.

Disulfiram (Acetazolamide) - This drug inhibits the breakdown of alcohol by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. It can cause a slowed or arrested breathing, lowered pulse and blood pressure, unconsciousness, and even death in some cases.

Naltrexone - This drug is injected once a month by a health care professional. It is effective in reducing alcohol intake and improving abstinence rates.

Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, and Lorazepam) - These short-acting drugs are preferred for treating withdrawal symptoms. They are also useful for patients with significant liver disease.

Support Groups

If you’ve been struggling with alcohol abuse, you can benefit from a support group. These groups are designed to help people overcome their addictions and live healthier lives.

Many support groups are run by trained facilitators. They can offer advice about overcoming your addiction, how to deal with cravings and more.

Often, the participants in these groups have experienced similar problems, which can provide a high level of understanding and empathy. The group’s focus on sharing experiences can also reduce feelings of isolation.

In addition to AA and NA, there are a number of other support groups that cater to specific demographics, such as Cocaine Anonymous (CA) and SMART Recovery(tm).

While support groups can be helpful, they should never replace treatment. If you’re suffering from an alcohol or drug addiction, you should seek out an effective treatment program that includes a combination of support groups and therapy.