Addiction isn’t a sign of weakness of will, contrary to outdated views. Addiction alters brain function, making it very difficult for people with AUD to stop drinking on their own. Most people relapse because the brain takes some time to adjust to its normal function. Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) is a group-based addiction recovery approach run by volunteers. This therapy also addresses underlying issues that may have motivated your drinking problem.

Professional Treatment for Alcoholism

Ultimately though, the best reason to give up alcohol entirely could well be that it will save your life! Premature death from alcoholism is preventable, and the best time to act is NOW. In other words, counselling can be the difference between sustained recovery, or just a temporary improvement in your alcohol issues.

  • The key to preventing relapse is developing effective coping strategies.
  • As with all chronic health conditions, there is a possibility of relapsing following treatment.
  • It has been recognized as a mental illness since the 1980s, when the American Psychiatric Association identified alcoholism as a primary mental health disorder.

What Are FDA-Approved Medications for Alcoholism?

Although there are medicines available at the pharmacy but that can ease the patient for some time. Without any exercises, the medicines will last no longer than a week or so. This https://ecosoberhouse.com/ indicates the development of a tolerance for alcohol, which means that more alcohol is needed in order to receive the same pleasurable effects as before. Over time, the brain adjusts by producing less dopamine and eliminating dopamine receptors.

is alcoholism curable

How Therapy and Counseling Help in Treating Alcohol Addiction

The more symptoms observed in an person, the worse situation would be there to cure. The symptoms can be excessive drinking, impulsive behavior, and compulsive decisions. UKAT aspires to deliver the highest quality care across all our centres and clinics. Our commitment to quality includes the information we publish on our website. It is essential to consult a practitioner before quitting alcohol. The basal ganglia is critical in this phase because it serves as the brain’s reward system.

Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), isn’t something that can be “cured” in the traditional sense. Like diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s a chronic disease that doesn’t disappear with treatment or willpower alone. Instead, those struggling with AUD face ongoing challenges that require continuous effort, management, and support.

is alcoholism curable

There is no way around the fact that, if you want to beat alcoholism, you are going to need to stop drinking. The first step to any treatment will be detox, which you can do at home, as part of an outpatient service, or within a treatment centre. It is generally recommended that you do not attempt to detox without medical supervision, as this can be dangerous or even life threatening, depending on how severe your addiction is. Your health care provider can alcoholism be cured or mental health provider will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs.

What Increases the Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder?

  • This view is based on the fact that alcoholism is a long-term and persistent condition, much like other health complications.
  • Several evidence-based treatment approaches are available for AUD.
  • Many research studies have suggested that meditation can help reduce withdrawal symptoms in recovering addicts.
  • We will also discuss prevention strategies, the risk of relapse, and how ongoing therapy and rehabilitation can aid in achieving long-term health.
  • Treatment may involve a brief intervention, individual or group counseling, an outpatient program, or a residential inpatient stay.

The healthy environment in inpatient facilities also supports your recovery process. People suffering from severe alcoholism may benefit from the 24-hour monitoring in inpatient treatment. Detoxification or detox is a period of medical therapy, generally accompanied by counseling. This is Sober living home because, when you consume excess alcohol, it interferes with your brain chemistry. Group therapy or a support group can help during rehab and help you stay on track as life gets back to normal.

You will always need coping strategies to help you stay on the road to recovery. This medication is generally prescribed to recovering alcoholics who have already achieved abstinence. It is a relapse prevention medication that works by reducing the level of a certain chemical in the brain believed to contribute to alcohol cravings.