Effective Alcohol Addiction Treatment Methods for Patients in Iowa
While alcoholism can be a major problem not just for the individual but close family members as well, there are ways it can be treated if proper channels are used. The most important step in curing addiction is for the patient to first accept that they have a problem, denial would not be helpful.
Alcoholics are people who have totally lost the ability to control their drinking habits, they need professional care and assistance since cutting back on liquor alone is not enough. The ultimate goal of therapy is abstinence, or quitting alcohol completely. Studies show that for alcoholics with a stable social support system, good health and constant motivation the chances of recovery are quite high.
After therapy commences, studies show that approximately 50-60% of patients remain abstinent by end year, and a huge margin of the same will also stay permanently clean. However, those with psychiatric conditions or poor support structure tend to relapse within a few years’ time. Generally, success for alcohol addiction treatment is measured based on factors like how long one manages to stay clean, improved health and also better social functioning.
Initial intake
Overcoming dependency can be a tedious process requiring both dedication and continuous use of medication/therapies. Treatment can also be customized to accommodate a person’s specific needs, some of the factors experts consider when designing treatment programs include:
a) A person’s prevailing circumstances
b) Previous history with alcoholism
c) Financial position
d) Personal commitment towards becoming sober
e) Amount of support received from family and close friends
If you’re ready to face your addiction problem, the first step is making an appointment with a trained medic. They will conduct a preliminary interview asking you a set of questions, or provide a questionnaire that shall help determine your level of dependency. These paper questions may also help the doctor decide which remedy options are best suited for you. Note that sometimes the physician may request to speak with a few friends or relatives, to determine the extent of your addiction as well as symptoms and treatment options that are there.
Alcohol Addiction Des Moines IA
Alcohol Addiction Cedar Rapids IA
Alcohol Addiction Davenport IA
Drug and Alcohol Center in Iowa
Drug and Alcohol Facility in Iowa
I. Over-the-counter medicine
Medication may involve one drug or more depending on the severity of one’s condition. Benzodiazepines are common anti-anxiety drugs that can be used to heal withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia, including prevention of seizures and delirium. They are often used during detox phase of treatment, after which they can be tapered and discontinued. Nevertheless, benzodiazepines must be used with extreme care since they might cause addiction.
In addition, disulfiram may be used to help patients recover faster from alcoholism while also maintaining abstinence and sobriety. But it should only be taken upon completion of detox phase and when one is fully abstinent. Disulfiram interferes with metabolism of alcohol, such that imbibing even small quantities will trigger severe reactions characterized by nausea, blurred vision, breathing difficulty, vomiting and disorientation. This medication makes recovering patients dread ever having to consume liquor again, it’s appropriate for those who are truly dedicated to quitting alcohol or those whose medication is supervised.
Another powerful drug is naltrexone which reduces craving for alcohol, it can be administered even in cases where the person is still drinking. However, just like most other medications used for treating alcoholism, it’s best recommended as a constituent of a much larger program that teaches rehab patients new adaptive skills. Nowadays, naltrexone is available as a long-term injection medicine that can be administered on a monthly routine.
Acamprosate is also an FDA-approved drug that can reduce alcohol craving when taken in moderation. Research further suggests that anti-seizure medicines gabapentin and topiramate may be helpful in reducing alcohol thirst as well, though they haven’t been approved by FDA for treating dependency syndromes.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are typically used to control anxiety or depression conditions which often accompany addiction. Doctors only give it after detoxification is complete and there’s been significant duration of abstinence as well. Since recovering alcoholics still remain susceptible to relapse even after undergoing treatment, total abstinence is highly recommendable. Especially in social occasions like weddings where alcohol is usually served in plenty. Recovery will most often take an eclectic approach, whereby education programs, family involvement and self-help group participation would be encouraged.
II. Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes
Heavy drinking is a precursor for poor nutrition, a single ounce of liquor contains more than 200 calories and no nutritional value at all. When consumed in large dosage, alcohol triggers the brain to think that your body does not require any more food while indeed it does. As such, alcoholics are usually deficient in selenium, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, fatty acids and vitamins A, C and B complex. These nutrients can only be replaced by adopting a healthy eating lifestyle with more fruits and vegetables on the offing, or alternatively taking necessary pill supplements.
When not treated early, alcoholism may take a huge toll on the body and recovery may take several months if not years. Therefore, apart from your normal treatment for addiction, medical help may also be sought for other complications that may be experienced as a result of alcohol intake.
Abstinence rules
1. Try as much as possible to avoid people or places that make consumption of alcohol the norm, if necessary even find new non-drinking friends instead of those who will only pull you back to addiction.
2. Exercise regularly to release feel-good hormones in the brain which will curb your cravings for intoxication, a morning jog and short walk after dinner before going to bed would really be helpful.
3. Seek help from your immediate social network of friends and family, joining a self-help group will also help a lot.
4. Replace negative thoughts about alcohol with positive ones by trying out a new hobby, or doing voluntary work in your community at places such as the church or children’s home.
Alcohol addiction treatment can be categorized into 3 stages that include detoxification, rehabilitation and maintenance of sobriety. For therapy to be effective the patient must first accept that there’s a problem which needs to be healed, mental preparation is also very important when it comes to treating alcoholism.
Alcoholics are people who have totally lost the ability to control their drinking habits, they need professional care and assistance since cutting back on liquor alone is not enough. The ultimate goal of therapy is abstinence, or quitting alcohol completely. Studies show that for alcoholics with a stable social support system, good health and constant motivation the chances of recovery are quite high.
After therapy commences, studies show that approximately 50-60% of patients remain abstinent by end year, and a huge margin of the same will also stay permanently clean. However, those with psychiatric conditions or poor support structure tend to relapse within a few years’ time. Generally, success for alcohol addiction treatment is measured based on factors like how long one manages to stay clean, improved health and also better social functioning.
Initial intake
Overcoming dependency can be a tedious process requiring both dedication and continuous use of medication/therapies. Treatment can also be customized to accommodate a person’s specific needs, some of the factors experts consider when designing treatment programs include:
a) A person’s prevailing circumstances
b) Previous history with alcoholism
c) Financial position
d) Personal commitment towards becoming sober
e) Amount of support received from family and close friends
If you’re ready to face your addiction problem, the first step is making an appointment with a trained medic. They will conduct a preliminary interview asking you a set of questions, or provide a questionnaire that shall help determine your level of dependency. These paper questions may also help the doctor decide which remedy options are best suited for you. Note that sometimes the physician may request to speak with a few friends or relatives, to determine the extent of your addiction as well as symptoms and treatment options that are there.
Alcohol Addiction Des Moines IA
Alcohol Addiction Cedar Rapids IA
Alcohol Addiction Davenport IA
Drug and Alcohol Center in Iowa
Drug and Alcohol Facility in Iowa
I. Over-the-counter medicine
Medication may involve one drug or more depending on the severity of one’s condition. Benzodiazepines are common anti-anxiety drugs that can be used to heal withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia, including prevention of seizures and delirium. They are often used during detox phase of treatment, after which they can be tapered and discontinued. Nevertheless, benzodiazepines must be used with extreme care since they might cause addiction.
In addition, disulfiram may be used to help patients recover faster from alcoholism while also maintaining abstinence and sobriety. But it should only be taken upon completion of detox phase and when one is fully abstinent. Disulfiram interferes with metabolism of alcohol, such that imbibing even small quantities will trigger severe reactions characterized by nausea, blurred vision, breathing difficulty, vomiting and disorientation. This medication makes recovering patients dread ever having to consume liquor again, it’s appropriate for those who are truly dedicated to quitting alcohol or those whose medication is supervised.
Another powerful drug is naltrexone which reduces craving for alcohol, it can be administered even in cases where the person is still drinking. However, just like most other medications used for treating alcoholism, it’s best recommended as a constituent of a much larger program that teaches rehab patients new adaptive skills. Nowadays, naltrexone is available as a long-term injection medicine that can be administered on a monthly routine.
Acamprosate is also an FDA-approved drug that can reduce alcohol craving when taken in moderation. Research further suggests that anti-seizure medicines gabapentin and topiramate may be helpful in reducing alcohol thirst as well, though they haven’t been approved by FDA for treating dependency syndromes.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are typically used to control anxiety or depression conditions which often accompany addiction. Doctors only give it after detoxification is complete and there’s been significant duration of abstinence as well. Since recovering alcoholics still remain susceptible to relapse even after undergoing treatment, total abstinence is highly recommendable. Especially in social occasions like weddings where alcohol is usually served in plenty. Recovery will most often take an eclectic approach, whereby education programs, family involvement and self-help group participation would be encouraged.
II. Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes
Heavy drinking is a precursor for poor nutrition, a single ounce of liquor contains more than 200 calories and no nutritional value at all. When consumed in large dosage, alcohol triggers the brain to think that your body does not require any more food while indeed it does. As such, alcoholics are usually deficient in selenium, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, fatty acids and vitamins A, C and B complex. These nutrients can only be replaced by adopting a healthy eating lifestyle with more fruits and vegetables on the offing, or alternatively taking necessary pill supplements.
When not treated early, alcoholism may take a huge toll on the body and recovery may take several months if not years. Therefore, apart from your normal treatment for addiction, medical help may also be sought for other complications that may be experienced as a result of alcohol intake.
Abstinence rules
1. Try as much as possible to avoid people or places that make consumption of alcohol the norm, if necessary even find new non-drinking friends instead of those who will only pull you back to addiction.
2. Exercise regularly to release feel-good hormones in the brain which will curb your cravings for intoxication, a morning jog and short walk after dinner before going to bed would really be helpful.
3. Seek help from your immediate social network of friends and family, joining a self-help group will also help a lot.
4. Replace negative thoughts about alcohol with positive ones by trying out a new hobby, or doing voluntary work in your community at places such as the church or children’s home.
Alcohol addiction treatment can be categorized into 3 stages that include detoxification, rehabilitation and maintenance of sobriety. For therapy to be effective the patient must first accept that there’s a problem which needs to be healed, mental preparation is also very important when it comes to treating alcoholism.