Alcohol Addiction: Treatment Options You Should Know

Key statistics released by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics say that most American adults consume alcohol at least once in their lifetime, and 6.7% of them will develop Alcohol addiction or Alcohol Use Disorder or AUD. AUD is a medical condition that impairs individuals from stopping or controlling their alcohol use despite negative impacts on their daily living. 

In today’s article, we’ll provide an overview of AUD treatment approaches, including options for addiction treatment in Portland.  

6 Treatment Options For Alcohol Addiction

According to a national survey, around 14 million adults had an alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2019. In the same year, approximately 400,000 minors are diagnosed with ages ranging from 12 to 17. However, surveys found that only 7.2% receive treatment. No matter the severity of your or a loved one’s AUD, it is important to keep in mind that AUD and other substance use disorders are like any other illness that needs professional medical attention. 

This section provides six treatment options to consider for alcohol addiction recovery. 

1. Detoxification And Medication

Detoxification is often the first step in addressing AUD, especially for more severe cases. This is the process of thoroughly flushing out alcohol from a patient’s body and takes around 1-2 weeks, depending on severity. During this time, medications may also be integrated into the process to address withdrawal symptoms,  such as extreme cravings. Here are Food and Drug Administration-approved medications for a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). 

• Acamprosate - This drug is for people in recovery who no longer consume alcohol and want to avoid drinking. It prevents people from drinking alcohol, but it does not prevent withdrawal symptoms. It has not been effective in people who continue drinking alcohol, consumes illicit drugs, and or engage in other substance misuse and abuse. The use of this drug typically begins on the fifth day of abstinence, reaching full effectiveness in five to eight days. It comes in tablet form and is taken three times a day, preferably at the same time every day. The medication’s side effects may include diarrhea, upset stomach, appetite loss, anxiety, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping.
• Disulfiram - This medication treats chronic AUD and is most effective in people who have already gone through detoxification or are in the initial stage of abstinence. It also comes in tablet form and is taken once a day. It should never be taken while intoxicated and it should not be taken for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol. Drinking even a small amount of alcohol can cause nausea, headache, vomiting, chest pains, and difficulty breathing, and these can last for an hour or more.
• Naltrexone - This blocks the euphoric effects and feelings of intoxication. Its effects allow people with AUD to reduce alcohol use, remain motivated to continue to take the medication, stay in treatment, and avoid relapses.

An important note to make is that although these drugs are not controlled substances, they are still available by prescription only. These medications are not meant to be magic pills for AUD, and detoxification alone rarely results in long-term abstinence from alcohol use. It is still recommended to talk to a Portland Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center for a rehabilitation plan because longer-term treatment after withdrawal is generally associated with better outcomes.

3. Psychotherapy And Behavioral Treatments

Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a process by which mental health professionals apply evidence-based procedures to help people develop healthier and more effective coping methods. It can be integrated with other programs and is considered follow-up support for patients transitioning from intensive to less structured rehab treatment.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative or faulty patterns of thinking and emotional responses. 
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or DBT. This approach centers on addressing distorted thoughts and behaviors while integrating mindfulness and emotional regulation.
• Motivational Interviewing. The focus of this therapy is to encourage the patient to develop a negative view of their abuse (contemplation), along with a desire to change their behavior (determination to change). A motivational therapist does not explicitly or directly contradict their patient but instead expresses empathy, rolls with resistance, and supports self-efficacy.

Generally, these treatments are accessible in rehabilitation facilities offering addiction treatment in Portland.

Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counseling

Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counseling integrates the therapies and treatments mentioned in the previous section to support you or your loved ones on the journey to recovery. It involves an experienced team of Drug and Alcohol counselors that will assist you in creating the best treatment plan to fit your needs. Counseling sessions in addiction treatment in Portland or other areas  can be categorized into two:

• Individual Therapy. This uses common psychotherapy approaches like dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing to modify behavior, emotions, and attitudes related to AUD. The main goal is to help people participate in their own rehabilitation and maintain their abstinence. Individual sessions may also improve communication and the overall dynamics of families and close relationships.
• Group Therapy. This method is often facilitated by at least one therapist and it lays out a space for patients to relate to others who are struggling with the same issues. This provides the chance for patients to offer insights and help one another, building positive and nurturing relationships.

3. Self-help And Mutual-help Programs

The 12-step program and groups like AA or Alcoholic Anonymous provide mutual support to reduce or completely stop a person from drinking. These types of programs or communities equip those in recovery with the right tools to understand the journey into, during, and after recovery. These programs are helpful to people who are at high risk for relapse and add a supplementary layer of support to prevent it. 

NOTE: Support groups are part of the long-term care provided during or after completing rehabilitation but they should never be a substitute for a strategic well-planned rehabilitation plan. Searching for ‘drug addiction treatment centers near me’ and connecting to rehabilitation professionals are important in finding the best program for your needs. 

4. DUII Program

A DUII or Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants program assists people with DUI or DUII citations through various services. Usually, this program consists of inpatient and outpatient services depending on the patient’s case to ensure the recovery process. Some of these are education classes, counseling, and post-program support. This type of program is called the DUII program in centers offering Addiction treatments in Hillsboro, but may also be called driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving under the influence (DUI), etc. in other states. 

5. Exercise And Mindfulness

Yoga, pilates, meditation, and other mindfulness activities proved to be beneficial approaches to managing cravings and maintaining focus during the recovery process. Additionally, studies have shown that yoga and meditation can function as therapy for people with substance use disorders, particularly for sessions led by mental health professionals and for those that are used in conjunction with other rehabilitation services.

6. Art And Music Therapy

Art and music offer ways for people to creatively express themselves. This can supplement and complement treatments for people on their journey to recovery. Thus, some treatment centers offer art and music therapy to their patients. In a rehabilitation setting, art and music therapy sessions are led by mental health professionals to help patients express how they feel, find enjoyment and relaxation, and stay focused on positive activities. Art and music also help address symptoms of depression and anxiety, two common mental health disorders that can co-occur with substance use disorder.

‍Recovery That’s Built To Last

Alcohol addiction treatment programs vary per location and treatment center. With the advice of a mental health professional, they can be integrated to complement and supplement each other and deliver the best AUD program for you or a loved one. More holistic programs are now available to better fit your needs, and this is our pledge here at Another Chance. If you are unsure about the right Addiction treatment in Portland, we at Another Chance are here to help. Here at Another Chance Drug & Alcohol Rehab Center of Portland, we offer evidence-based treatments and services to help our patients heal and experience life to the fullest. We create a unique and safe environment to address the specific needs of young adults and professionals on their road to healing. 

Set an appointment with us today or come visit us at 12670 NW Barnes Rd Suite 200, Portland, or reach us at 971-269-8124.  We believe that everyone deserves another chance. Let us help you find yours.

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