Alcohol Addiction - Tips to Help Your Loved One
A loved one who drinks too much and is struggling with alcohol addiction can be difficult to watch. It's an uphill battle, but these tips can help you support them.
Several types of treatment can help a person stop drinking and stay sober, such as a medically managed detox. Psychological counseling can also be helpful.
Symptoms
Whether you have a loved one who suffers from alcohol addiction or you’re looking to help yourself, it can be helpful to know what to look for. Early warning signs include changes in behavior, such as drinking more than usual or having mood swings.
People who drink excessively may have trouble sleeping and may develop memory problems. They can also experience serious mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
They may start to ignore their normal routines or stop doing things that are important to them. They can also start exhibiting physical symptoms, such as shaking, headaches and nausea.
Heavy alcohol use can cause an individual to build up a tolerance, which means they need to consume more of the drug to feel the same effects. This can lead to a dependence on alcohol and can result in severe withdrawal symptoms when the person stops drinking.
Causes
Alcohol is a widely used drug that can have serious health effects when consumed in excess. Consumption of excessive amounts can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Individuals with certain psychological conditions, such as bipolar disorders and depression, are much more likely to develop an alcohol addiction. This is because alcohol can help relieve symptoms of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
People who have experienced trauma or who have a family history of alcohol use are also at increased risk for developing an alcohol addiction.
Alcoholism can lead to serious health complications, including liver disease and other gastrointestinal problems. In addition, drinking can interfere with your sleep, cause memory lapses, and cause other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Treatment
Whether you are dealing with mild, moderate, or severe alcohol addiction, there are many treatment options. These can include a combination of behavioral therapies, medications, or a combination of both.
Behavioral therapy involves learning new skills to help you stop drinking and manage cravings. It also helps you make a plan for recovery.
There are several types of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that focus on identifying feelings and situations that trigger drinking. These sessions can be one-on-one or in groups.
These sessions can last for a few weeks or several months. They may involve family or couples counseling.
Medications are often used in combination with talk therapy or support groups to treat alcohol use disorder and prevent relapse. These include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
Prevention
Alcohol addiction is a serious health problem that can take away the lives of people. It is also an economic burden for individuals, families and communities.
Fortunately, it is possible to prevent an alcohol use disorder. There are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing AUD, including cutting back on drinking and seeking help from an addiction treatment provider.
The first step is to stop drinking, whether you are a casual drinker or have recently started to consume alcohol more frequently. Depending on your level of alcohol dependency, you may be prescribed medication to achieve abstinence, or you could attend self-help groups and receive extended counselling.
A review of the latest evidence of prevention programs aimed at youth was conducted. Using data from the last five years (2017-2021), programs were grouped into fields of action: school, community, family and web-based.
