Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite it having adverse consequences on a person’s life (such as social, occupational, or health consequences). It can cause lasting changes in the brain, making a person with AUD vulnerable to relapse. Fortunately, many effective treatments can help individuals with AUD successfully achieve and maintain recovery.
Let’s talk about how alcohol use disorder treatment work and where you can go in Martinsville, Danville, and Richmond, Virginia, for effective AUD treatment.
Treating Alcohol Use Disorder Effectively
There is no not-size-fits-all approach to successfully treating alcohol use disorder, and the treatment that may work for one person may not work for another. People with alcohol use disorder can recover from the condition with the help of the right treatments, such as behavioral therapies, medication, recovery programs, and support groups.
Working to stop alcohol use to improve the quality of life is the primaryobjective of treatment. Treatment may involve a brief intervention, individual or group counseling, an outpatient program, or a residential inpatient stay, depending on the severity of the disorder along with other factors, such as personal preferences. The main types of treatments for alcohol use disorder include:
Behavioral Treatments
Behavioral treatments also referred to as talk therapy andalcohol counseling, are provided by licensed therapists. These treatments aim to change the drinking behavior and help people develop coping skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking. Behavioral therapies encourage motivation and teach skills to prevent relapse.
Therapy may involve specific interventions, such as psychological counselling, psychoeducation, anger management, or therapy to address any co-occurring mental health disorders.
Addiction Recovery and Treatment Services (ARTS)
Many outpatient-based programs, such as Addiction Recovery and Treatment Services (ARTS), utilize evidence-based interventions like behavioral treatments. The ARTS program improves links with local community resources to coordinate care effectively.
Medications
Several medications are currently approvedby the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help people with alcohol misuse disorder stop or reduce their drinking and prevent relapse. These include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. The medications are non-addictive and can be used alone;they are often used alongside other treatments, such as behavioral treatments or mutual-support groups.
Mutual-Support Groups
Mutual-support groups are accessible in most communities and are designed to provide peer support for stopping or reducing alcohol use. They are available at low or no cost, at convenient times and locations, and even online. These group meetings can offer a valuable added layer of support to individuals, particularly those at risk of relapse. They are often combined with medications and behavioral treatment.
Residential AUD Treatment Program
People with acutealcohol use disorder may require medical help to stop drinking and avoid alcohol withdrawal. A medically managed program of detoxification and withdrawal is typically carried out at an inpatient treatment center or hospital.
In addition to detoxing from alcohol,a residential treatment program will work withpatients tolearn anddevelop coping strategies and other skills to help maintain recoveryand prevent relapse.
How Successful is AUD Recovery?
Although setbacks are not uncommon among people in AUD treatment, many people do achieve and maintain recovery. Recovery involves focusing on changing habits and making better lifestyle choices. Seeking professional help early can also help prevent relapse.
Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment near me, in Martinsville, Danville, and Richmond, Virginia
If you are concerned that you are drinking too much alcohol or if your drinking is having a negative impact on your life, don’t delay, contact the compassionate and highly-qualified providers at EPIC Health Partners LLC.
We provide clinic-based and community-based services for adults and children with behavioral, mental health, and alcohol and substance misuse issues. We will assess your personal needs to provide a course treatment that is right for you.
To find out more about our services, including our Addiction Recovery and Treatment Services (ARTS) program, contact EPIC Health Partners today at (434) 835-4601 or use our convenient and secure Request an Appointment online form.
