Understanding Alcohol Abuse Treatment Options, According to Therapists

Are you ready to quit drinking once and for all? Keep reading to learn more about effective approaches to help you recover from alcohol abuse.

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If you struggle with alcohol abuse, you’re far from alone. A whopping 28.9 million people ages 12 and older in the United States have alcohol use disorder (AUD), sometimes referred to as alcohol addiction or alcoholism. When AUD goes untreated, people can experience numerous negative effects on their mental health, physical health, relationships, and work or school performance, which is why it’s crucial to seek treatment and get sober. The path to sobriety isn’t necessarily an easy one, but if you’re ready to commit to taking action, you can change (and even save) your life. Read on to learn about different AUD treatment options.

Inpatient alcohol abuse treatment 

In severe or moderate cases of AUD, inpatient treatment, including detox, can play an important role in recovery. “If you’re experiencing physical symptoms related to drinking and have been drinking for a long time, the body will know it and depend on it,” says Nicole Lonano, MS, a Charlie Health Group Facilitator. This is known as alcohol dependence and is linked to withdrawal symptoms if your body doesn’t get the alcohol it wants. 

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms aren’t just uncomfortable — they’re also potentially medically dangerous. In these instances, inpatient alcohol detox in a hospital is the best way to experience greater comfort and safety during the withdrawal period. In an inpatient setting, medical staff can monitor your vitals to keep you safe and provide any necessary medication to help you feel more comfortable.  

Residential treatment programs for alcohol use disorder

Residential treatment programs, sometimes called rehab, provide structure, stability, and therapy in an environment where you can get sober and stay sober. You live in a treatment facility for an extended period, where you can receive medication-assisted treatment, individual therapy, and group therapy. These are typically a good fit for people who:

• Have severe AUD
• Don’t have stable housing
• Have limited transportation
• Don’t have many sober peers
• Have other mental health concerns or co-occurring substance use disorders on top of AUD
• Would benefit from a structured daily routine 

Medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder

Prescription medications can be a very helpful part of alcohol addiction treatment. Typically, medication-assisted treatment for AUD combines therapy along with medications to help reduce cravings after you’ve stopped drinking, Lonano says. 

You can receive these medications in an inpatient, residential, or outpatient setting. After alcohol withdrawal, these medications can help you stay clean. Examples of medications that can help are:

1. Naltrexone

Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the “feel-good” effects of alcohol. If you drink alcohol while taking this medication, you won’t feel drunk or euphoric. This can help reduce your urge to drink since you know that drinking won’t feel as rewarding. 

2. Disulfiram

Disulfiram blocks your body from properly breaking down alcohol. It discourages people from drinking alcohol by quickly causing extremely unpleasant side effects if you drink while taking it, even if you only drink a small amount. These include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Face flushing
• Headache
• Sweating 
• Weakness
• Anxiety 
• Confusion
• Feelings of choking or trouble breathing
• Blurry vision

3. Acamprosate

Chronic heavy drinking and alcohol abuse negatively affect your brain chemistry. Acamprosate helps your brain activity return to a more “normal” baseline and, in turn, reduces alcohol cravings.  It’s most effective after alcohol detox and when used alongside therapy.

Therapy for alcohol abuse treatment

Therapy is the cornerstone of substance abuse treatment, including alcohol abuse. “Individual therapy can be beneficial to help identify behaviors, thoughts, and challenges associated with alcohol use disorder,” Lonano says. Additionally, group therapy and support groups help build community and a positive support system and help you feel less alone, she adds.

Not to mention, therapy is an opportunity to address any underlying mental health conditions that may contribute to your AUD. The following mental health conditions commonly co-occur with AUD: 

• Depression
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Other substance use disorders 

Various types of therapy can be beneficial, depending on your individual needs.

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT can help identify your negative thoughts and behaviors and replace them with more positive and helpful thoughts, Lonano says. With time, you’ll develop healthier thought patterns that help promote lasting sobriety. Plus, you’ll learn coping skills to manage stress or any other mental health symptoms you might be experiencing. 

2. Motivational interviewing

Motivational interviewing helps you overcome ambivalence towards quitting drinking, allowing you to gain motivation to get sober. You’ll uncover your motivation for change, and with your therapist, you’ll set goals. 

3. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

DBT is a skills-based therapy that can help you learn to live in the present, Lonano says. The main components are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. This therapy is helpful for learning healthier ways to manage distress, rather than using unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol. 

4. Group therapy

Group therapy led by a mental health professional can use different therapy modalities, including CBT and DBT. In these groups, you can learn more about AUD and healthy ways to cope with it. 

5. Family counseling

For teens with AUD or families whose relationships have been impacted due to alcohol, family therapy can play an important role. Additionally, family counseling can also help spouses or partners whose relationships have taken a toll due to alcohol abuse. 

Lifestyle changes to complement alcohol abuse treatment

The path to lasting sobriety is a major lifestyle change. Alongside comprehensive treatment, including medication-assisted treatment and therapy, making some lifestyle changes can help improve your overall well-being and emotional sobriety. 

1. Join peer support groups

Peer support groups are an excellent add-on to therapy since they can help you build your support network of people who are in support of recovery, Lonano says. This is especially helpful if many of the activities you used to do are linked to alcohol, and these peer groups can offer a healthy, structured alternative so you can socialize without drinking.

These groups, such as 12-step programs, will connect you with people who are in the same shoes as you in a safe, sober environment. It’s a great chance to connect with others and learn new coping skills. Examples of sober support networks include:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Refuge Recovery
• Yoga 12-step recovery (Y12SR)
• SMART Recovery

2. Lean on social support

On top of social support from peer support groups, it’s great to lean on support from loved ones, whether that’s friends or family members. These people can provide you with accountability in your sobriety, a shoulder to cry on, or people to have fun with. 

3. Create a daily routine

Creating a daily routine can help prevent idle time, which often leads to cravings and urges, Lonano says. “Routine helps build security and stability, which allows you to feel more at ease,” she adds. “Self-esteem can also be increased by having a daily routine, which may make you feel more accomplished.” 

4. Take care of your physical health

As you tend to your mental health in therapy, it’s important to also address your physical health, which might have fallen to the wayside due to your alcohol abuse. Don’t underestimate the importance of high-quality sleep, a balanced, healthy diet, and regular exercise. Research suggests that exercise can improve overall feelings of well-being and reduce alcohol cravings.  

How Charlie Health can help 

If you struggle with alcohol use disorder, Charlie Health can help. Our virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offers more than once-weekly mental health treatment for people dealing with serious mental health conditions, including AUD and co-occurring disorders. We have a substance use disorder track that focuses on a holistic approach to addiction recovery, which allows you to address underlying mental health conditions as well as support getting sober. 

Our clinical team meets you where you are on your recovery journey. We incorporate evidence-based therapies, like CBT, motivational interviewing, and DBT, into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. An IOP is a great option for those who want to recover from AUD and need more support than weekly therapy but don’t require the 24/7 monitoring of inpatient or residential care. With this kind of support, recovery is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start your sobriety journey today.