Understanding Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. Fortunately, no matter how severe the problem may seem, most people with AUD can benefit from some form of alcohol treatment.
Alcohol-related problems—which result from drinking too much, too fast, or too often—are among the most significant public health issues in the United States. Many people struggle with controlling their drinking at some time in their lives.
More than 14 million adults ages 18 and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD), and 1 in 10 children live in a home with a parent with a drinking problem. [1] Considered a brain disorder, AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe. The good news is that research shows that about one-third of people treated for alcohol problems have no further symptoms one year later. Many others substantially reduce their drinking and report fewer alcohol-related problems. [2]
If you’re looking to help yourself or someone you love to get substance abuse or alcohol use disorder treatment, We Level Up can assist you in locating the nearest evidence-based treatment programs. Get in touch with our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
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(844) 597-1011Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Options
Some people recover from AUD the first time they seek alcohol treatment, while others may require several alcohol treatment attempts. The more you try, the higher your chances of success.
Medication Assisted Treatment for Alcohol
Which medication to use during alcohol treatment will depend on clinical judgment and client preference. Each has a different mechanism of action. Some clients may respond better to one type of medication than another.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors involved in the rewarding effects of drinking and the craving for alcohol. It has been shown to reduce relapse to problem drinking in some clients. An extended-release version, Vivitrol—administered once a month by injection—is also FDA-approved for alcohol treatment and may offer benefits regarding compliance.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate (Campral®) acts on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate neurotransmitter systems to reduce protracted withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and dysphoria. Acamprosate has been shown to help dependent drinkers maintain abstinence for several weeks to months, and it may be more effective in clients with severe dependence.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram (Antabuse®) interferes with the degradation of alcohol, resulting in the accumulation of acetaldehyde, which, in turn, produces a very unpleasant reaction that includes flushing, nausea, and palpitations if a person drinks alcohol. The utility and effectiveness of disulfiram are considered limited because compliance is generally poor.
However, among highly motivated clients, disulfiram can be effective, and some clients use it episodically for high-risk situations, such as social occasions where alcohol is present. It can also be administered and monitored, such as in a clinic or by a spouse, improving its efficacy.
Topiramate
Topiramate is thought to work by increasing inhibitory (GABA) neurotransmission and reducing stimulatory (glutamate) neurotransmission, although its precise action mechanism is unknown. Although topiramate has not yet received FDA approval for treating alcohol addiction, it is sometimes used off-label.
Topiramate has been shown to improve multiple drinking outcomes compared with placebo significantly. [3]
Behavioral Treatment for Alcoholism
Also known as alcohol counseling, behavioral treatments involve working with a health professional to identify and help change the behaviors that lead to heavy drinking. Behavioral therapies for alcohol treatment share certain features, which can include:
– Developing the skills needed to stop or reduce drinking
– Helping to build a solid social support system
– Working to set reachable goals
– Coping with or avoiding the triggers that might cause relapse
CBT for Alcohol Addiction
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the type of therapy that can take place one-on-one with a therapist or in small groups. This treatment is focused on identifying the feelings and situations (called “cues”) that lead to heavy drinking and managing stress that can lead to relapse. The goal is to change the thought processes that lead to alcohol misuse and to develop the skills necessary to cope with situations that might trigger problem drinking.
Motivational Interviewing for Alcoholism
It is conducted over a short period to build and strengthen motivation to change drinking behavior. The therapy focuses on identifying the pros and cons of seeking alcohol treatment, forming a plan for changing one’s drinking, building confidence, and developing the skills needed to stick to the plan.
Mutual-Support Groups
Alcohol treatment programs also can invite support groups to hold open meetings on-site. Generally, these meetings allow clients to become familiar with the format of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or other groups.
Alcohol Residential Treatment
A typical progression for someone with a severe alcohol use disorder might start with 3 to 7 days in a medically managed withdrawal program, followed by a 1- to 3-month intensive alcohol treatment rehab in a residential treatment program, followed by continuing care for long-term sobriety.
Someone with a dual diagnosis must treat both conditions. You need to stop using alcohol or drugs for the dual diagnosis treatment to be effective. Treatments may include behavioral therapies and medications. Also, support groups can give you emotional and social support.
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Like other chronic diseases such as heart disease or asthma, treatment for alcohol addiction usually isn’t a cure. But addiction can be managed successfully. Treatment enables people to counteract addiction’s disruptive effects on their brain and behavior and regain control of their lives.
The chronic nature of addiction means that some people may relapse, or a return to drinking after an attempt to stop can be part of the process. The good news is that the newer alcohol treatments are designed to help with relapse prevention.
When To Seek Treatment?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that doctors diagnose when an individual’s drinking causes distress or harm. The state can range from mild to severe and is diagnosed when you answer “yes” to two or more of the following questions. [4]
You Should Seek Treatment When In The Past Year You Have:
- Have times when you ended up drinking more or longer than you intended?
- More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?
- Spent a lot of time drinking? Or being sick or getting over the aftereffects?
- Experienced craving—a strong need, or urge, to drink?
- Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of your home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?
- Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?
- Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you or gave you pleasure to drink?
- More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe sex)?
- Continued to drink even though it made you feel depressed or anxious or added to another health problem? Or after having had a memory blackout?
- Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?
- When the effects of alcohol wore off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, or sweating. Or sensed things that were not there?
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Alcohol Treatment Detox
Treatment can take multiple approaches to treat alcohol detox. This can vary from a medicalized approach to a more alternative approach. With an evidence-based view of addiction treatment, our detox facilities provide various therapies from one end of the spectrum to the other. This allows us to provide each client with the best treatment possible.
Alcohol detox program patients will be monitored thoroughly, with regular readings of vital signs and intravenous fluids if necessary. Multivitamins are often used to compensate for the nutrient deficiencies brought out by alcohol withdrawal. However, those suffering from alcohol withdrawal are also at risk of dehydration, so the caretaker must ensure that the patient gets the necessary fluids.
Battling the effects of detox is the scariest part of getting sober. The effort never ends, but it all gets more accessible from there. At We Level Up, we take pride in providing the safest and most comfortable alcohol detox program in the area. Connect with one of our treatment specialists to learn more.
Alcohol Rehab Insurance
If you want to guarantee that your experience in staying sober is as beneficial as possible, don’t settle for any facility. Before making a final selection, consider all facets of your alcohol treatment options. We Level Up treatment centers work diligently to verify your rehab insurance coverage, understand your needs, and help get you into the best treatment facility for your recovery journey.
Cigna Alcohol Rehab Centers
- Cigna is a “global health services” company providing insurance coverage to some 180 million people worldwide. While their range varies widely based on the plan, most policies offer substance abuse and mental health coverage. Contact our admissions team today if you’re covered by Cigna and need help battling mental health and alcohol use disorders. Learn more about Cigna Health Insurance by clicking on the link.
Aetna Alcohol Rehab
- Nearly all Aetna insurance plans cover mental health. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), cognitive and behavioral health treatment must be protected as essential health benefits. These include counseling, therapy, inpatient mental and behavioral health care, and substance abuse treatment. All ACA-compliant health insurance covers almost all mental disorders, substance use disorders, and alcohol and chemical dependency treatment. Contact our admissions team today if you’re covered by Aetna and need help battling addiction. Learn more about aetna health insurance by clicking on the link.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Alcohol Rehab
- Most Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) health insurance policies cover the cost of mental health and alcohol treatment. This coverage became fairly standard across BCBS plans beginning in 2014 with the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Policies purchased before 2014 may not offer as many benefits for mental and behavioral health as post-ACA policies. Contact our admissions team today if you’re covered by BCBS and need help battling alcoholism. Learn more about BCBS health insurance by clicking on the link.
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Tips for Selecting Treatment
Researching for evidence-based and effective alcohol treatment? Many alcohol treatment rehab centers offer inpatient rehab services. Specialized rehab programs, behavioral therapy, and medication-assisted treatment are some of the many recovery programs available.
The things you should consider when choosing alcohol treatment are:
- The level of accreditation
- Certifications
- Partnerships and affiliations
- Favorable reviews from clients in recovery
As a Joint Commission Accredited facility, We Level Up strives to provide the best service, starting with our admissions process. Our compassionate admission team will be with you every step of the way. The We Level Up rehab center network can help you find what’s best for your needs. Our admissions navigators will answer your questions about treatment, payment options, and more. It’s easier than ever before! Simply call us 24/7 for no hassle or stress-free consultation.
What to Expect for Alcohol Treatment?
We Level Up alcohol treatment centers offer a top-quality, effective alcohol detox program to individuals who want to overcome their addiction to alcohol. Our primary treatment residence is located in a serene beachside community in Florida. We also serve in West Palm Beach, Florida, Lake Worth, Florida & Deerfield Beach, Florida. Coming soon locations include Fort Lauderdale, Florida, New Jersey, Houston, Texas, California, Maryland, and Washington State. Many of our clients seeking the best alcohol addiction treatment come from around the United States, Canada, and abroad. If you or a loved one are dealing with an addiction to alcohol, especially if you have experienced multiple relapses in the past, then look no further.
Our treatment centers offer one of the most comprehensive and successful alcohol rehab programs in America. The general population is not aware of just how serious the health issues associated with alcohol abuse can be, precisely the dangerous consequences of alcohol withdrawal. Alcoholics themselves underestimate the dangers of alcohol abuse, as only 13% of alcoholics seek any treatment. When an alcoholic stops drinking alcohol heavily, withdrawal sets in. The symptoms of withdrawal are painful and potentially life-threatening.
At the We Level Up treatment center, we provide world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals available to help you cope. We work as an integrated team providing support through comfortable alcohol detox and other aspects of treatment. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life.
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Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up Treatment Center Network delivers recovery programs that vary by each treatment facility. Call to learn more.
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Alcohol Rehab Near Me
When you are searching for the “best alcohol treatment rehab near me”, speaking with our hotline experts will make it easier for you. Reading reviews from people who have already been in alcohol rehab treatment can also give insight into how different programs are operated nearby, which may help narrow down choices even more quickly!
Pick up the phone and call the We Level Up admissions office to start the recovery process! We Level Up will work with you to provide you with the right level of care to meet your specific needs as you heal and rebuild your life.
Sources:
[1] Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder – National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
[2] Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) – National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
[3] Alcohol Addiction – National Institute on Drug Abuse
[4] The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition – Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association