Alcoholism

Medications are sometimes prescribed to prevent relapses. Naltrexone (an opioid antagonist) decreases alcohol cravings. Disulfiram (Antabuse) works by producing very unpleasant side effects if even a small amount of alcohol is ingested within 2 weeks after taking the drug. These medications are not given during pregnancy or if the person has certain medical conditions. Long-term treatment with counseling or support groups is often necessary. The effectiveness of medication and counseling varies.

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Alcoholics Anonymous is a self-help group of recovering alcoholics that offers emotional support and an effective model of abstinence for people recovering from alcohol dependence. There are more than 1 million members worldwide, and local chapters are found throughout the United States.

Al-Anon is a support group for spouses and others who are affected by someone else's alcoholism. Alateen provides support for teenage children of alcoholics. See alcoholism - support group.

For those who don't like the 12-step approach, there are several other support groups available. It is important that people dealing with alcohol problems know about these other groups because in the past, those who did not find AA helpful or were troubled by its requirement of submission to a "Higher Power" had no alternatives.

SMART recovery uses research-based cognitive techniques to help alcoholics recover. LifeRing recovery and SOS are two other secular programs. Women For Sobriety is a self-help group just for women - many female alcoholics have different concerns than men. Moderation Management is a program for problem drinkers seeking to moderate their drinking - it recommends abstinence for those who fail at such attempts.

Support Groups:

Members of AA have help available 24 hours a day, associate with a sober peer group, learn that it is possible to participate in social functions without drinking, and are given a model of recovery by observing the accomplishments of sober members of the group. Other support groups are smaller, but growing, and all have an online presence which provides support even at home late at night.

Expectations (prognosis):

Alcoholism is a major social, economic, and public health problem. Alcohol is involved in more than half of all accidental deaths and almost half of all traffic deaths. A high percentage of suicides involve the use of alcohol in combination with other substances. Additional deaths are related to the long-term medical complications associated with the disease. Only 15% of those with alcohol dependence seek treatment for this disease. Relapse after treatment is common, so it is important to maintain support systems in order to cope with any slips and ensure that they don't turn into complete reversals. Treatment programs have varying success rates, but many people with alcohol dependency have a full recovery.

Complications:

Pancreatitis
Heart muscle damage
Nerve damage
Esophageal bleeding
Brain degeneration
Cirrhosis of the liver
Delirium tremens (DTs)
Depression
Erectile dysfunction
Fetal alcohol syndrome in the offspring of alcoholic women
High blood pressure
Increased incidence of cancer
Insomnia
Nutritional deficiencies
Suicide
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Calling your health care provider:

If severe confusion, seizures, bleeding, or other health problems develop in a person known or who is suspected to have alcohol dependence take the person to the emergency room or call the local emergency number such as 911.