Sunday, February, 12, 2012

Alcoholism

Table of Contents

Medications are sometimes prescribed to prevent you from drinking again.

  • Acamprosate is a drug that has been shown to lower relapse rates in those who are alcohol dependent.
  • Disulfiram (Antabuse) produces very unpleasant side effects if you drink even a small amount of alcohol within 2 weeks after taking the drug.
  • Naltrexone (Vivitrol) decreases alcohol cravings. It is available in an injectable form.

You cannot take these medications if you are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. The medications are often used with long-term treatment with counseling or support groups.

Depression or other mood or anxiety disorders may be noticed after you stop drinking. These should be promptly treated.

It is important that the patient has a living situation that supports their need to avoid alcohol. Some programs offer housing options for people with alcoholism or alcohol abuse.


Support Groups

Support groups are available to help people who are dealing with alcoholism.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA)

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a self-help group of recovering alcoholics that offers emotional support and specific steps for people recovering from alcohol dependence. The program is commonly called a "12-step" approach. There are local chapters throughout the United States.

AA offers help 24 hours a day and teaches that it is possible to participate in social functions without drinking.

AL-ANON

Family members of a person with an alcohol abuse problem often need counseling. Al-Anon is a support group for partners and others who are affected by someone else's alcoholism.

Alateen provides support for teenage children of people with alcoholism.

OTHER SUPPORT GROUPS

Several other support groups are available.

  • SMART recovery teaches you have to change your thoughts and behaviors to help people with alcoholism recover.
  • LifeRing recovery and SOS are two nonreligious programs that offer support for people with alcohol abuse.
  • Women for Sobriety is a self-help group just for women.
  • Moderation Management is a program for those who want to reduce how much they drink. It recommends abstinence for people who cannot do this.

See also: Alcoholism - support group


Review Date: 03/20/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)