The problem of alcoholism has been known since the dawn of time. The ancients, such as Hippocrates or Galen, warned against the disastrous influence of frequent reaching for this stimulant. For many centuries, however, alcoholism was not seen as a disease, but rather as a weakness, immoral behavior, and even a sin. We are now aware that alcoholism is a disease and, like other diseases, requires appropriate treatment. What are the modern methods of alcohol addiction treatment? How to safely start alcoholism treatment? Find the answers to these questions in the article below!
A significant proportion of people addicted to alcohol deny the need for treatment. They often go a long way trying to reduce their alcohol consumption and cope with addiction on their own. However, alcoholism is a chronic and progressive disease that requires specialized treatment. Currently, the basis of the therapeutic process is addiction psychotherapy, which can be supported - if necessary - with pharmacological methods or participation in meetings of self-help groups.
It is now believed that addiction psychotherapy is the cornerstone of alcoholism treatment. It is a process that focuses primarily on the reasons for the development of addiction in a patient. The main goal of alcoholism treatment is usually long-term abstinence, although more and more people with a mild form of addiction use a drinking reduction program.
Psychotherapy of alcoholism should be conducted by a specialist - addiction psychotherapist, clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. The form and duration of therapy are usually tailored to the patient's needs. Treatment can be conducted in the form of individual meetings with a therapist or group therapy. At the beginning of the fight against addiction, residential therapy in a closed center is usually recommended, although if necessary, the patient can come to scheduled meetings with a therapist or participate in therapy as part of the day ward, where several hours are spent each day.
One of the first successful attempts to treat alcoholism pharmacologically was the use of an anti-alcohol drug. Initially, the drug was administered in the form of tablets, but a little later it gained great popularity as an anti-alcohol implant. The tablets implanted under the skin gradually dissolve and are absorbed into the bloodstream and maintain their effect for the next few months. Anti-alcohol implant is classified as an aversive method, because it forces alcoholics to abstain by developing a fear of feeling bad after drinking alcohol.
Recently, other drugs, such as acamprosate, naltrexone and nalmefene, have also been used in the treatment of alcoholism. They come in the form of tablets, and their action is quite similar. They reduce the craving for alcohol, and in the case of breaking abstinence, they reduce the risk of falling into an alcohol bender.
Pharmacological methods are not recommended as the main and only form of alcoholism treatment. Specialists use them rather as a form of support, mainly during parallel psychotherapy or immediately after its completion. Medications alone, without the patient's motivation to fight addiction, are not able to treat alcoholism.
Research shows that self-help groups significantly increase the chances of an alcoholic for therapeutic success. Both in Poland and in the world, the most popular self-help groups for people addicted to alcohol are Alcoholics Anonymous.
Meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous are intended to support patients in the process of sobering up, but also to help them find themselves in a completely new, sober reality. Particularly helpful for patients is the 12-step program, which the patient can go through under the care of a more experienced member of the AA community - a sponsor. Participation in meetings is completely voluntary and free of charge. Members of Alcoholics Anonymous can count not only on anonymity, but also on a friendly, supportive and understanding atmosphere.
The first days of treatment for alcoholism can be not only difficult, but even dangerous. Abrupt discontinuation of the stimulant or a drastic reduction in its dose may cause the development of an alcohol withdrawal syndrome. This is a potentially life-threatening condition for an addicted person, so appropriate preventive measures in the form of alcohol detox should be implemented.
Alcohol detox is a medical procedure that until recently was performed only in hospital wards and addiction treatment clinics. It was mainly dedicated to people in a long-term drinking cycle who wanted to safely switch to abstinence and start alcoholism treatment.
Alcohol detox is nothing more than intravenous administration of selected drips. Intravenous administration was chosen due to the fact that selected nutrients and drugs reach the target tissues in just a few minutes. This is why alcohol detox works faster than any other method. It is worth mentioning, however, that comprehensive alcohol detox not only prevents the development of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. This treatment has a few more positive effects, such as:
Did you know that you can now use alcohol detox in much more comfortable conditions? You don't have to spend a few days in a specialist clinic or hospital ward - it's much easier with us! In KacDoktor you will meet experienced doctors and paramedics who will help you safely go through the beginnings of the sobering process.
You can use our services in the comfort of a modern clinic located in the center of Warsaw. However, if you prefer to perform this treatment in the comfort of your own home, we also offer this possibility. All you have to do is contact us by phone or fill out the online form. Our specialist will arrive within 45 minutes at the address you specify in Warsaw and the surrounding towns.
The first days of alcoholism treatment can be easier! Take advantage of alcohol detox to safely achieve abstinence!
