If you’re affected by alcoholism, you may know that experts recommend alcohol detox and rehab. However, not all alcohol treatment options are equally beneficial. Some treatments have proven track records for effectiveness; this kind of proof may not back others. In addition, among well-supported options, the most effective alcoholism treatment may vary from person to person. For these reasons, high-quality rehab programs carefully design their recovery programs on an individual basis. Contact Northpoint Colorado at 888.231.1281 to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment center and how we can help.
Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Before we delve into the most effective alcoholism treatments, it’s important to understand the signs of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). AUD is a chronic condition that involves excessive drinking and an inability to control one’s alcohol consumption. Some common signs of AUD include:
- Drinking in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drinking
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from the effects of alcohol
- Strong cravings for alcohol
- Developing a tolerance and needing more alcohol to feel the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop drinking
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it may be time to seek professional help. Early detection and treatment of AUD can greatly increase the chances of successful recovery.
Evidence-Based Care and Effective Alcoholism Treatment
When new alcoholism treatments come to light, researchers typically examine their effectiveness. This process takes some time and requires the use of multiple, well-designed studies. It also requires careful consideration of all study results.
Some treatments that go through this process are shown not to work, or if they do work, only very few people benefit from them. In contrast, some treatments make it through the review process with flying colors. In other words, they work most of the time for most people. Experts refer to treatments in this second category as evidence-based. Today, the most effective alcoholism treatments all meet the standard for evidence-based care.
The Benefits of Getting Professional Help for Alcohol Addiction
There are many benefits of getting professional help to break alcohol addiction. Some of the most significant of these benefits include:
- Get through withdrawal as comfortably as possible with professional supervision, care, and medication-assisted treatment
- Access to 24/7 professional medical and therapeutic care
- Individual, family, and group therapy programs
- Access to educational resources and aftercare programs
- Being around people who understand what you’re going through and support you
- Ongoing support, even after treatment is completed
It can be difficult to admit there is a problem and take that first step toward recovery. Still, individuals who complete professional treatment plans have higher success rates when it comes to recovery, relapse prevention, and lasting sobriety.
What Is the Most Effective Detox Treatment for Alcohol Dependence?
Recovery from alcoholism begins with alcohol detox. You get the help you need to stop drinking in this opening stage. You also go through the rigors of alcohol withdrawal. Several kinds of evidence-based treatment may be helpful for you in detox. The most common option is sedative medication. Other treatments that you might need include:
- Relapse prevention medication
- Anti-seizure medication
- Antipsychotic medication
A small percentage of people detoxing from alcohol experience serious complications, which call for hospitalization.
What Is the Most Effective Rehab Medication Treatment for Alcoholism?
Alcohol rehab is a crucial follow-up to your time in detox. During rehab, several kinds of medication may provide you with vital support. An evidence-based option helps prevent relapse by stopping alcohol from reaching your brain. Another widely used option makes you feel sick if you take a drink. A third option helps correct some of the brain dysfunction caused by alcoholism. The most effective choice for you depends on your situation.
Individuals who complete an alcohol addiction treatment program tend to agree that a combination of medication-assisted treatment and psychotherapy helped them the most in their recovery.
Psychotherapy in Rehab Is One of the Most Effective Treatments for Alcoholism
For some people in rehab, the most effective treatment for alcohol addiction is psychotherapy. You may receive this therapy as standalone care. Physicians may also combine it with medication. Evidence-based options for alcoholism include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- 12-step facilitation therapy
- Contingency management
- Community reinforcement
- Motivational enhancement therapy
Among these therapies, what is the most effective treatment for alcoholism? The answer to this question is not always the same.
Who has the final say on the most effective treatment for alcohol dependence? You and your treatment team. Your recovery team will assess your situation and make treatment recommendations. You can then review their recommendations and choose from them. This collaborative process helps ensure that you receive treatments that truly fit your needs.
Learn More About the Most Effective Alcoholism Treatments at Northpoint Colorado
Have more questions about the most suitable alcohol treatments for you? Talk to the addiction specialists at Northpoint. We can provide you with further details of what makes a specific treatment effective. We can also give you further insight into how particular treatments are chosen for recovery plans.
Northpoint Colorado specializes in alcohol detox and rehab. In all cases, we provide treatment options that maximize your recovery support. In this way, we help you move ever closer to your sobriety goals. To learn more about our alcoholism services, call us today at 888.231.1281 or fill out our online form.