“What treatments can fix alcohol addiction?”
My friend has an alcohol addiction. What treatments can fix alcohol addiction?
3 Answers
There are a number of interventions for compulsive substance use, even if the afflicted individual verbalizes she / he wishes to. Many individuals are motivated to stop drinking when they encounter the criminal justice system or their spouses and family members want to enforce a separation. Many afflicted individuals have minimal to no motivation to engage in their own treatment or drinking cessation program. Without commanding ownership of their drinking problems, spirited motivation and unyielding fidelity to the desired outcome, those people who are spectator-participants will relapse frequently. These individuals usually blame the Addiction In-Patient and Specialty Centers, the treatments, AA, their Counselors and their Therapists for the reason(s) they continue to drink too much. Some addicted individuals seek treatment and participate in a perfunctory fashion because an attorney tells them to, or, they wish to appease others to get off my back. Painful self-awareness and considerable courage are required to acknowledge, I love alcohol so much. I cannot control how much I drink. For many individuals it is more difficult to admit this problem to themselves than to say to others, I gotta stop drinking! We live in a culture in which many citizens see no problems with alcohol misuse and abuse. Intoxicated individuals at bars / restaurants / gatherings are funny. Alcohol is a social lubricant which reduces inhibitions and promotes camaraderie. In general, the sooner in life an individual starts drinking to intoxication and the longer the individual has had this problem the more difficult it is to treat. Cessation is harder to do when many of the individuals extended family members share this same predilection. Successful outcomes are stymied by having too many friends who enjoy drinking to excess. There are pharmaceuticals which are antagonists, which make the consumption of alcohol physically unpleasant. Participation in AA meetings and being sponsored are helpful. There is no financial cost to the individual except her / his time and the emotional fidelity to help others. One does not have to embrace every aspect of AA philosophy, but, authentic participation, helping others, completing the steps, and welcoming a Sponsor are essentials. There are Certified Addiction Counselors, Doctoral-Level Professionals, and Physicians who specialize in treating addictions. There are residential treatment centers, hospitals and specialty treatment practices. Treatment can be inpatient/residential, intensive outpatient and outpatient. Addiction to any intoxicating substance is terrible for the addict and those who love her / him. The pain suffered by those who love the addicted individual is not shared by the addict until she / he engages in repetitive self-denial to achieve that state of consciousness facilitated by a bottle without a nipple or a six pack or both.
Alcoholism, is a proven genetic chronic disease process.
In truth, it depends on each patient individually.
Simply stated, you empower the patient, a Physician should work to earn the patient’s trust….perhaps they will honor you with that…. But never expect it.
My Descriptionis too limited in scope, as I got my professorship, at least at UCLA, while there, in “ Harm Reduction”. Until one can see pentoptically and has experienced this for at least 20 years (back when residents had a 100 hour work week, not 60 or less); can one even grasp what I am saying. Furthermore, one must have been exposed to various cultures globally, they should probably not even attempt this by themselves. Why?
Because, those that have truly endured are Fierce! Never Fearful, so they tend to be highly motivated. There is a difference between “ want” and “need”…..: But to all Docs out there in our communities through out the world, never assume one is broken, help lift them up and empower them… We all have only today, and may pray for tomorrow….; tomorrow must be put in the past, but do your best to learn from it….As some things are given that should not be taken… I sincerely feel as if I can make the difference in at least one life before my time is up, then Ive fulfilled my oath…. Humbly but NEVER Weak.
I speak from a place of calling, experience, whom has been ill ; not perhaps, like others. But, we all have more in common than we do different. Until, you are able to look through your patient’s eyes from a pentoptic point of view…… This perhaps might be difficult to understand, but it is not. I was so afraid to face my fears, but, once I did , it made me stronger, not a victim, but a survivor. I put my patients trust very seriously, and to do that, you must create a “safe space for them”….. I do love you all! I wish I had the time to help all, but only our “ higher power has that ability”……So, to Everyone, never give up hope!
Hope can be found in the places one leasts expects.
With Love, Hope, Inspiration, Acceptance, and most importantly HUMILITY. Always Yours, Dr. Brent J. Michael, MD
In truth, it depends on each patient individually.
Simply stated, you empower the patient, a Physician should work to earn the patient’s trust….perhaps they will honor you with that…. But never expect it.
My Descriptionis too limited in scope, as I got my professorship, at least at UCLA, while there, in “ Harm Reduction”. Until one can see pentoptically and has experienced this for at least 20 years (back when residents had a 100 hour work week, not 60 or less); can one even grasp what I am saying. Furthermore, one must have been exposed to various cultures globally, they should probably not even attempt this by themselves. Why?
Because, those that have truly endured are Fierce! Never Fearful, so they tend to be highly motivated. There is a difference between “ want” and “need”…..: But to all Docs out there in our communities through out the world, never assume one is broken, help lift them up and empower them… We all have only today, and may pray for tomorrow….; tomorrow must be put in the past, but do your best to learn from it….As some things are given that should not be taken… I sincerely feel as if I can make the difference in at least one life before my time is up, then Ive fulfilled my oath…. Humbly but NEVER Weak.
I speak from a place of calling, experience, whom has been ill ; not perhaps, like others. But, we all have more in common than we do different. Until, you are able to look through your patient’s eyes from a pentoptic point of view…… This perhaps might be difficult to understand, but it is not. I was so afraid to face my fears, but, once I did , it made me stronger, not a victim, but a survivor. I put my patients trust very seriously, and to do that, you must create a “safe space for them”….. I do love you all! I wish I had the time to help all, but only our “ higher power has that ability”……So, to Everyone, never give up hope!
Hope can be found in the places one leasts expects.
With Love, Hope, Inspiration, Acceptance, and most importantly HUMILITY. Always Yours, Dr. Brent J. Michael, MD
Condolences you are going through this with your friend as most addictions do encompass more than the individual. Much of the time there is a whole array of issues surrounding the individual such as the alcohol use and many times a co-occurring use of other things such as narcotics and street drugs (not always) that are happening within the individual and other things like medical problems, social/familial issues, legal issues, job problems etc. In essence, there is No quick 'fix' for alcohol addiction. It is an individuals self-effort and adherence to programs, counseling, medications (if needed), and programs such as AA or NA, regular urine drops from a reputable facility for alcohol addiction recovery (for accountability) that can help in an individual's recovery that will ultimately help them through the rough waters of alcohol addiction. This is many times or can be at least a lifelong process for some depending on the severity of the condition of the person and their surrounding situation(s). AA and NA is a great evidenced-based program that many seek solace from and do very well at. As long as sufferers of alcohol addiction can adhere to the 'programs' much good can come to the person and their families which will require some work. Throughout this process for the individual person they will need 1:1 counseling, group counseling can be very effective, access to doctor's, nurse appointments and regular routine medical and dental care to help foster a better sense of equilibrium for the person and their families caring for their health. Hope this helps, as always wishing you well.
Sincerely,
Dr Ryan Koryciak
Sincerely,
Dr Ryan Koryciak
