How is the treatment of Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol is the most consumed drug in the world, partly due to the high degree of standardization that it enjoys in practically all human societies. However, the fact that it is very familiar to us does not mean that its negative effects on people's physical and psychological integrity constitute a real public health problem.

Although alcohol is a legal drug, it is important to keep in mind that its effects are very harmful to people of all ages. ages, and especially in the youngest adolescents, who increasingly have older ages of initiation in consumption early.

That is why it is of great importance for anyone who needs it to place themselves in the hands of a team of professionals specialized in therapeutic intervention for patients suffering alcoholism. But… How is the treatment of alcohol addiction? Let's see it briefly.

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This is the treatment in alcohol addiction

Alcohol is a drink associated with leisure and entertainment, or even in family traditions: its consumption occurs regularly in festive and casual contexts, in the company of friends, co-workers, families or loved ones dear ones This means that the addictive disorder linked to these products has a great capacity to appear relatively quickly and to generate relapses, given the easy access to alcoholic beverages. This phenomenon makes the treatment for alcohol addiction present some peculiarities; even when the person has not consumed for months, the risk of re-consolidating the addiction is relatively high. Therefore, it is more important than ever that professional intervention combines elements of medicine and elements of psychotherapy and psychological assistance for families.

With this in mind, let's look at the main characteristics of alcohol addiction, starting with its initial stages.

1. request for intervention

The first step that we must follow to start a process of professional intervention to treat a case of addiction to one's own alcohol or that of another close person is to identify that such problem.

there are several the physical and psychological symptoms that can signal a case of alcohol addiction, and in these cases it is advisable to go to a health professional as soon as possible and request the corresponding help. The main physical and psychological symptoms of alcohol addiction are: development of disorders such as cirrhosis; excessive and uncontrolled consumption; the development of tolerance to alcohol; the abandonment of daily responsibilities; changing friends and withdrawal symptoms (nausea, sweating, irritability, malaise, etc.).

2. initial interview

The initial interview consists of a first contact with the therapist, we will talk about our particular case, both psychological and physical symptoms that we may be feeling as determined habits and modality of consumption of alcohol.

During this initial step the professional therapist will advise us on the type of treatment we should receive based on our particular case and our specific needs, as well as the characteristics of the addiction that we present.

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3. detox

The detoxification process starts with the admission of the person who has an addiction to alcohol, and constitutes the first phase of the treatment itself.

In this initial phase it is important to control the process of elimination of the drug in the body, since the withdrawal syndrome caused by the cessation of alcohol consumption could have disastrous consequences on your health if it occurs without health care. That is why it is essential to maintain exhaustive health control and monitoring of the person throughout the detoxification, if it is necessary, using the appropriate drugs so that this transition to a drug-free body does not generate a chain reaction of problems added. Consequently, at this stage medical intervention gains prominence, although psychotherapy continues to be relevant.

4. cessation

The next phase is detoxification and consists of getting the person to acquire new habits healthy for your life without alcohol and get rid of old harmful habits associated with consumption. Here, the work of psychologists becomes very important.

The detoxification phase is carried out through the implementation of certain psychological therapies of proven efficacy so that the patient achieves Generate a change in the perception you have of alcohol and of her previous habits, and eliminate them forever from her life.

Weaning can be done both in individual and group sessions and the most widely used therapy is usually Cognitive-behavioral, consisting of modifying negative or maladaptive ideas, thoughts and perceptions in the person with Alcohol addiction.

• Related article: "How does a detox center help with withdrawal symptoms?"

5. Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is the process by which all the skills, aptitudes and attitudes that the person with addiction has lost during their illness are analyzed and worked on.

During this phase, physical and psychological capacities, social skills and all the necessary tools to live in a normal and satisfactory way during the day to day of the person.

6. reinsertion

Reintegration aims to help the person reintegrate into society and especially in his immediate social environment, together with family and friends who have helped him overcome his problem.

This phase takes place under the close supervision of therapists over several months, who discuss whether the therapy is succeeding. reinsertion and if the ex-addict complies with all the provisions and with the guidelines, obligations and objectives set during the therapy.

Looking for addiction treatment?

If you want to start a treatment process for alcoholism or other forms of addictive disorders, please contact us.

In Liberadict We can help you by offering you comprehensive professional support in the face of addictions.