When addressing drinking problems, it’s important to also seek treatment for any accompanying medical and mental health issues. Just as some people with diabetes or asthma may have flare-ups of their disease, a relapse to drinking can be seen as a temporary setback to full recovery and not a complete failure. Seeking professional help can prevent relapse—behavioral therapies can help people develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking. Most people benefit from regular checkups with a treatment provider.

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The following is an overview of the most popular methods for treatment which you may encounter at a rehab facility. Inpatient or residential AUD treatment entails patients living and residing in the rehabilitation center 24/7. Inpatient alcohol rehab may vary in duration, sometimes consisting of short stays of 3–6 weeks, which may or may not be followed by attendance at an outpatient rehab. Some people require longer stays of 6–12 months at facilities known as therapeutic communities (TCs), which provide structured programming and offer assistance with reintegration into their community. Addiction treatment medication may be part of a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan that can also include behavioral therapies, drug education, and social or legal services. Treatment for alcohol use disorder may include talk therapy (also called “psychotherapy”), support groups, medicines, or a combination of treatments.

Medicines are usually used together with talk therapy and support groups. People with severe heart disease or who are pregnant should not take disulfiram. A healthcare professional may decide if disulfiram is suitable for someone who has diabetes or is over 60 years old. Although overcoming AUD is a challenging process, medications can help people stay in recovery and prevent them from returning to drinking.

When are Medications Used in Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

Some rehab centers even offer their own yoga and meditation courses. Broadly speaking, yoga is a collection of physical and mental exercises. A yoga practice does not necessarily have to involve a spiritual or religious dimension. Meditation is any method of relaxation which alcoholism treatment program helps a person maintain calm, emotional peace, and clarity. Studies have indicated that yoga and meditation can function as therapy for people with substance use disorders, especially if the sessions are led by a mental health professional and supplement other treatment.

alcoholism treatment medication

As shown in COMBINE, no single medication or treatment strategy is effective in every case or in every person. Drugs used for other conditions — like smoking, pain, or epilepsy — also may help with alcohol use disorder. Talk to your doctor to see of one of those might be right for you.