What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Alcohol Dependence?

Whether you’re sitting in the comfort of your own home or sitting in traffic on the freeway, it’s nearly impossible to escape the reach of alcohol in our society. From billboards to commercials or a superhero relaxing with a drink in your favorite TV show or movie, it’s hard to believe something portrayed so innocently can be so dangerous. If you knew your first drink would cause alcohol dependence and lead you to needing alcohol addiction treatment, you probably would have never tried it.

Unfortunately, despite it being a drug, alcohol is one of the  most widely accepted substances on earth, which is why you felt comfortable trying it when you were younger. Much of this stems from its portrayal in the media. Those with no  knowledge of alcohol’s dangers are often shocked to learn the extent of the damage it can cause. In fact, according to the latest data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), a staggering 140,557 Americans die from the effects of alcohol in an average year, a number greater than fentanyl overdose deaths. This figure translates to 385 deaths each day in the United States. On a global scale, alcohol use disorder (AUD) kills over three million people each year and accounts for up to six percent of deaths around the world. 

If you’ve found this post, it means that either you or a loved one have fallen into the throes of addiction and need help. Fortunately, you’re in the right place. We must warn you, however, that if you’re looking to stop drinking, you should NOT stop without seeking help, which is where Peace Valley Recovery comes in. Below, we’ll delve into the most effective treatment options for alcohol dependence. 

How Is Alcohol Use Disorder Defined?

Alcohol use disorder, also referred to as alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, or alcohol addiction, is defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) as a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. 

Simply put, when someone develops an addiction of any kind, it’s an indicator that their brain changed. Even if they know they’re hurting a loved one because they’re stealing from them to support their habit, or their liver is failing because of alcohol consumption and they continue to drink, addiction will not let them stop. They will continue making excuses in their brain and justifying their actions. The individual will place alcohol above their health, relationships, and even their lives. 

In the past, addiction was thought of as a test of will power, but today, it’s recognized as a brain disorder that can range from mild, moderate, to severe. When a person abuses alcohol, it causes dopamine to flood the reward pathway of the brain, which is ten times more powerful than a natural reward. It’s no wonder why substance abuse has such a tight grip on our mind, body, and soul. The problem is even if someone wants to stop, alcohol withdrawal makes that desire even more challenging.

How Dangerous Is Alcohol Withdrawal?

Substance abuse of any kind can eventually lead to an uncomfortable phenomenon known as withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal occurs as a result of prolonged and extensive alcohol misuse. Symptoms will present themselves when you drink less than usual or cease use altogether. Withdrawal is incredibly uncomfortable, but in addition to the discomfort, it can also be fatal, leading to seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). Other symptoms include the following:

• Nausea & vomiting
• Anxiety
• Headache
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Hallucinations
• Seizures

Unfortunately, if you’ve been abusing the substance and developed alcohol dependence, you’re going to endure withdrawal symptoms. How you treat it can either be a life or death decision. In this case, alcohol treatment is more than a critical step toward recovery, it could be your only chance of surviving addiction.

If you’re tired of waking up each day hungover and wondering how you’re going to get your next sip of alcohol, it’s time to seek the help you deserve. Below, we’ll examine the most effective therapies for alcohol dependence. 

Types of Therapies for Alcohol Use Disorder

At Peace Valley Recovery, we don’t believe in the “cookie cutter” approach many treatment facilities utilize. Not everyone responds to treatment the same, and we understand that offering individualized and evidence-based treatment programs provides the best opportunity to recover long-term and minimize the chances of relapse. 

Let’s take a look at the most effective therapies for alcohol use disorder.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral treatments are critical to ensure people stop drinking and recover from their substance abuse. Behavioral treatments involve working with a healthcare professional to identify and change the behaviors contributing to the distressing aspects of alcohol consumption. Evidence shows that multiple therapy modalities, in addition to brief interventions, are highly effective. One of the most effective approaches to treating alcohol dependence is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an increasingly popular option used to manage alcohol addiction throughout the recovery process. The basic premise of this approach is to drive home the importance of identifying adverse thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with positive ones. Sessions consist of conversations between the individual and a psychologist. It’s a solutions-oriented technique focusing less on the diagnosis and more on taking action by challenging harmful beliefs, role playing to improve social interactions, and confronting fears. CBT can produce results in as little as five sessions. However, please bear in mind that everyone responds differently. 

Motivational enhancement therapy is another approach that aims to strengthen the individual’s motivation to alter their drinking behavior by creating a plan, building up their confidence, and developing the skills to not deviate from that goal. Mindfulness-based interventions typically utilize meditation to teach the person to focus on the present moment. Behavioral therapy can also help individuals develop the skills needed to avoid triggers that cause relapse. 

There are just two examples of the many other options.

Medication-Assisted Therapy

There are currently three medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that helps people stop drinking and prevent relapse. They are Antabuse, Vivitrol, and Campral. These are non-addictive medications that are proven to be highly effective in treating alcohol use disorder. Vivitrol and Campral help individuals manage their alcohol cravings and significantly reduce heavy drinking. Antabuse blocks the breakdown of alcohol and causes severely unpleasant symptoms if you drink. Depending on the person, these medications can be taken alone, with one another, or combined with other forms of behavioral treatment. 

Family Therapy

Addiction doesn’t only affect the individual – it impacts the entire family. Family therapy is essential for a few reasons – it helps the family understand that addiction is a disease – and it facilitates a safe space to help begin healing the damages caused by active addiction. Family therapy takes different forms in the addiction treatment process, and often involves the whole family meeting together with a therapist. However, sometimes, only part of the family meets. The different types of family therapies include the following:

• Behavioral couples therapy
• Family behavior therapy
• Brief strategic family therapy
• Functional family therapy
• Family recovery support groups

What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Alcohol Dependence?

One thing you must keep in mind is that treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and everyone will respond differently. This is why Peace Valley Recovery offers individualized treatment to those who enter our doors. The effectiveness of a treatment option depends on various factors. While some find immense success with a combination of therapy and counseling, others may require a more intensive approach, such as medication-assisted treatment and a combination of therapies.

Your journey from alcohol addiction is a personal one that takes time and commitment. The most effective treatment varies from person to person, and it’s impossible to say which approach will work best. The only way to find out the best option for you is to seek guidance from a medical professional at Peace Valley Recovery. Our unique and tailored approach to treatment will lead you down the path to a brighter and healthier future.