Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA

Regular sleep loss can make the recovery process more difficult. For example, studies show that sleep deprivation is linked to a range of social and emotional problems, including depression, anxiety, social withdrawal and lack of motivation. Setting a consistent, adequate sleep schedule can help you get the rest you need to function your best and cope with the challenges of having a loved one with an addiction. Some of the more dangerous addictive behaviors often occur in the middle of the night.

Find help for substance abuse

Matching the right therapy to the individual is important to its success. It may also be helpful to determine whether the treatment will be adapted to meet changing needs as they arise. Some people are surprised to learn that there are medications on the market approved to treat AUD. The newer types of these medications work by offsetting changes in the brain caused by AUD.

Find substance abuse treatment resources

Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your health care provider or mental health provider. In some cases, you and your loved one may both struggle with codependency, but also have your own issues with substance use. You may be aware of the need for getting your own treatment for a substance use disorder. There are some couples who go to treatment together, and it is possible to find rehab centers that will admit both of you at the same time to get addiction help. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found that 88,000 people die every year on average from alcohol-related problems.

Additional Resources

• However, this work is vital to the mental health of everyone involved, so meetings should be attended whenever possible.
• They can also explain the variety of treatment options out there for your loved one – many of which include the involvement of family and other supporters.
• Remember that your loved one is ultimately responsible for managing their own illness.
• Studies show that people who have AUD are more likely to suffer from major depression or anxiety over their lifetime.

Those conversations could not only have a wonderful impact on a family’s spirits but also positively impact their communities. There’s no judgment or blame here — a private therapy session is a safe place for stressed family members to talk openly and work through issues. If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Severe substance use disorder can put a strain on or deplete someone’s finances.

Supporting your loved one’s recovery

While steps can be taken to help prevent a relapse, recovery is a lifelong journey of ups and downs, not a single event. Family therapy sessions can take time, and it can be tempting to skip a session — particularly for families with a number of conflicting appointments and agendas. However, this work is vital to the mental health of everyone involved, so meetings should be attended whenever possible.

Helping Someone with a Drug Addiction

It can be challenging to watch a loved one experience addiction and the problems it causes. Some people with addiction refuse help or treatment, and others may be abusive to their partners or family. Severity is based on the number of criteria a support for those who struggling with alcohol addiction person meets based on their symptoms—mild (2–3 criteria), moderate (4–5 criteria), or severe (6 or more criteria).

• And remember that millions of people who were once experiencing alcohol or other substance dependence are now living happy and fulfilling lives.
• Yes, all American Addiction Centers (AAC) rehab locations offer 12-Step programming as a therapy modality for addiction treatment.
• Similarly, heavy alcohol use is often an unhealthy means of managing stress.
• Most bookstores also offer a wide selection of books about the chemistry of addiction and the science behind addiction treatment.

References and Relevant Resources

Such e-health tools have been shown to help people overcome alcohol problems. Your health care provider can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each treatment setting. Just like any other medical condition, people with substance use disorders deserve to have a range of treatment options available to them. Scientists are working to develop a larger menu of pharmaceutical treatments that could be tailored to individual needs.

Alcohol Support Groups and Resources

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The future of addiction recovery is becoming increasingly brighter. People can use several online resources as a starting point to help their loved one or friend take the first steps toward healing. Sometimes, the person trying to help someone with addiction may have issues themselves or need support. The American Psychiatric Association refers to addiction as severe substance use disorder (SUD) and describes it as a condition where someone uses a substance despite harmful consequences. A person can help someone with addiction recognize their problem or seek treatment. However, the process may not be straightforward and can cause emotional distress on both sides.