Alcoholism can be treated and there are many treatment options available to assist alcoholics fight addiction. From the beginning, the reality is that alcoholism has no known medical cure. No matter how long one has been an alcoholic, alcoholism may be treated.
Many people think that long-term alcohol addiction is not treatable because it comes with comorbidities like liver cirrhosis and heart diseases. Alcoholism can be treated and the ailments that come with it can be given medical treatment. Still|However|, it is important to realize that long-term alcohol treatment is only possible when the alcoholic is willing to change his or her life.
In a Long Term Alcohol Treatment Center one must understand that all heavy alcoholics experience withdrawal symptoms immediately when they cease drinking. The withdrawal symptoms range from discomfort and mild shakes to delirium tremens that include autonomic instability, hallucinations, seizures, and death. All those seeking long-term alcohol treatment and have been heavy drinkers should seek medical guidance to avoid negative consequences.
One of the strategies that is issued in long-term alcohol treatment is detoxification. Almost all alcoholics go through moderate withdrawal symptoms treatable by healthcare personnel through an outpatient program. But, certain alcoholics can only get treatment from hospitals. The facilities that treat these alcoholics must specialize in detoxification. Detoxification consists of intense monitoring of the alcoholic and abstinence from alcohol done in a controlled setting. Detox also includes the administration of benzodiazepines such as Valium, Librium, Serax, and Ativan.Another way to get long-term alcohol treatment is to go into a rehabilitation center because detox takes only between three to seven days.
After detox, alcohol dependency becomes mainly psychological. This is why rehabilitation facilities are needed for long-term alcohol treatment. Rehab centers provide alcohols counselors and therapists who help them overcome psychological problems that drive the alcoholics into drinking. Rehab centers also give emotional support and a conducive environment that ensures that alcoholics do not go back to drinking.Medication is also critical in helping alcoholics in long-term alcohol treatment.
There are certain medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration that help former alcoholics stay sober. In the American market, three medications are recommended for alcoholism treatment. Antabuse works as a deterrent by making the person nauseated when he takes alcohol. Revia blocks the brain and reduces alcohol cravings. Acamprosate helps physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms.One of the most used and oldest long-term alcohol treatment programs is Alcoholics Anonymous, which is a fellowship of women and men who share their hope, experience, and strength with each other in order to solve their alcoholism and help other alcoholics. This method of treatment is used by over 2 million Americans. It is also free, so you don’t need to be concerned by cost.