Alcohol Abuse: Different Options For Treatment
The CDC estimates that excess alcohol use causes 140,000 deaths in the United States each year. Alcohol abuse can contribute to cancer, heart disease, and liver disease. It is often the cause behind fatal vehicle crashes and other destructive behaviors. For some, alcohol abuse becomes a powerful addiction that is difficult to break. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available.

Counseling & Support
Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous have long been considered a go-to option for addressing alcohol abuse. Peer support programs allow individuals to gain encouragement from others who have gone through similar situations. Such programs can help individuals recognize triggers for alcohol abuse and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
In some cases, individuals may need to go to rehab facilities that offer a more controlled environment to prevent access to alcohol and addiction triggers.
Medications
In recent years, the medications naltrexone and acamprosate have been identified as safe and effective options that can reduce the likelihood of returning to drinking. By suppressing cravings for alcohol, such medications can lead to significant improvements in behavior and help fuel lasting change. These treatments can help individuals gradually reduce their alcohol intake, rather than having them attempt to go “cold turkey” and quit abruptly. Of course, such medications require an evaluation and prescription from a competent physician.
Breaking the cycle of addiction can be challenging, and is often rife with setbacks. However, individuals who are committed to keep trying can eventually experience lasting behavioral change that improves physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

