Alcohol Use Disorder: What It Is, Risks & Treatment

Alcoholism and its symptoms can be successfully managed with effective treatment. It’s important to note, however, that the most effective treatment for alcoholism will vary for can alcoholism be cured each individual. Using one or more of several types of psychological therapies, psychologists can help people address psychological issues involved in their problem drinking.

What Increases the Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder?

Some people may choose to moderate their alcohol use or moderate their use of other drugs while abstaining from alcohol use. It is important to note that abstinence is not the only legitimate path to alcohol addiction recovery. For some people, moderated and controlled drinking is possible depending on their individual values and circumstances. It’s also called alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction or alcohol abuse.

Simply Ending the Symptoms Isn’t a “Cure”

While alcohol is toxic to all cells in the body, it is particularly toxic to the liver since it is primarily metabolized by the liver. The metabolic byproducts of alcohol trigger an inflammatory response resulting in damage and death of liver cells. Many of the effects of excessive alcohol consumption are caused by acetaldehyde, researchers say. But not everyone who gets alcohol-induced hepatitis fits this profile.

What Stages Aren’t Reversible?

Other organs, such as the kidneys, and body systems such as the respiratory system, may also begin to fail. People with alcoholism — also known as an alcohol use disorder or AUD — may benefit from a combination of hypnotherapy and other forms of counseling, but more scientific research is needed in the field. Individuals often hide their drinking or deny they have a problem. While some research suggests that small https://ecosoberhouse.com/ amounts of alcohol may have beneficial cardiovascular effects, there is widespread agreement that heavier drinking can lead to health problems. For most adults, moderate alcohol use — no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women and older people — is relatively harmless. (A “drink” means 1.5 ounces of spirits, 5 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer, all of which contain 0.5 ounces of alcohol.

This means there is no reason why an alcoholic cannot go on to live a healthy, happy life while remaining alcohol free. In fact, while in recovery, an alcoholic’s brain will create new neural pathways to help them experience pleasure from activities other than drinking. But, just like with any chronic disease, a lack of symptoms does not mean the disease is cured. Inpatient rehab provides a safe place for people to focus on their recovery and develop life skills to support sobriety after completing the program. 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.

What Are the Treatments for Alcohol Use Disorder?

As defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, alcoholism – like other addictions – is a chronic brain disorder1. Similar to other chronic illnesses like asthma and hypertension, alcoholism is not a condition that goes away after treatment. Instead, alcoholism treatment is meant to help individuals manage the condition throughout their lives so they will not relapse to alcohol use.

• The report underscores the urgent need for global action to improve menstrual health and hygiene in schools.
• Treatment also consists of evaluation for other risk factors that can damage the liver or put the liver at higher risk, such as infection with hepatitis C and metabolic syndrome.
• A trained therapist can use hypnotic suggestion to help you stop drinking.
• Our early encounters with alcohol often set the tone for our relationship with it, creating powerful perceptions.

This is probably based on some combination of their neurochemistry and their psychological makeup. I was addicted to opiates, but didn’t have difficulties with substances in other classes. I have seen this to mostly be the case with thousands of my brothers and sisters in recovery who I have had the honor to interact with.

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