Alcohol addiction, or liquor addiction, can be lethal if alcohol treatment is ignored. Rehabilitation centers are the best choice for quick alcohol addiction treatment.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment And Recovery

Introduction

Alcohol addiction is considered as a chronic mental health disorder of a relapsing nature. It is regarded as the third largest factor globally that contributes to loss of health and premature mortality (death)<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 
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Alcohol addiction, more commonly known as alcohol use disorder, is a pattern of consuming alcohol to such great lengths that a person finds it difficult to quit despite facing problems associated with uncontrolled drinking.&nbsp; 
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In alcohol use disorder, individuals consume more alcohol to get the desired effect because their body develops tolerance to the previous dose<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. 
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Alcohol addiction not only causes psychological issues, but it is also associated with emotional, social, financial, and physical challenges<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
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Many individuals do not realize the gravity of the situation and consider that alcohol addiction can be dealt through willpower. However, this is far from the truth because alcohol addiction is a brain disorder. Alcohol is a psychoactive substance and it alters the chemical environment in the brain, making it a real challenge for individuals who plan to quit without any assistance or guidance from a healthcare professional.&nbsp; 
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Alcohol use disorder is a state of psychological and physical dependence on alcohol and to such a great extent that individuals find it hard to function without it. These individuals experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking alcohol<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. 
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Individuals who are dealing with alcohol addiction often have coexisting mental health issues. Their personal relationships crumble and suffer the most damage due to their addiction. Moreover, they struggle with financial problems. 
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Understanding Alcohol Addiction and Recovery

Alcohol use disorder can be classified into mild, moderate or severe based on how many of the following symptoms of alcohol addiction the individual experiences<a href="#accordion">[2][3]</a>:&nbsp; 
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<ul>
	<li>Not being able to control or limit the amount of alcohol they consume despite trying&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Trying to cut down on the amount of alcohol yet being unsuccessful with each attempt&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Continuing to drink despite dealing with the negative consequences associated with alcohol addiction&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Feeling irritable, restless, or cranky when supply of alcohol is ceased or when they are not drinking&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Experiencing withdrawal effects when they try to attempt quitting&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Frequently craving for alcohol</li>
	<li>Always being preoccupied with drinking, and recovering from alcohol</li>
	<li>Isolating themselves from friends and family for drinking&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Giving up on activities that earlier used to excite them&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Increase in absent days at work or school which drastically impacts the financial and academic spheres of their life&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Breaking relationships and social ties because of drinking&nbsp;&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Alcohol use disorder not only affects the individual who is involved in the addiction, it also takes a significant toll on the loved ones.&nbsp; 
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Anyone who has these symptoms is suffering from alcohol use disorder. However, the good news is that recovery is possible through different treatment options. A healthcare provider can provide a tailored treatment plan that consists of detoxification, medication, and training to prevent relapse.&nbsp; 
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Alcohol addiction is quite a frequent problem in the West. Globally, 1.4% of the population is estimated to have an alcohol use disorder<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>. 
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However, a recent trend depicts a rise in alcohol consumption in Asia. In 2014, Asia had 30% of global alcohol sales making it one of the most rapidly growing alcohol markets. Moreover, there was an overall increase of 176% in alcohol sales from the year 2000 to 2019, highlighting the surge in alcohol consumption in this region<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>.&nbsp; 
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In Pakistan, the numbers are on the rise, too, and alcohol use disorder is becoming a growing problem. According to a study, there has been a 10% increase in alcohol-related diseases in the past 5 years. Another matter of concern is that the growing number of individuals admitted in the rehabilitation centers for treatment of alcohol addiction are as young as 14 years of age while previously individuals in rehabilitation were mostly in their 20s<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>. 
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The only way to achieve recovery from alcohol addiction is to seek professional help for the alcohol use disorder. There is no denying that the road to recovery is not a smooth journey and it requires determination from the individual&rsquo;s end. With persistence and support from the healthcare provider, the individual will be able to achieve an addiction-free life.&nbsp; 
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Alcohol addiction treatment consist of brief intervention, counseling either in groups or separately, an outpatient program that can be started at home through outpatient clinics or an inpatient program at a rehabilitation center that involves a residential stay at an inpatient clinic receiving round-the-clock care while being under the supervision of a healthcare team.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
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So, the alcohol addiction treatment comprises of the following: 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Brief Intervention&nbsp;</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

It is a short counseling session of 5-10 minutes that aims to discuss the individual&rsquo;s pattern of drinking. Individuals are briefed about the risks that are associated with their pattern of drinking and are given guidance on how to reduce alcohol intake to prevent complications from developing. Moreover, it addresses the emotional challenges that are linked with excessive alcohol intake. It also updates them about the support groups that they can become a part of, establishing a social network that further encourages quitting alcohol<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>.&nbsp; 
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Another useful tip is to maintain a &#39;drinking diary&#39; in which they can record their daily alcohol intake. This will help the individuals stay mindful about their drinking routine and will also track their progress<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>.&nbsp; 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Detoxification&nbsp;</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

This is the process of body cleansing by completely eliminating alcohol from the individual&rsquo;s system. It is achieved through complete cessation of alcohol and withdrawal symptoms are then medically managed. The duration of detoxification usually takes 2-7 days on average. Sedative medications are often given to prevent episodes of withdrawal. As mentioned earlier, it can either be done in an outpatient or inpatient setting<a href="#accordion">[8]</a>.&nbsp; 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Medications</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Oral medications are given as part of the treatment plan to manage the cravings of alcohol. There would definitely be a strong urge to drink during the withdrawal phase.&nbsp; 
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Disulfiram is given to prevent individuals from drinking alcohol by mounting a physical reaction upon alcohol administration and this includes headaches, flushing, nausea, and vomiting.&nbsp; 
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Naltrexone is another drug that blocks the receptors in the body on which alcohol acts. Consequently, individuals do not experience the good feeling that is associated with drinking alcohol which decreases their alcohol intake. 
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Acomprosate is also an oral medication that suppresses or manages the alcohol cravings once the individual has quit drinking. 
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Vivitrol, similar to naltrexone, is an injectable medication that is administered once in a month. It is considered to be an effective option since people find it easier and treatment can be consistent because it doesn&#39;t require daily dosing<a href="#accordion">[8]</a>. 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Aftercare Programs&nbsp;</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Continued support is part of alcohol addiction treatment. It involves keeping in touch with patients after the treatment is over and helping them in managing relapses, if any, or challenges that they might be facing. It encourages patients to join support groups and practice lifestyle changes. Moreover, it also offers medical and psychological care whenever a patient needs it<a href="#accordion">[8]</a>.&nbsp; 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Psychological Treatment&nbsp;</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Many individuals dealing with alcohol addiction have profound mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. These individuals find it very difficult to address their concerns and struggles. Through talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) these individuals express the problems they are struggling with and oftentimes it helps in reaching the root cause of alcohol use disorder. Through psychological, behavioral, and talk therapies, these individuals learn strategies to cope with their stressors and help them to have an improved perspective of life. Additionally, it also treats the coexisting mental health disorders in these individuals<a href="#accordion">[8]</a>. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Support Groups</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Individuals who are dealing with alcohol addiction greatly benefit from attending self-help groups, such as Alcohol Anonymous (AA). It helps them to connect with other people who share a similar journey. Moreover, it helps individuals to learn strategies to cope with challenges that follow alcohol addiction treatment plans.&nbsp; 
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Support groups help individuals to achieve long-term abstinence from alcohol and assists in recovery from alcohol use disorder<a href="#accordion">[7]</a>. 
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Rehab is the process whereby an individual changes from being addicted and alcohol dependent to recovering and living a healthy and drug-free life. As painful and challenging as it might be, rehabilitation and treatment for alcohol addiction is the only way that can help one break free from the vicious cycle of addiction. 
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Since alcohol and other drug use disorders are on the rise in Pakistan, rehabilitation and addiction treatment centers are needed for the population affected with drug misuse disorders.&nbsp; 
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Some of rehabilitation centers available in Pakistan are<a href="#accordion">[9][10]</a>: 
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<ul>
	<li>Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Hospitals - located in Islamabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Nishan Foundation - located in Islamabad 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Conclusion

Alcohol addiction is quite a common drug misuse disorder. It makes the individuals enter a vicious cycle of drug abuse and many find it hard to break free from it. While many feel like there's no way out of their alcohol addiction, the truth is that recovery is possible through treatment and rehabilitation.&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul><li>Alcohol addiction is a drug misuse disorder in which individuals start consuming alcohol in excess despite dealing with the negative consequences that ensue with alcohol abuse.</li><li>Alcohol use disorder not only causes psychological and physical dependence, but also negatively affects all the spheres of an individual's life.</li><li>Alcohol addiction presents with a myriad of signs and symptoms that can help identify if someone is dealing with alcohol use disorder.</li><li>Treatment and rehabilitation are the cornerstone to recovery. It includes medications, detox, psychotherapy, and support groups.&nbsp;</li></ul>

[1] Ghazal P. The Growing Problem of Alcoholism in Pakistan:An overview of Current Situation and Treatment Options. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENDORSING HEALTH SCIENCE RESEARCH (IJEHSR). 2015;3(3):15. doi:10.29052/ijehsr.v3.i3.2015.15-21

[2] Alcohol use disorder - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic.

[3] Alcohol Use Disorder: What It Is, Risks & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic.

[4] Tyler M. Alcohol Addiction: Signs, Complications, and Recovery. Healthline.

[5] Ritchie H, Roser M. Alcohol Consumption. Our World in Data.

[6] Jiang H, Xiang X, Hao W, Room R, Zhang X, Wang X. Measuring and preventing alcohol use and related harm among young people in Asian countries: a thematic review. Glob Health Res Policy. 2018;3(1). doi:10.1186/s41256-018-0070-2

[7] Alcohol misuse - Treatment. nhs.uk.

[8] Alcohol use disorder - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. Mayoclinic.org.

[9] ANF :: MATRC. Anf.gov.pk.

[10] Best Rehab Centers in Pakistan of 2022 (with Pricing). Luxuryrehabs.com. Accessed September 16, 2022. https://luxuryrehabs.com/pakistan/. Published 2022.

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