How is alcoholism treated?

There is no cure for alcoholism; the goal of treatment is total abstinence. Treatment may include time in a detoxification center or hospital, therapy sessions, and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. In some cases, an alcoholic may benefit from Antabuse, a drug that causes the person to become violently ill after taking even a small sip of alcohol.

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A number of treatment options now exist for alcoholism. Inpatient care, where the individual stays night and day for a defined period of time (generally 28 days), is performed in a general or psychiatric hospital or in a center dedicated to treatment of alcohol and other substance abuse. Most residential alcoholism treatment programs in the United States include detoxification (usually taking about four to seven days), total abstinence from mind altering drugs, individual and group therapy, participation in alcoholism support groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous or AA), educational lectures, family involvement, reading and work assignments, activity therapy, and the use of counselors and professional staff experienced in treating alcoholism. Inpatient treatment is recommended for individuals with coexisting medical or psychiatric disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder (manic-depressive), individuals who may harm themselves or others, those who have not responded to conservative treatments, and those who have a disruptive home environment. Outpatient therapy involves the individual coming to a general or psychiatric hospital or a center dedicated to the treatment of alcohol and other substance abuse during daytime hours. The individual participates in group therapy sessions and other counseling. Results have been mixed on whether inpatient treatment works better than outpatient. Given the ambiguity in results and high expense of inpatient treatment, most care providers do not choose inpatient treatment for alcoholics who are not a threat to others or themselves.

Drugs for detoxification The American Society of Addiction Medicine lists three goals for alcohol detoxification, including providing a safe withdrawal from the alcohol dependence and enabling the individual to become drug-free. This may include minimizing the risks of withdrawal-related seizures and delirium. Also, providing a withdrawal that is humane and thus protects the patient's dignity and preparing the patient for ongoing treatment of his or her dependence to alcohol.

Vitamin injections: Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) and vitamin B1 (thiamine) are commonly administered by injection in alcohol withdrawal.

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