The goal of treatment for alcoholism is abstinence. Among alcoholics with otherwise good health, social support, and motivation, the likelihood of recovery is good. Approximately 50% to 60% remain abstinent at the end of a year's treatment and a majority of those stay dry permanently. Those with poor social support, poor motivation, or psychiatric disorders tend to relapse within a few years of treatment.
- Treatment for alcoholism can begin only when the alcoholic accepts that the problem exists and agrees to stop drinking. Treatment has 3 stages:
- Detoxification (detox): This may be needed immediately after discontinuing alcohol use and can be a medical emergency as detox can result in withdrawal seizures, hallucinations, and confusion of delirium tremens (DT) and in some cases can result in death.
- Rehabilitation: This involves counseling and medications to give the recovering alcoholic the skills needed for maintaining sobriety. This step in treatment can be done inpatient or outpatient. Both are equally effective.
- Maintenance of Sobriety: This step's success requires an alcoholic to be self-driven. The key to maintenance is support, which often includes regular Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and getting a sponsor.
There are also certain medications that may assist in the treatment process for more information please visit : http://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/0201/p441.html
No comments:
Post a Comment