It takes immense courage to seek treatment for problematic drinking or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Your decision to explore help is already a significant step towards recovery. AUD is a complex disorder that affects not just the individual, but their loved ones and larger society as well. It’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone in this journey, and recovery is possible with the right support and treatment.
Evidence-based treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) include behavioral therapies, mutual support groups, and medications.
Talk Therapies
Many people with AUD also have co-occurring mental health issues such as PTSD or Depression. The following treatments are effective with AUD as well as many co-occuring conditions.
Evidence-based behavioral treatments include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying thoughts, triggers, and problematic behaviors which lead to heavy drinking.
- Motivational enhancement therapy (also known as “motivational interviewing”) helps to uncover your own internal wisdom and increasing motivation for changing drinking behavior.
- Acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions increase awareness and acceptance of present-moment experiences. This treatment type increases your ability to tolerate distressing feelings without drinking. It decreases self-judgement, self criticism, and feelings of shame which can lead to problematic drinking.
- Couples therapy: Maladaptive relationship patterns can contribute to drinking. This treatment also repairs damage done to your relationship caused by drinking.
- Support groups such as Alcoholic Anonymous: AA decreases isolation and shame and increases personal accountability. This treatment follows a well-worn path (12 steps) and involves surrendering to a higher power making amends to those you have harmed.
Medications
While AUD often benefits from counseling types, it can also be treated by medications as a stand alone or in conjunction with behavioral therapy. Three FDA-approved medications for AUD are:
- Naltrexone: Reduces heavy drinking days, promotes abstinence, and helps manage cravings. It is available as a daily pill or monthly injection15.
- Acamprosate: Reduces heavy drinking, maintains abstinence, and manages cravings in some people.
- Disulfiram: Blocks alcohol breakdown, causing unpleasant symptoms if alcohol is consumed.
These evidence-based treatments can be used alone or in combination, tailored to individual needs. Despite their effectiveness, less than 10% of people with AUD receive any treatment, and less than 4% are prescribed FDA-approved medications.
Conclusion
Taking on the commitment to receiving formal treatment for AUD is a huge step that deserves recognition. Remember, many people have begun the same path. You are not alone on this journey and help is out there. Keep in mind the names of these treatments as you move forward.