Alcohol Abuse: Outcomes & Possible Treatments

Updated on July 13, 2020

Globally, there are 107 million individuals who are battling Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), which is colloquially known as alcoholism or alcohol abuse. For an individual battling alcohol abuse issues, it is extremely easy to feel hopeless and despondent. The important thing for such individuals to know is that they aren’t suffering alone. The most helpful treatment for any sort of substance abuse problem is a sense of community, love and support. There is a wonderful variety of treatment options available for patients today, which will allow someone to recover from this pervasive problem and return to living a fulfilling life.

Recovering from substance abuse is a long and arduous road, but it is not impossible. A lot of factors come into play, such as medical history, support system, family relations, etc. It is very important for an individual to receive round-the-clock medical and therapeutic support, so that they do not fall back into their self-destructive patterns. Overcoming alcoholism is a difficult process, but one can do it with professional help, constant support and self-discipline. Even after one gets out of rehab, it is very important to continue attending group support sessions with organizations like https://www.rehabclinic.org.uk/

Something that one must remember that it is never too late to start treatment for AUD. There is no “right time” for one to begin recovery. However, there are some outcomes and warning signs of alcohol abuse that one’s friends and family should watch out for. For example, if one over-drinks frequently, has violent mood swings, performs poorly at workplace or college, etc., then they could be suffering from alcohol abuse. You can learn more about the statistics of alcoholism from www.alcoholismstatistics.net as well. Here are some of the possible treatments that are appropriate for someone with alcoholism issues.

1. In-patient Rehabilitation

An in-patient rehabilitation facility provides a person with alcohol abuse issues with a structured and supportive environment, where they can recover from their problem. This kind of treatment process is most appropriate for individuals suffering from severe forms of alcoholism and additional behavioral/psychological issues. Recovering addicts are provided medical care, therapeutic care, etc. which helps them recover.

2. Out-patient Rehabilitation

Out-patient rehabilitation offers alcohol abuse patients with the same level of medical and psychological care as in-patient rehabilitation. However, out-patient rehab patients can continue getting treatment from their own homes, where they make scheduled appointments with therapists, doctors, social workers, etc. This method of rehabilitation is most appropriate for individuals with a mild form of substance/alcohol abuse.

3. Detoxification

Detoxification is the first and most difficult step of dealing with alcohol abuse, where the patient’s system is purged of all the alcohol. It is an extremely difficult step because the withdrawal symptoms experienced by most patients can be very difficult to come with. With medical and psychological assistance, recovering alcoholics overcome this trial and learn to move forward.

Comprehensive support

Once one finishes rehabilitation, the next step involves reinforcing all the things that they learnt while in rehab. This can be achieved by attending support group meetings, therapy sessions, etc.

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