It all starts with a sip. Before you know it, you are too far down the rabbit hole you can’t figure your way out. You start having difficulties doing normal tasks without indulging in your favorite alcoholic drink. That’s alcohol dependence for you. You show up at a friend’s party, and before long, you’re in a drunken stupor. Rinse, repeat. Talk of resentment, frustration, and anger when you realize you can’t drag yourself out. It dawns on you that you may need treatment. Where do you start? How do you take the edge off such dependence?
Well, a personalized treatment plan is the way to go when treating alcohol dependence. Consider alcohol treatment at Pacific Ridge for a fresh start, a clean slate, if you may.
Best Treatment Plan
As human beings, we are all wired differently. Why would a treatment plan that works best for someone else not cut it for you? Because other inherent factors affect how we respond to treatment. So, what is the most effective treatment for alcohol dependence?
None. A single procedure for addressing addiction is unlikely to succeed because it may only deal with specific symptoms without looking at the individual as a ‘complex whole.’ That explains why a multi-pronged approach is the safest bet as a means to effectively weaning you off alcohol and averting its short- or long-term effects. Here’s a glance at some treatments worth considering.
Medication
We can’t rule out medication as a form of treatment for managing alcohol dependence. The US Food and Drug Administration approves certain non-addictive medications that could help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. If you’ve been struggling with heavy drinking days or experience unmanageable cravings, then medication could offer some relief. Some medications may also cause unpleasant symptoms that could keep you from tippling.
Discuss with your clinician a personalized medication plan that addresses your needs, and remember to adhere to it to increase your chances of overcoming the problem. The downside of medication is that it may be ineffective for some patients on its own. Consequently, such a care plan should be used along with other behavioral treatment plans.
Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Who thought that talking about alcoholism may help a patient overcome the addiction? DBT revolves around the premise that we live in an interconnected world that is constantly evolving, and we need to find ways to align ourselves with such changes.
A DBT session with a clinician involves helping participants deal with past occurrences, accepting them, and learning to appreciate and live in the moment. Other aspects include coping with stress and the emotional roller-coaster ride that life can quickly become.
Similarly, self-talk and honestly evaluating and talking about the issues you are facing can be stepping stones towards better behavior and actions. Research indicates that DBT is an effective tool for dealing with alcoholism. Overall, some of the DBT approaches that a clinician may implement on a patient can be summarized as follows:
- Practicing mindfulness to realign your mental compass.
- Learning to tolerate stress and managing it.
- Improving interpersonal communication.
- Managing emotions to prevent them from getting the better of you.
Holistic Therapy
As the terms suggest, holistic therapy entails looking at a patient as a “whole.” As such, holistic therapy channels its efforts towards promoting mental and physical wellness- essential components for healing and relieving addiction.
How does such therapy help you get better? By emphasizing the need to address your physical and psychological needs. Through rehabilitation, you are better positioned to see improvement in various facets of your daily life.
Alcohol dependence may result in lack of sleep, emotional distress and affect your diet. A gentle holistic care plan can facilitate wellness and deal with withdrawal symptoms that characterize quitting alcohol or other substances. In general, holistic therapy strives to do the following:
- Pinpointing the root causes of addiction
- Boosting self-esteem and confidence
- Lessening the use and appeal of alcohol
- Improving control over cravings
A focus on proper nutrition and improving eating habits help fight malnutrition and may alleviate substance abuse. Likewise, guided meditation helps promote clarity of mind, which improves focus. On the other hand, regular exercise has been shown to relieve stress and promote the creation of new routines. Overall, these holistic approaches to rebuilding and restoring the mind and body are essential cogs on the human ‘wheel,’ if I may state so.
Maintaining Perspective
All in all, these treatment options represent some of the care plans that may root out the problem of alcohol dependence. A single approach may not offer a solution to this prevalent issue. However, going all in and pursuing various options could deliver a much-needed reprieve.
Step out of your comfort zone, and try a combination of alternative treatments. It could be the means to embracing a newer, sober, and full version of you that understands your limitless potential while being free of alcohol dependence.