Types of Behavioral Treatments
Adolescence is a particularly risky time due to the developing, not-yet-mature brain. Thus, drug use causes changes in the brain that can result in a lack of self-control and poor decision-making and judgment. Setbacks can be common, so you will want to know how they are addressed. For more information on a return to drinking, see An Ongoing Process. Couples and family counseling incorporates spouses and other family members in the treatment process and can play an important role in repairing and improving family relationships. Studies show that strong family support through family therapy increases the chances of maintaining abstinence (not drinking) compared with people going to individual counseling.
Treatment can be outpatient and/or inpatient and be provided by specialty programs, therapists, and health care providers. Primary care and mental health providers can provide effective AUD treatment by combining new medications with brief counseling visits. When seeking professional help, it is important that you feel respected and understood and that you trust the person, group, or organization to help you. However, remember that relationships with health care providers can take time to develop. Also known as “alcohol counseling,” behavioral treatments involve working with a health care provider to identify and help change the behaviors that lead to alcohol problems. Mutual-support groups provide peer support for stopping or reducing drinking.
Support groups provide social support, encouragement, and accountability which can be beneficial during recovery. People in recovery from AUD who share their experiences, coping skills, and strategies typically facilitate these groups. It typically includes medically monitored withdrawal, which helps reduce symptoms of withdrawal. It can also help prevent seizures or other complications that may arise.
Treatment may involve an inpatient or outpatient program depending on each person’s situation. Your provider may also be able to suggest an online self-guided program. Such e-health tools have been shown to help people what drugs was eminem addicted to overcome alcohol problems. Your health care provider can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each treatment setting. Many people with AUD do recover, but setbacks are common among people in treatment.