How to Stop Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse and dependence are the cause of 100 thousand deaths annually in the United States. Alcohol intoxication alone is the cause of 30 percent of all traffic fatalities. There seems to be a lot that can be done medically to prevent or stop alcohol abuse. This article will discuss the medical treatment of alcohol abuse and dependence.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Motivation
• Education
• Tolerance
• Patience

1. Primary care physicians must identify "at risk drinking" (defined as more than 14 drinks per week or 4 drinks per occasion for men, and more than 7 drinks per week or 3 drinks per occasion for women), discuss the diagnosis, initiate treatment and monitor ongoing care. Patients must be provided feedback, advice and goal-setting by their healthcare providers.
2. The diagnosis of alcohol abuse should be firmly yet empathetically presented to the patient. Motivational interviewing may help.
3. Medical treatment for alcohol withdrawal may be necessary in patients with alcohol dependence who are willing to stop drinking. Outpatient therapy is safe for those with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms; inpatient therapy is indicated for patients with severe withdrawal symptoms, psychiatric illness or lack of social support.
4. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a program for people with drinking problem who are willing to quit. The treatment is based on fellowship and a belief in a spiritual basis for recovery. Abstinence is encouraged on a "one day at a time" basis. Members attend meetings in which experiences related to drinking and recovery are shared. There are 12 Steps to Recovery that are discussed with the members (see Resources below).
5. Three drugs--naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram--can be used in consultation with the doctor. Most of the medications work on the principle of blunting the pleasurable effects of alcohol and reducing craving. They work well on people who have stopped drinking and need additional support to maintain abstinence. Other drugs that are under investigation include nalmefene, ondansetron and topiramate.
6. Patients with alcohol abuse should concomitantly be treated for depression, as well. This is based on the fact that alcohol abusers have an increased risk of depression and are at high risk for suicide.
7. People with alcohol abuse should also be evaluated for tobacco smoking, other substance abuse, anxiety and panic attacks.