The long, hard road to sobriety

Trying to stop drinking is difficult for an alcoholic and relapses are common. (Rawpixel pic)

Those who cannot control their consumption of alcohol and have difficulty giving it up are said to have Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

Many people believe that strong willpower is all it takes to end toxic behaviours, but regular, uncontrolled consumption of alcohol eventually affects the brain and makes it difficult to stop drinking.

Mild alcoholism can often be treated with counselling and support groups, but severe alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence requires professional help.

Alcohol dependence can be overwhelming and trying to give up drinking can be extremely difficult. Everyone needs to understand the risk of binge alcohol consumption to prevent the chances of AUD.

Heavy drinking can severely affect an individual’s health and it is essential to seek help.

Acceptable level of alcohol consumption

It is important to know what an acceptable level of alcohol consumption is. The US has developed a standard measure of alcohol consumption which is 17.7 ml of pure liquor per: 236.5 ml of malt intoxication; 354.9 ml of beer; 147.9 ml of wine; or 443.6 ml of distilled liquor.

The dietary guidelines Americans recommend is not more than one drink a day for adult women and two drinks a day for men.

Heavy drinking or alcohol abuse

Alcohol consumption is considered heavy when a person exceeds the standard levels of liquor intake. The US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) declared that heavy drinking would lead to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 g/dL or above.

How do you know if you have AUD

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has laid down some criteria for AUD.

Since alcohol intoxication affects the brain, it is a relapsing disease and people may get uncomfortable during the process of giving up drinking.

The DSM-5 and NIAAA have said that if any patient meets any of the two criteria below within 12 months, the person would be diagnosed with AUD:

• Several occasions of drinking beyond a reasonable/intended level or time.
• Regular heavy drinking and waking up sick the next day.
• Attempts to stop drinking have failed more than once.
• Severe cravings for liquor.
• Drinking patterns affect work, family and social responsibilities.
• Drinking continued even after facing the consequences at school, work or with family members.
• Time spent on favourite activities or hobbies are reduced to have more time for drinking.
• Alcohol consumption continues even after experiencing decreased physical or mental health, such as anxiety, depression and regular memory blackouts.
• Driving while intoxicated and continued drinking despite being aware of the possibilities of getting hurt.
• Increased alcohol consumption.
• Withdrawal symptoms when trying to give up drinking.

There are many counselling and therapy programmes to help people get and stay sober. (Rawpixel pic)

Treatments to help give up drinking

Each patient requires a different treatment depending on the severity of the AUD. There are many addiction treatments to help individuals stop drinking.

Medical detox: When some patients try to stop drinking on their own, there could be dangerous or uncomfortable consequences.

Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be life-threatening. A medical detox must be done with the guidance of a supervisor to keep one calm and comfortable during the process.

Medical supervision will be provided 24 hours a day with medication and monitoring to address the issues correctly and deal with any complications that may arise.

Treatment programmes: Depending on the level of alcohol dependence, in- or outpatient treatment is available.

Inpatient treatment is for patients with severe AUD. It lasts for 30 to 90 days with regular supervision and counselling. Patients must stay in the treatment centre.

Outpatient therapy requires patients to be present only during the treatment hours and they are free to continue with their life.

Other programmes: Treatment centres offer various programmes and activities for complete healing.

Programmes to teach coping skills, relapse education, individual counselling, group counselling, behavioural therapies and many others are available to help the patient get better.

Aftercare: Many patients suffer a relapse after being discharged from a treatment centre.

It is essential to follow up with aftercare programmes, such as 12-step meetings, support group counselling, seeing a therapist, psychological therapy and others.

Staying dedicated to one’s goals will help prevent the chances of a relapse.

Alcohol dependence can be dealt with if treated with the help of professionals. Consult a treatment centre to get sober without complications and lead a normal life.

Dennis Relojo-Howell is the founder of Psychreg and host of The DRH Show. You can connect with him on Twitter @drelojo_howell

 

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