Is There A Cure For Alcoholism?

Can Alcoholism Be Cured?

Alcoholism, an informal term used to describe an alcohol use disorder (AUD), can be successfully treated, but using the term “cured” can lead to misunderstanding.

An alcohol use disorder is a chronic brain condition in which a person loses the ability to control their alcohol use, even when faced with social, professional, or health consequences. Alcohol misuse can cause severe and permanent changes in the brain, which make it difficult to stop drinking on your own.

Like other chronic medical conditions, a person who develops AUD will require ongoing effort to manage their symptoms and prevent relapse, so there is no complete “cure for alcoholism.” That is why people with addiction and addiction professionals most often refer to successful abstinence as being “in recovery.”

Even if it has been decades since a person’s last drink, a person with AUD will often require vigilance and ongoing involvement with recovery groups or services to maintain abstinence. But, with engagement in addiction treatment services, a person can successfully manage their AUD and live an otherwise fulfilling life despite their diagnosis.

How To Treat Alcoholism

Looking for a quick “cure” for an alcohol addiction will likely not result in long-term success. Instead, those seeking recovery must commit to a treatment and aftercare plan designed by professionals.

Treatment for AUDs and other substance use disorders (SUDs) occurs along a spectrum, depending on the severity of the addiction and the personal needs of each patient. Alcohol addiction is a complex disorder, and the needs of each patient vary. However, most patient needs are met through involvement with one or more of the following services or interventions:

• Medical detox
• Inpatient treatment programs
• Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization programs
• Outpatient treatment programs
• Aftercare involvement

As a person progresses in recovery, they may transition from one level of care to another. Treatment programs at every level may vary in the specific services they offer. Some may have an increased ability to manage co-occurring mental or medical conditions alongside addiction. Other programs may offer specialized tracks for specific populations, such as members of the LGBTQ+ community, men- or women-only groups, and veterans.

Medications For Alcoholism

Some people with alcohol addiction may benefit from the use of medications along their journey to recovery. While some may hope for medications to be “alcoholism cures”, available prescriptions can be supportive, but not completely get rid of a person’s AUD. During detox, a variety of medications may be used to minimize symptoms and keep a person safe. After detoxification, there are a few medications that can be used to support a person while they strive to maintain abstinence long-term:

• Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the brain receptors that are responsible for the rewarding effects of alcohol and cravings. It is available as a pill to take at home and also as a monthly injection administered by your physician.
• Acamprosate is a medication that works on the same receptor that usually interacts with alcohol. It has helped many patients with long-term withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and general feelings of dysphoria.
• Disulfiram works by inhibiting the complete breakdown of alcohol by the liver. If a person drinks alcohol while taking it, it leads to the accumulation of a by-product that causes an unpleasant reaction that includes flushed skin, nausea, and a racing heart. It is typically only effective in patients who are highly motivated or have another person keeping them accountable for taking it.

Treatment for alcohol addiction is individualized, so each person’s care plan will depend on their unique needs.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehabs offer housing and 24/7 treatment services for people enrolled in them. These programs may take place in residential or hospital settings. Inpatient programs are often well-suited for people with severe alcohol addiction, complicated medical histories, multiple mental health conditions, or little support at home. After a person is stabilized in an inpatient rehab program, it is often beneficial to transition to an outpatient program for continued recovery. Once a formal program at any level is completed, involvement in an aftercare program or support services is highly recommended.

Featured Treatment Centers Offering Treatment for Alcoholism

Is It Safe To Quit Alcohol Cold Turkey?

Quitting alcohol cold turkey can cause serious or life-threatening symptoms, including death. Though some people may successfully quit drinking without professional help, each person is different and may have unknown risk factors that increase their risk of danger during detox from chronic alcohol use.

Depending on how long and how heavily a person has been drinking, their body may exhibit varying levels of dependence upon alcohol. People who have drunk heavily for many years are at a greater risk of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly quit or significantly decrease their drinking. If a person has had previous episodes of alcohol withdrawal symptoms after trying to quit, they are at greater risk of severe symptoms. Other people who drink may only experience mild symptoms. The spectrum of symptoms experienced in alcohol withdrawal syndrome include:

Many of these symptoms can be life-threatening when severe.

Detox

When preparing to stop using alcohol, detox is the first step. Detoxification is the process by which a person’s body cleanses itself of toxins like alcohol. With chronic use, the body adapts to the presence of alcohol and learns to function in its presence. When alcohol is suddenly removed or reduced, the body must adjust again to its absence, which can result in withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced during detox.

Be wary of anyone that advises an at-home detox from alcohol with herbal remedies or magic pills. Detoxing from alcohol is not only uncomfortable but can also be deadly.

A medically managed detox conducted at an addiction treatment center or hospital offers services and medications that may minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse during detox. Enrolling in medical detox for AUD can prevent serious symptoms and the risk of death when quitting alcohol use.

Completing detox does not mean someone is “cured” from their alcohol addiction. They must continue through a treatment program to address their underlying issues and create a supportive recovery system.

Can I Relapse After Quitting?

Relapse is considered a part of the cycle of recovery. Not everyone relapses after quitting the first time. Still, it can take five or more years before the risk of relapse drops below 15% — the level of risk that an average person has of developing a SUD in their lifetime.

Rather than see relapse as a setback, it can be helpful to view it as an essential part of the recovery journey. Experiencing a relapse can help a person learn more about their triggers for use, give them opportunities to apply the coping mechanisms learned in therapy, and foster a renewed motivation for recovery.

What Types Of Aftercare Programs And Support Are Available?

Intentionally staying involved with addiction recovery support, also known as aftercare, can help minimize relapse. Recovery support could include formal aftercare programs facilitated by professional addiction services, informal relationships built in the community, and much in between. Many rehab centers will set patients up with aftercare as part of discharging them from a program. Treatment professionals help patients navigate aftercare options to find the right fit.

There are many types of aftercare programs and support available to help with addiction recovery. Some examples include:

• Mutual aid groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), are community-based gatherings that provide community, structure, accountability, and flexibility around varying schedules. These support groups, and particularly those that use the 12-step model, have proven beneficial to people struggling with alcohol misuse for more than 60 years.
• Recovery coaches help people connect with community services and address any difficulties that could hinder their recovery. Coaches may be volunteers or paid professionals and may or may not be in recovery themselves.
• Recovery-supportive housing, such as Sober Living or Oxford Houses, provide a place for people to have a substance-free home and mutual support from roommates who share a similar recovery journey.
• Recovery management with check-ins from professional therapists or addiction specialists, which require in-person appointments or telehealth.

There is no set amount of time for a person to stick with an aftercare program. For some, it becomes an ongoing aspect of their recovery.

Get Help For Alcohol Use Disorder

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, know that help is available. Treatment, whether it be inpatient or outpatient rehab, can help you take back your life and move towards a healthier, alcohol-free future. Call to speak with a treatment provider today to get started.