Alcohol addiction is a complicated brain disorder that needs medical treatment for the best intervention.  

Usually, the first and best step of treating alcohol addiction is for the individual to accept that they are addicted. When the individual acknowledges this fact, it becomes easier for the counselor and therapist to take over.

Here are the common but effective treatment for alcohol addiction

• Detoxification

Detoxification is an important inclusion in treating alcohol addiction. It is the process of removing toxins build-ups in the body, that accumulated because of drinking alcohol, or taking drugs.

When you enter for alcohol addiction treatment, and you stop drinking, you will need to undergo detoxification.

Without detoxification, some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms are likely to happen that will force the addict to return to their addiction. Doctors will keep an eye on the individual during detoxification to ensure the symptoms are properly managed.

• Inpatient addiction treatment

If you have been heavily reliant on alcohol, inpatient addiction treatment is the best option. This addiction treatment type requires addict to remain full time at the detoxification center or hospital. The individual will receive any help they need during their withdrawal.

• Outpatient addiction treatment

Outpatient addiction treatment is the opposite of the inpatient option. Individuals in this category are alcohol addicts but their cases are not too chronic. Therefore, they receive treatment during the day or night depending on their schedule.

• Medications

It is important to mention that no medication can completely cure alcohol addiction. However, some of them are quintessential to recovery.

They help withdrawal symptoms become mild as you recover. Depending on the severity of the addiction, the individual will take drugs for their addiction recovery as prescribed by the doctor.

• Counseling

Counseling is an integral aspect of alcohol addiction treatment. The counselor helps the individual uncover the root cause of their addiction, and provides all the support they need to get better. More so, the counselor provides post-recovery strategies that helps the individual during the aftercare period.

Alcohol addiction is the most complicated drinking problem because, the individual has the strong desire to keep drinking. People suffering from alcohol addiction will give drinking the highest priority in their lives.

If you are suspecting that someone you know is addicted, here are some signs to watch out for:

• Loss of interest in regular activities

If you have someone whose interest suddenly begins to decline in things they previously enjoyed, they might be addicted to alcohol. You will notice that they spend their time doing some unknown activities, while the former ones will be lying fallow.

• They appear intoxicated

Have you noticed that they look tipsy or mildly drunk anytime you encounter them? It is a big sign that they are addicted.

Another way to confirm this, is to come close to them, and try to perceive the odor coming from their mouth. If the smell is alcohol-like, then they are addicted to drinking.

• Always appearing tired or ill

If they regularly complain that they are tired or feeling unwell, they might be addicted to alcohol. After drinking several bottles, it becomes difficult for them to have proper rest.

When they eventually sleep, they wake up feeling tired, weak and sometimes, sick. If this happens almost all the time, they are struggling with alcohol addiction.

• Mental health problems

Anxiety, depression and other mental health issues are often associated with alcohol addiction. Individuals suffering from these mental health problems usually rely on alcohol to get temporary relief. The downside is, their mental health problems decline as their alcohol addiction problem worsens.

• Isolation

Alcohol addicts do not fancy the company of other people. Even individuals who they use to hang out with will notice their absence.

Usually, alcohol addicts prefer their own company because they feel that they could get caught. So, keeping to themselves helps them stay unnoticed.

If you suspect anyone is addicted to alcohol, or any substance, you can suggest treatment for them to get their lives on track.