Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, is a condition that’s becoming more and more common in society and is having a huge impact on the mental and physical health of so many people. It affects health, relationships, finances and even just day-to-day functioning.
Recognising that there’s a problem is the first step before seeking help from residential rehab, counselling or a support group. For anyone in this position, or even for loved ones and friends around them, it can be a difficult time where lots of questions need to be asked.
One of those is often, can alcoholism be cured?
While that is the most common question, it’s also one of the more complex and to find the answer you’re looking for you need to understand what alcoholism is and its wider context…
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Alcoholism is a pattern of compulsive drinking that takes over a person’s life. It becomes their main priority and affects their day-to-day life from relationships to work and their physical and mental health.
It can manifest itself in various forms, from persistent drinkers to binge drinking at the weekend, but ultimately it’s a chronic disease that needs to be managed, but can’t necessarily be “cured”. That said, people can give it up and never return to it, enjoying a healthy and happy life moving forward in sobriety.
Can Alcoholism Be Cured?
Ultimately, alcoholism is a lifelong condition that cannot necessarily be cured. But at the same time that doesn’t mean you are going to suffer for the rest of your life either. By managing it effectively, lifelong sobriety is possible, but it requires commitment, support and effort along the way.
It’s all about getting the right coping mechanisms and support systems in place to ensure you aren’t turning to substances at key trigger points, instead turning to healthier alternatives.
Treatment Options for Alcoholism
Treatment options to get to that point can come in many forms, with rehab and counselling among the most effective. Typically getting to the recovery stage will involve a combination of medical, psychological and behavioural interventions, which include:
1. Detoxification and Medical Treatment
The first step is to go through the detox process, which is a period of time where you let the alcohol and its toxins flush out of your system. Often medical supervision is required here, particularly for more severe cases, as various withdrawal symptoms can affect people, from nausea to seizures and delerium tremens in more extreme cases.
2. Therapy and Counselling
The next step is to get therapy and counselling, which helps people address the root causes of addiction, as well as finding coping mechanisms and effective management of the condition. There are a range of therapies that people can undertake, with it all dependent on what suits them best. Although commonly cognitive behavioural therapy is most effective.
3. 12-Step Programme
Launched in the 1930s, the 12-step programme is one of the most widely used methods in recovery and is a group based approach that involves a series of steps for people to work through, with the idea being it’ll put them on the pathway to sobriety.
4. Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation programmes can be either inpatient (residential) or outpatient, depending on the severity of the alcohol use disorder and the individual’s needs. Inpatient rehab offers a structured environment where individuals can focus on their recovery without distractions, while outpatient programmes allow individuals to continue with daily responsibilities while receiving treatment and support.
Long-Term Recovery and Relapse Prevention
While the medical community may be divided on whether alcoholism can be fully 'cured'; long-term recovery is achievable for many individuals. The key to successful recovery often lies in consistent treatment and lifestyle changes. Building a strong support network, establishing healthy coping mechanisms, and addressing any underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, are crucial to maintaining sobriety.
Relapse is a common part of the recovery journey. Many individuals will experience setbacks or periods of temptation. It’s important to understand that relapse does not signify failure; rather, it’s an opportunity to learn and reinforce the commitment to recovery. Ongoing therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes can help individuals regain their footing after a relapse and continue their progress.