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Originally Posted On: https://www.marylandrecovery.com/blog/modern-treatments-alcohol-use-disorders

Innovative Approaches in Treating Alcoholism: A Modern Perspective

Alcoholism is hardly a newly discovered condition. The terms alcoholism and alcoholic were first used in the mid-1800s, but people have been experiencing the difficulties alcohol can cause for far longer. In fact, ancient Romans documented excessive alcohol consumption, and repeated or constant states of inebriation were even described as a type of insanity.

While we’ve been aware of the problems alcohol can cause for centuries, experts in the modern era continue to refine treatments for alcoholism. Now, we refer to continued alcoholism as an alcohol use disorder and recognize that it is, in fact, a disorder. Modern treatment focuses on treating alcohol use disorder using a comprehensive series of innovative approaches.

Learn more about modern treatments for alcohol use disorders.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is considered a brain disorder and is characterized by the inability of the individual to control alcohol consumption regardless of the adverse effects it may cause in their life. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) may be mild initially, but it typically progresses to the point where the person feels as if they cannot function normally without alcohol.

Eventually, the brain becomes accustomed to operating in the presence of alcohol, affecting communication pathways, reflexes, and more, causing negative side effects known as withdrawals when alcohol is removed. AUD can lead to neuron death and affect brain pathways, leading to issues with memory, cognition, mood, decision-making, impulse control, and more. Alcohol can also cause physical health issues like high blood pressure, liver damage, kidney damage, and more.

Unfortunately, this disorder is not uncommon. According to a 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 28.8 million people ages 18 and over had AUD in 2021. Risk factors for alcohol use disorder can include genetics, a family history of the disorder, and other mental health conditions. Some of the symptoms of alcohol use disorder include drinking more or longer than you intend, attempting to stop drinking without success, continued drinking even though it has negative effects.

There are many current treatments for alcoholism in Maryland available for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder. Some of the most common forms of treatment are medications, behavioral treatments, and support groups. Because there is not one treatment that will work for everyone, new treatments must be tested and continue to evolve to meet the needs of those suffering from AUD.

The Evolution of Alcoholism Treatment

The treatment of alcoholism has a long history. As early as the seventeenth century, treatments involving spiritual practices and herbs were used as a means of bringing a person back to a healthy state. Unfortunately, when spiritualism gave way to more practical approaches, the common form of treatment was sending individuals to asylums to be kept from the outside world.

Disease Theory of Alcohol Use Disorder

Ideas about the treatment for AUD changed significantly, however, when a physician named Benjamin Rush considered alcoholism a disease rather than simply being part of a moral failure of the individual. As alcohol use disorders became more understood, the kinds of treatments available began to evolve.

When AUD was treated as a disease, new research-based treatment centers began to open. The first inpatient treatment center to open during the 1930s for substance use was the U.S. Narcotic Farm, located in Kentucky. Some of the first patients to undergo treatment there were several well-known jazz musicians of that time period.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) began in 1935 with its 12-step program.  The main purpose of AA is to help and support one another in defeating the destructive habits and compulsive behaviors of substance use disorder.

The twelve steps that aid the person in handling a substance use disorder include: 

• Conceding that they cannot fight the dependency on their own
• Having faith that a higher power can help them
• Allowing that higher power to have control in their life
• Examining the self for flaws
• Confessing any wrongdoing to the self, others, and their higher power
• Having the willingness to work on their flaws
• Requesting that flaws and failures be removed from their life

• Listing the wrongs they’ve committed in their lives, then trying to resolve those wrongs
• Reaching out to those they’ve hurt, unless doing so would cause further harm
• Continuing to become personally aware of their flaws, then being willing to admit them
• Finding a connection with their higher power through prayer and meditation
• Sharing the 12-step message to those who are in need of it

Today, Alcoholics Anonymous has a worldwide presence in about 180 countries, boasting over two million members. It remains a free resource for persons wanting to gain control over their alcohol use disorder.

Psychoanalysis and Substance Use

Another advancement in treatment came with the concept of psychoanalysis, a theory developed by Sigmund Freud. This theory posited that unhealthy substance use could be associated with psychological issues that the individual wasn’t even aware of. With an awareness of these new ideas came experimentation with treatments based on the psychological issues that are associated with a dependency on substance use.

Treatment Centers and Treatment Organizations

As treatments continued to evolve, the use of holistic and integrated approaches was implemented due to the need to resolve the psychological, social, and physical factors that are tied to substance use disorders. Starting in the 1970s, more treatment centers and organizations were established, such as The Betty Ford Clinic, Rational Recovery, and Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS).

Modern Approaches to Treating Alcoholism

The evolution of treatments for substance use disorders and alcoholism shows the need for a deeper understanding and further research in regard to behaviors associated with these disorders. Those who continue to experiment and research the holistic and integrative approaches help to advance the effectiveness of treatments.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (or MAT) is a kind of treatment that combines the use of medication and therapy for those suffering from substance use disorders. The purpose of MAT is to return the brain to its normal functioning while also helping to relieve cravings and reduce withdrawals, minimizing the chances of relapse. In most cases, the more time spent in this treatment, the more effective it will be for the recovery process.

MAT uses several FDA-approved medications as part of the treatment process.

Below are a few of the most commonly used for treating alcohol disorders: 

• Acamprosate – This medication works more effectively for those who have already stopped consuming alcohol. It assists with balancing chemicals within the brain to help the person return to healthier functions. Additionally, it enhances emotions, gives the person better quality sleep, and helps decrease anxiety.
• Disulfiram – In an effort to keep a person from drinking alcohol, this medication delivers very unpleasant symptoms when taken before drinking. Symptoms that can occur are vomiting, breathing issues, and chest pains.
• Naltrexone – Instead of giving the person negative symptoms after taking this medication and drinking alcohol, the person will not feel any effects from drinking alcohol at all. Naltrexone’s function is to prevent the person from feeling any positive effects from drinking alcohol so that there is little reason to continue to consume it.

There are many benefits to using MAT for treating alcoholism, as it can reduce a person’s desire for alcohol, help them continue to refrain from using alcohol, and prevent dangerous withdrawals associated with alcohol detoxification. When MAT is used in conjunction with counseling, patients experience significant improvements in clinical outcomes in the 12 months following the treatment. Additionally, it was found that fewer people needed to undergo further mental health treatment after completing MAT. MAT continues to be used and evaluated in AUD treatment.

Behavioral Therapies and Counseling

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is frequently a component of modern treatments for alcohol use disorders. CBT is often used to help with anxiety as well as substance use disorders. It is a common type of psychotherapy that helps a person connect their thoughts to their behaviors. Once that connection is made, behavior can change. CBT has been found to be effective, especially when used with Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Contingency Management (CM).

MI and CM

Motivational Interviewing can be seen as a unique way of staging an intervention. Rather than simply instructing the person how to change their behaviors, helpful information is given only when requested. It is typically integrated with CBT to increase the individual’s motivation and help reinforce everything they are learning during treatment. Contingency management is a systematic therapy that reinforces positive behavior and disincentivizes negative behavior.

Individual and Group Therapies

Additionally, therapy for the entire family can prove to be effective for the healing and recovery process as it provides additional support for the individual struggling with AUD. Al-Anon, a group for families and friends of persons suffering from alcohol use disorder, can be helpful whether or not the affected person attends Alcoholics Anonymous. Al-Anon believes that increasing the family’s knowledge about the disease can aid in the recovery process.

Group therapy is also extremely important for people with AUD as it reminds the individual that they are not alone in their struggles. Participation in these types of therapies can help a person stick with treatment for alcohol use disorder, as well as decrease the chances of relapse in the future.

Holistic and Integrated Approaches

A holistic approach to the treatment of alcoholism considers all aspects of a person, such as their physical, emotional, and spiritual facets. This approach suggests that all of these aspects of the self must be restored for true healing to take place. A holistic approach considers how the mind and body work together, as well as determining and treating underlying contributing factors, rather than just the symptoms.

This kind of approach to treatment empowers the individual to make changes in their health and in their life. Some of the important factors of the holistic approach involve continuous outpouring of love from supporters to help throughout the healing process, focusing on the person and not their disorder, and treating the root issue rather than just the symptoms of the disease.

Several practices are associated with holistic approaches. 

• Yoga can improve mind and body wellness, and it can even help a person release some inner trauma.
• Nutrition therapy can be another valuable treatment. It focuses on eliminating poor dietary choices in exchange for healthy food, which then can affect their overall health.
• Art therapy is a great way to express a person’s emotions creatively, connect with their inner thoughts, and even connect with others who are struggling with an alcohol use disorder.
• Music therapy also helps a person connect with themselves by playing an instrument, listening, or even through dance.

The holistic approach can complement traditional forms of treatment. It can give a person a tangible way to begin to feel better and experience real healing. It is also a creative and unique way for an individual to undergo treatment that may be more effective than traditional treatments.

The Addition of Research-Based Therapies to Address Co-Occurring Disorders

The integrative approach also uses evidence-based research strategies for alcohol use disorders and mental health therapy. This may include individual, group, and even family therapies, all of which are thoroughly described above. It also incorporates a balance of this therapy with creativity and flexibility for the person’s specific needs.

Just as important as these approaches is understanding how alcohol use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders relate to each other. Further knowledge of these two issues can help create more integrated approaches to help lead to recovery. Because alcohol use disorders and mental health issues are commonly associated with each other, dual diagnosis treatment is a solution for treating both issues at one time.

After utilizing these approaches in their treatment, many have found the support, encouragement, and knowledge to allow them to begin their journey of recovery and stay on that path. For those who have once lost all hope that anything could ever change, wholeness can be found again when both mind and body are restored.

Technology and Telehealth in Alcoholism Treatment

Advancements in technology have been extremely beneficial in all areas of healthcare, including AUD treatment. Telehealth was once a novelty approach utilized by a few physicians, but after COVID-19, it has become a mainstay. Access to healthcare can now be as simple as using an app or an online platform for therapy sessions. Additionally, a person’s progress can be monitored online, and support can be found in online support groups.

Because of this accessibility, treatment is more readily available to everyone. In fact, treatment is literally at a person’s fingertips, giving everyone the convenience to find the healthcare solutions that are right for them.

Support Systems and Aftercare

If an individual hopes to remain on the path to recovery, it is critical to seek continuous support to ensure that they are staying on the right path. Self-care is also important as a way of staying in tune with what their mind and body need to stay healthy. Getting involved in a sober living home, alumni programs, and community support groups are essential to maintaining healthy living patterns and recovery.

Developing a plan of action to prevent relapses is also important. No one leaves alcohol treatment planning to relapse, but it often happens. The important thing is having a plan in place that will help guide the person back to recovery.

The Need for Innovative Approaches to Treating Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a disease that affects millions of people. Treatments must be available to everyone based on their unique needs, as one form of treatment will not be effective for all. Integrating modern methods as research gives further knowledge of treating alcoholism, which will allow more people to find healing and recovery.

Whether you are looking for alcoholism treatment in Maryland or additional resources, follow the Maryland Recovery blog. There, you can learn more about Maryland Recovery’s innovative, affordable treatment programs, which can help you or your loved one on a journey to recovery. Please contact us now to get in touch with our experienced treatment team.

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