What are the Best Alcohol Treatments?

The most important thing to remember when it comes to alcohol addiction treatment is that no one treatment will work best for everybody. The best type of treatment and approach for each individual depends on the underlying cause of their alcohol abuse, their personality, and their background. While there may not be a one size fits all approach to alcohol treatment, there are a few treatment methods to follow that tend to get the best results. Here are a few tips to get the best alcohol treatment for someone who struggles with alcoholism.

Honest One-on-One Feedback From a Medical Professional

One of the most effective treatments for alcoholism is also one of the simplest. If the addict agrees, having them sit down with a medical or mental health professional for a one-on-one session can be incredibly instructive. These sessions should be an opportunity for both sides to have an honest and unfiltered conversation about addiction. However, the professional should try to avoid sounding confrontational or judgmental.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a therapeutic strategy that has proven effective with alcoholics over time. In this treatment method the therapist searches to uncover the underlying thought process patients go through when they try to quit drinking or when they succumb to alcoholism and drink. The focus is on empowering the patient, so they come to conclusions on their own instead of having someone tell them why they act the way they do.

Alcoholism Medication Like Acamprosate

FDA-approved medications like acamprosate, have shown potential as an effective treatment method when used as an adjunct to standard treatment. The medication works to stabilize chemical signals in the brain that become altered due to alcohol withdrawal. While medication should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for alcohol use disorder, research demonstrates that it can be very efficacious when paired with counseling.

Community Reinforcement Approach

Community Reinforcement Approach is another therapeutic technique used to help individuals overcome alcohol addiction. The goal of this type of therapy is to try to establish positive reinforcements for sobriety and negative reinforcements for drinking alcohol. This approach also focuses on establishing patient goals that are realistic to accomplish on the path to sobriety.

Alcohol Research Trials

Research Trials are an excellent way to get the latest and greatest medication and treatment to fight alcoholism. Clinical research studies allow participants to get cutting-edge treatment for free, along with alcohol counseling sessions with people who understand the science behind addiction.

Clinical Research Studies for Alcoholics at The Pearson Center

The Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research in San Diego is currently running a clinical research study for those who abuse alcohol or are addicted to alcohol. If you are looking for effective treatment for alcoholism, contact us today to sign up for a research study. Give us a call at (858) 784-7867.