The Sinclair Method is the standard treatment protocol for alcohol dependence in Finland, the method is also used in the U.K., but the method has yet to catch on in the United States. We surveyed 2,136 American adults who either wanted to stop drinking alcohol or had already tried to (successfully or not). Funding for the study was provided by the Heffter Research Institute and individual donations from Carey and Claudia Turnbull, Dr. Efrem Nulman, Rodrigo Niño, and Cody Swift. None of these organizations were involved in funding the current study. Among the other key findings, the study showed that 8 months after their first dose, almost half (48 percent) of those who received psilocybin stopped drinking altogether compared with 24 percent of the placebo group. Unlike cocaine or heroin, alcohol is widely available and accepted in many cultures.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), in 2015, 15.1 million American adults (6.2 percent of the population) had an alcohol use problem. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process. Mental health and wellness tips, our latest guides, resources, and more.

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They can be particularly useful in locations with few addiction health professionals. There are even accredited, all-telehealth alcohol treatment programs. Just as some people with diabetes or asthma may have flare-ups of their disease, a relapse to drinking can be seen as a temporary setback to full recovery and not a complete failure. Seeking professional help can prevent relapse—behavioral therapies can help people develop skills to avoid and overcome triggers, such as stress, that might lead to drinking. Most people benefit from regular checkups with a treatment provider. Medications also can deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk of relapse (e.g., divorce, death of a family member).

Outpatient settings often provide many of the same services that inpatient programs do, but with the flexibility to return home after treatment each day. Alcohol addiction remains one of the most common substance use disorders in the United States, with https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/15-benefits-of-the-alcohol-free-lifestyle/ almost a quarter of the adult population meeting the criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Fortunately, the amount of treatment options for alcohol addiction has increased significantly in recent years to help assist with this growing concern.

Inpatient Rehab

As an addiction tends to get worse over time, it’s important to look for early warning signs. If identified and treated early, someone with an alcohol addiction may be able to avoid major consequences of the disease. If you or someone you know is living with an AUD, the good news is that there are many different treatment options, and your doctor can help you choose the best one for you.

Impaired coordination and poor judgment due to the influence of alcohol can also elevate a person’s risk for physical injuries. It is believed that the main reason the Sinclair Method has not caught on in the U.S. is two-fold. In 1948, Danish researchers trying to find treatments for parasitic stomach infections discovered the alcohol-related effects of disulfiram when they too alcohol addiction treatment became ill after drinking alcohol. The researchers began a new set of studies on using disulfiram to treat alcohol dependence. According to research, medications seem to be a positive part of the most effective combination for treatment for alcohol use disorders. This type of program may not be ideal for those with relatively severe cases of addiction or co-occurring disorders.

Why consider getting alcohol addiction treatment at Rio Vista Behavioral Health in El Paso, TX

You may be worried about your loved one’s health, confused about what led to this issue, concerned about their future, and possibly angry about their behavior. In 2001, David Sinclair, PhD, a researcher in Finland claimed an 80 percent cure rate for alcohol dependence when anti-alcohol drugs Revia or Vivitrol are prescribed according to his Sinclair Method. Dr. Sinclair’s research has been published in the peer-reviewed journals Alcohol and Alcoholism and the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology.

• The decision ultimately comes down to your availability and finances.
• Overcoming alcohol use disorder is an ongoing process, one which can include setbacks.
• The sooner you or a loved one gets help, the greater the chance for lasting sobriety.
• After the detox phase, the patient lives at the facility full-time while receiving therapy, group counseling, medication management, holistic therapies, and other services.
• Current methods to prevent excessive alcohol use and dependency include psychological counseling, supervised detoxification programs, and certain drug regimens that dampen cravings.

They may recommend detoxification, medication, or relapse prevention training. Once residential treatment is completed, many step down to outpatient levels of care to continue their recovery journey. Psychologists who are trained and experienced in treating alcohol problems can be helpful in many ways. Before the drinker seeks assistance, a psychologist can guide the family or others in helping to increase the drinker’s motivation to change. People with alcohol use disorders drink to excess, endangering both themselves and others. The FDA lists the following possible side effects for medicines to treat alcohol dependence and alcohol use disorder.

Here they will learn more about recovery principles and receive proper care from psychiatric professionals, therapists, and other medical providers. Less than half of individuals relapse after achieving one year of sobriety. That number reduces to less than 15% who relapse after five years of sobriety. For the greatest chance of long-term sobriety after completing an inpatient or outpatient program, you should participate in local support groups and continue with counseling. It will not only make a huge difference in your life, but also the lives of those around you such as family members and friends. Compared with placebo, it also significantly reduced craving as measured on an obsessive-compulsive–drinking scale.

Distance yourself from people who don’t support your efforts to stop drinking or respect the limits you’ve set. This may mean giving up certain friends and social connections. Let friends, family members, and co-workers know that you’re trying to stop or cut back on drinking. If they drink, ask them to support your recovery by not doing so in front of you. Most people with alcohol problems do not decide to make a big change out of the blue or transform their drinking habits overnight.