Wasted | Part 5
Treatment Options for Alcoholism and Other Addictions
There are a variety of factors that cause people to become addicted to drugs and alcohol: family history, mental health disorders, peer pressure, lack of family involvement, and early use. Codependency often exists in relationships where one person enables the destructive behavior of another.
As a recreational user in my youth and, later, a victim of emotional/verbal abuse from an alcoholic partner, I’ve seen the devastation that addiction wreaks on families. Codependency often exists when one person enables the destructive behavior of another.
This is Part 5 of a brief series on addiction. You can read the previous posts below:
Many thanks to new subscribers Precious O!
Upon leaving my alcoholic husband in 2006, I finally gave him the ultimatum that should have come years earlier.
Seek professional help immediately, or I file for divorce.
I realized in the late 80s that a shitty boss or working conditions did not cause Alan’s dark moods and angry outbursts. Until then, he blamed everything wrong in life on someone or something else.
The truth is he was depressed and conflicted regarding the sudden, unexpected death of his father and employer. I suspect he had spent his growing-up years trying to achieve his dad’s approval, something that didn’t come easily, if at all. He demanded damn near perfection from his employees and family. Anything less was viewed as a weakness.
His death came when we were 22, already sharing an apartment and enjoying life as a young working couple with no obligations other than earning a paycheck and having fun. Sadly, that fun always involved alcohol or drugs.
However, we were expecting our first child within a few short years. I gave up the party life, wanting a healthy baby and a more normal existence. I was tired of going out every night, standing three-deep at the bar, the noise, the smoke, and waking up hungover. It just wasn’t fun anymore.
Unfortunately, growing responsibilities, coupled with the unresolved tensions with his father, caused his drinking to increase.
Fast-forward 21 years to my departure. He called, sent flowers, and tried to convince me that he would ‘be better.’
By then, I understood that professional help was the only thing that could help him. There was no way he could do it on his own. He needed in-house treatment at a facility, probably for at least 30 days. Sadly, that didn’t happen.
Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorder
The following list contains treatments targeted explicitly at alcoholism but are used for other substances, as well.1
Recovery is different for everyone. It may require a combination of approaches to succeed.
Detox and withdrawal - Treatment may begin with a medically managed detoxification program. Sometimes called detox, this generally takes 2 to 7 days. The patient may need to take sedating medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Detox is usually done at an inpatient treatment center or a hospital.
Learning new skills and making a treatment plan - Involves goal setting, behavior change techniques, self-help manuals, counseling, and follow-up care at a treatment center.
Psychological counseling - Counseling/therapy for groups and individuals helps one better understand their problem with alcohol and supports recovery from the psychological aspects of alcohol use.
Oral medications - A drug called disulfiram may help prevent drinking, although it won't cure alcohol use disorder or remove the urge to drink. If one drinks alcohol while taking disulfiram, the drug produces a physical reaction that includes flushing, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. (For opioid addictions, there are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. For tobacco, there are nicotine patches, nasal sprays, gum or lozenge, bupropion, or varenicline.)
Injected medication - Vivitrol, a version of the drug naltrexone, is injected once a month by a health care professional. Although similar medication can be taken in pill form, the injectable version of the drug may be easier for people recovering from alcohol use disorder to use consistently.
Continuing support - Aftercare programs and support groups help people recovering from alcohol use disorder to stop drinking, manage relapses, and cope with necessary lifestyle changes.
Treatment for psychological problems - Alcohol use disorder commonly occurs along with other mental health disorders. If one has depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, they may need talk therapy (psychotherapy), medications, or other treatment.
Medical treatment for health conditions - Many alcohol-related health problems improve significantly once the drinking stops. However, some health conditions may warrant continued treatment and follow-up care.
Spiritual practice - People who are involved with some regular spiritual practice may find it easier to maintain recovery from alcohol use disorder or other addictions.
Addiction of all varieties has devastated so many families and relationships. If you haven’t experienced it in your immediate circle, you’ve likely seen it in extended family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc.
I wish I’d known long ago what I know today regarding addiction. Recovery comes down to the personal choice of the addict, but understanding it better would have eliminated a lot of self-recrimination and needless blame.
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Hugs. I’m sure it was so tough to leave and I’m so sorry you went through this. 🫶🏻 I hope your ex is okay too. 🥰