How do Psychiatrists Treat Alcoholism?

Introduction

Alcoholism, also called alcohol addiction, is a chronic, relapsing disease that is characterised by the compulsive use of alcohol, despite it having severe negative consequences. It involves an inability to manage drinking habits and is commonly referred to as an alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is organised into three categories: 

• Mild: 2-3 symptoms present
• Moderate: 4-5 symptoms present
• Severe: 6 or more symptoms present

How does alcohol work in the body?

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down or reduces your ability to think clearly. When you drink alcohol, it acts as a stimulus on the brain and triggers the release of dopamine in certain areas of the brain. Dopamine is the primary driver of the brain's reward system, which spikes when we experience something pleasurable. It also increases the production of GABA (a neurotransmitter)—which can temporarily make you feel good.

The problem with this process is that over time, it can have negative effects on your body as well as your mind: weight loss occurs; dehydration sets in; breathing becomes laboured; mood swings happen more frequently than normal; sometimes nausea sets in if alcohol is consumed on an empty stomach. 

It can be difficult for some people who have been dependent on alcohol for many years, to quit cold turkey without medical supervision. Once they stop, withdrawal symptoms set in. This may include shaking hands and feeling anxious/nervous when around others who have been drinking regularly throughout their lives; sweating profusely even though it's not hot outside; having trouble sleeping at night due to anxiety & nervousness, and an overwhelming urge to drink again. 

What are the symptoms of alcohol addiction?

The symptoms of alcoholism are similar to those experienced by patients with other substance abuse concerns. 

Symptoms of alcoholism include:

• Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• Wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do so
• Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from alcohol use
• Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol
• Failing to fulfil major obligations at work, school or home due to repeated alcohol use
• Continuing to drink alcohol though it's causing physical, social, work or relationship problems
• Giving up or reducing social activities and hobbies to use alcohol
• Using alcohol in situations where it's not safe, such as when
• Developing a tolerance to alcohol so you need more to feel its effect or you have a reduced effect from the same amount

How Psychiatrists Can Help

Treatment for alcoholism is a multifaceted process that can include psychotherapy, medication and detoxification. Some psychiatrists may also recommend other treatment strategies like self-help groups or rehabilitation for some time.

Detoxification

Detoxification is the first step in treating alcoholism and can be accomplished through medication or a medically-monitored withdrawal process. It involves gradually reducing alcohol intake over time until you are completely sober. There is no set length for detoxification - it can take several days to several weeks. 

Detoxification should only be done under medical supervision by a qualified physician or psychiatrist who has experience with alcoholism treatment programs, and knows how best to help patients recover from addiction (and avoid relapse). While detoxing, one should abstain from drinking for several days before starting therapy sessions. A psychiatrist can help you decide which type of programme works best for them based on their specific needs. 

Medications 

Psychotropic medication is a type of medication used to treat alcoholism. Psychotropic medication works by adjusting a number of major chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. There are five main types of psychotropic medication: antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilisers. Some people with alcohol use disorder also exhibit other mental health problems, such as schizophrenia, depression or anxiety that require specific medication. Other medicinal approaches include a drug called disulfiram, which may help prevent you from drinking by producing a physical reaction that may include flushing, nausea, vomiting and headaches.

Naltrexone, a drug that blocks the good feelings alcohol causes, may prevent heavy drinking and reduce the urge to drink. Another medication called Acamprosate may help you combat alcohol cravings once you stop drinking. 

Therapy

Talk therapies are psychological treatments for mental and emotional problems like stress, anxiety, depression, alcoholism and more. Psychiatrists can also treat alcoholism using a variety of different methods, including

• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that involves talking with a psychiatrist or psychologist about your problems. The goal is to help you understand yourself better and improve your relationships with others. Psychotherapy also helps you deal with any emotional or mental health concerns that might be contributing to alcohol dependency. Your doctor may use techniques like Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) in order to help you identify the emotional triggers that cause you to drink too much and develop strategies for addressing those problems without alcohol consumption in mind.
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): This type of therapy focuses on changing how people think about themselves and their surroundings in order to reduce negative behaviours, such as drinking too much alcohol or having trouble controlling impulses associated with drinking too much alcohol. It can be used alone or combined with other types of treatment depending on what works best for each individual’s situation. It is also one way in which psychiatrists help patients change unhealthy habits if they're unable to quit drinking entirely due to factors like depression or other mental illnesses. 
• Self-help groups: If individual sessions don't work for you or if your family isn't supportive of your recovery efforts, your psychiatrist may ask you to consider joining a 12-step programme like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These organisations offer support groups where members share experiences with one another while also learning coping skills that can help them remain sober over time—even after they've successfully recovered from their addiction problem.

Conclusion

Alcoholism is a complex disease, but with the right support and medication, you can overcome it. 

If you're concerned about a loved one who drinks too much, reach out to a psychiatrist experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person.