Welcome to the topic, “Diagnosis and Treatment for Alcoholism”.

Diagnosis

You’re possibly to start by seeing your family health care professional. If your doctor finds that you have an issue because of alcohol, you may be suggested to visit a mental health expert/doctor.

To evaluate your problem with alcohol, your healthcare professional will likely:

•       Ask some questions about drinking habits: The doctor may ask you to speak with your friends or family members. However, secrecy laws prevent your doctor from giving out any personal information without your consent.
•       Perform a physical examination: Your doctor may do a physical examination and ask some questions about your physical health. Several physical signs show problems with alcohol use.
•       Suggest imaging tests and lab tests: While there are no definite tests to diagnose alcohol use disorder (AUD), certain forms of lab test results may intensely suggest it. And you may require tests to identify health issues that may be associated with your alcohol abuse. Damage to several organs may be shown on tests.
•       Complete a psychological assessment: This assessment includes questions about thoughts, feelings, symptoms, and behavior patterns. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire to help answer some questions

Treatment

Alcoholism treatment may vary, depending on the addict’s needs. Treatment may include individual or group counseling, a brief intervention, an outpatient program, or an inpatient residential stay.

Treatment for disorders associated with alcoholism may include:

• Detox and withdrawal:

  Treatment may start with detoxification — a withdrawal that’s managed medically. It is also called detox; this normally takes 2-7 days. You may require taking sedating medicines to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Detox is commonly done at a rehab center or a hospital.

•       Psychological counseling:

  Therapy and counseling for individuals and groups help you better recognize your issues with alcohol and assist recovery from the psychological side of alcohol use. You may get an advantage from family or couples therapy — family support can be an essential part of the recovery course.

•       Oral medications:

  A drug called disulfiram can help you leave drinking, although it won’t treat alcohol use disorder or eliminate the urge to drink. If you use alcohol while taking disulfiram, the drug creates a physical reaction that may contain nausea, vomiting, flushing, and headaches.

• Naltrexone, a drug that stops the pleasure feelings alcohol causes, may avoid heavy drinking and lessen the urge to drink. Acamprosate may support you combat alcohol cravings once you leave drinking. Unlike disulfiram, acamprosate and naltrexone don’t make you ill after taking a drink.

•       Injected medication:

  Vivitrol, a type of the drug naltrexone, is injected after every month by a health care provider. Although related medicines can be taken in pill form, the injectable type of drug may be easier for individuals recovering from AUD to use constantly.

•       Treatment for psychological issues:

  AUD commonly arises along with other mental health issues. If you have anxiety, depression, or other mental health issue, you should take therapy (psychotherapy), medicines, or other treatment.

  

•       Medical treatment for health conditions:

  Numerous alcohol-related health issues improve expressively once you stop drinking. But some health issues may warrant constant treatment and also follow-up care.