One can start visiting a doctor when they realize that they are starting to suffer from alcohol use disorder. If the doctor is suspicious about the person’s alcohol usage, the doctor may ask him/her to see a mental health professional.
In order to assess the problem with regards to alcohol, the doctor will check certain parameters, like:
- The doctor may inquire with the patient about their drinking habits by asking several questions. Further, the doctor may need permission to inquire with friends and members of the family. Bound by the laws of confidentiality, the doctor is prevented from giving out the patient’s information without the permission of the patient.
- The doctor may conduct a physical exam and inquire about the health of the patient. There are several physical signs that suggest the complications associated with the usage of alcohol.
- There is no reliable test that can diagnose the presence of alcohol use disorder. But there are patterns of abnormalities that are observed in tests conducted in the laboratory that may suggest that the person is suffering from the disorder. There is also a need for tests that can detect issues related to the health of the person that is linked with the usage of alcohol. The test will also reveal if there is any damage caused to the organs.
- There are psychological evaluations that may be conducted, which will include questions related to the person’s behavioral patterns, feelings, thoughts, and symptoms. In order to get answers to these questions, the person may be asked to complete a questionnaire.
The alcohol use disorders have varying treatments based on the needs of the person. The treatment for this disorder may involve a small intervention, group or individual counseling, residential inpatient stay, or outpatient program. Working on preventing the usage of alcohol can improve the quality of life, which is the main goal of every treatment program.
A detoxification program
The main step for patients suffering from this disorder is to start with the program of detoxification, which means the person needs to withdraw, and this can be managed medically. Detox can take a few days. In order to prevent the symptoms of withdrawal, the person may need to take sedatives. This treatment program is done at the hospital or the inpatient treatment center.
Establishing a plan for the treatment and learning skills mostly involves specialists in alcohol treatment. This treatment program can include setting goals, techniques of changing the behavior, using self-help manuals and visits at the treatment center for counseling, and following up.
The therapy and counseling sessions with individuals and groups help the person to understand their problems associated with alcohol better as well as providing adequate recovery support from the psychological aspect of the usage of alcohol. The person may benefit from family or couple therapies as the support provided by the families are an essential component in the process of recovery from alcohol use disorder.
