What are the treatments for alcohol use disorder?
There are several treatment methods for people with alcohol use disorder. Examples of medical treatment include behavioral therapy and drugs. Your doctor may recommend using both methods to get the best result. You can also get a support group if you are struggling with AUD. One of the most popular support groups for people suffering from this disorder is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
People with alcohol use disorder and mental disorders should be treated for both conditions. Your doctor may recommend intensive treatment. You may have to go to a residential treatment center for rehabilitation, where the treatment is highly structured. Intensive treatment may include drugs for detox (clinical treatment for alcohol withdrawal) [1].
The primary purpose of treatment for AUD includes improving symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in the short term and then killing alcohol cravings in the long term.
It is important to note that the recovery period for AUD is different for everyone. If your disorder is severe, you may have to be on drugs for a lifetime. Your doctor may advise you to completely stay away from alcohol during recovery.