Global Health Asia-Pacific Special Issue | Page 95

and the drinker ’ s immune system are also severely compromised when coping with many years of heavy alcohol abuse .
Causes of alcohol addiction The precise cause is unknown , but it is influenced by a number of circumstances , including :
• genetics and those who have a family history of alcohol abuse , including parents and siblings ; these account for 50 to 60 percent of those who develop alcohol addiction
• those who use other substances of abuse , such heroin or cocaine , have a threefold increased risk of developing alcohol addiction compared to non-users
• victims of physical or sexual abuse are three times more likely to develop alcoholism .
• those who suffer from depression
Treatment options for alcohol addiction There are numerous accessible alcohol addiction treatment alternatives . Some of those struggling with alcohol addiction may decide to seek assistance from their primary care physician who can advise them of available treatments and direct them to specialists for additional assessment .
Others can select a residential treatment centre that offers a secure , round-the-clock , and disciplined setting for recovery . Both inpatient and outpatient treatment options for alcohol addiction treatment are widely available . While outpatient alcohol addiction treatment allows patients to regularly attend support groups and individual therapy sessions , residential or inpatient alcohol addiction treatment includes staying at the facility for an extended length of time in order to undergo intensive treatment .
Participation in an Alcoholics Anonymous ( AA ) programme is another effective treatment for alcoholism . AA is a support organisation that uses peer support and spiritual principles based around giving back and being of service to help addicts recover . AA does not offer professional treatment or medical care .
Hospitals , clinics , and rehabilitation centres are just a few of the facilities that offer inpatient and outpatient treatment programmes , which differ in terms of the daily population they serve , the duration , and the level of medical supervision they offer .
The most effective treatment for alcoholism is enrollment in an inpatient or residential treatment programme , which has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse by 50 to 90 percent .
Getting started with alcohol addiction treatment The recommended course of action for treating alcoholism is to undergo a medically supervised detoxification process , which is then followed by a thorough psychological examination and inpatient
The most effective treatment for alcoholism is enrollment in an inpatient or residential treatment programme
therapy that a facility like The Cabin offers .
Detox can be handled by some residential alcohol addiction treatment facilities , and their trained and skilled addiction specialists can provide evidencebased treatment approaches that ensure long-term sobriety and success in overcoming alcohol addiction .
The first step is making the decision to seek treatment and making that call for help .
Helping a loved one who needs alcohol addiction treatment There are numerous ways to support a loved one who is struggling with alcoholism . First , educate yourself as much as you can on alcohol addiction , the signs , symptoms , and even treatment options . There are a lot of useful online resources . You can also consult a professional who specialises in addiction .
Practice your exact response before approaching a loved one about their alcohol abuse . Be uplifting and supportive when broaching the subject and try not to be critical . Approach the discussion with candour , compassion , and an open ear whilst trying to offer genuine support .
This article was produced by The Cabin , a rehabilitation centre in Thailand that offers programmes to treat alcoholism and has outpatient centres in Singapore , Hong Kong , Sydney , and London .
The first step is making the decision to seek treatment and making that call for help .
GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com ISSUE 6 | 2022
93