Addiction to alcohol impacts all aspects of a person’s life, their health, relationships, work, mental well-being, and self-esteem. Quitting drinking doesn’t have to be a “try harder situation.” Alcohol use disorder changes your brain’s chemistry, emotions, and patterns of behavior over time. That’s why I have a medication that is evidence-based in alcohol treatment; it helps a lot of people recover safely and sustainably.
Orlando Treatment Solutions’ approach to treatment incorporates a holistic treatment plan that looks at the physical and emotional aspects of addiction. Recovery is most successful when people are supported and an integral part of a program of recovery that has Medical direction, therapy, and compassion.
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a condition that can either be mild or severe. Causes difficulties regulating the drinking of alcohol if this is harmful. People with AUD may wish to quit drinking while experiencing drinking and not-drinking emotional and psychological triggers to drink and have “start and stop” drinking.
Alcohol impacts brain neurotransmitters responsible for the brain’s reward, stress and decision-making functions over time. It is why recovery is sometimes a lot more than just being motivated. An addiction is not a failure to have good morals or some sort of discipline. It’s a complicated health issue that can be best treated by professionals.
There are some common symptoms of AUD as follows:
- Drinks more alcohol than is intended
- Excessive desire to have drinks.
- Problem stopping after starting to drink
- Symptoms that occur when a person cuts back on alcohol
- The failure to perform various obligations because of drinking alcohol
- Persistent drinking even though health and/or continuing relationships are affected.
- Early diagnosis of these relationships may facilitate more successful treatment and help avoid problems later in life.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol?
Medication-assisted treatment for alcohol is one type of treatment that involves medications along with counseling, therapy and recovery support, which are all FDA-approved. It is meant to handle cravings, reduce withdrawal and assist with getting a person’s life back after addiction alongside dealing with the psychological and psychological aspects of the addiction.
“MAT does not “replace one addiction with another.'” Medications, on the other hand, play a hand in balancing the brain’s chemistry and in incorporating improved focus on the person’s healing. Those who doesn’t have cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can become too overwhelming and cause relapse? MAT serves to be an extra safe and less difficult period of recuperation.
The model of care is already well acknowledged in medicine, addiction and scientific research and there is strong evidence that it not only enhances the likelihood of retaining people in treatment, it also enhances their long-term recovery outcomes.
Professional help can make a difference.
👉 Contact Orlando Treatment Solutions for compassionate support.
Common Medications Used to Treat Alcoholism
A variety of drugs can be employed in alcohol addiction treatment. They all act in a different way, and the best choice will vary depending on an individual’s health history, drinking habits and recovery objectives.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone diminishes the rewarding effects of drinking and reduces cravings. Some may find they don’t enjoy alcohol as much while using this drug. Can be used every day as a pill or one injection a month.
Individuals who often experience cravings, or find themselves falling back into addiction from a dry spell may benefit from naltrexone.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate helps the brain get back to its normal function following someone’s last drink. It can help to minimize anxiety, insomnia and emotional discomfort in early recovery.
It’s often used to people who have gone through detox, and are seeking help to stay clean.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram is unlike other medications. It causes bad physical effects when a person drinks alcohol, such as nausea, flushing and vomiting.
Some of these impacts could enable people to avoid taking impetuous drinks for this reason. But, it does require a lot of encouragement and medical care.
Other Supportive Medications
During treatment, some other medications are also sometimes prescribed to help alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms and/or sleep difficulties and withdrawal symptoms. This is psychological help, an important component in successful long-term rehabilitation.
How MAT Supports Long-Term Recovery
No doubt among the most challenging parts about recuperating from alcohol will be the ability to avoid having a relapse during those rough spots or the emotions that make it happen. Desire manifests itself in strange ways, particularly in the early stages of recovery. MAT can reduce the urgency of these cravings, helping people to concentrate on the quest for health and wellness.
The following steps are usually part of a successful recovery:
Group counseling
Relapse prevention planning
Trauma-informed care
Mental health treatment
Healthy lifestyle development
The treatment experts at Orlando Treatment Solutions know every individual’s recovery journey is different. People appreciate being treated according to their personal needs and also not being judged.
Who is a Good Candidate for MAT?
MAT can help those who:
Have intense cravings to drink alcohol
Have relapsed several times
Have trouble with withdrawal symptoms
Need additional assistance during initial recovery phase
Tend to have mental health issues that occur together.
Pursuing a medically supported treatment plan
This professional evaluation helps determine the appropriateness of MAT. In some cases the medication is given to the individual as a temporary treatment or perhaps the individual may end up needing an extended medication remedy relying on their level of health.
Breaking the Stigma Around MAT
Sadly, there remains stigma and some avoid help and/or guidance. A large majority of people believe that if a person were on drugs then he/she wouldn’t be “sober.” In fact, MAT is medically accepted to be used for treatment and 30 years of studies support it.
Addiction causes changes in the brain and in its normal functioning. It is not to be construed that if a medication is required to aid in recovery, then its use is somehow different than medical treatment being required to help recovery from other chronic medical issues.
In the end, “shame” and “tough judgments” must not serve as a rubric for recovery. The ultimate objective has been to assist individuals to have a healthier car lifestyle, for it to be safer, and to be more stable.
The Importance of Therapy Alongside Medication
However, it’s not always enough that the medication is given on its own for the change to become permanent. Therapy is useful to figure out underlying feelings about the dependency, how to cope with it and how to get a sense of confidence back.
Counseling may address:
Anxiety and depression
Stress management
Relationship conflict
Self-esteem
Grief and loss
Unhealthy behavior patterns
A combo of therapy and medication can help people recover emotionally and from addiction.
Signs It May Be Time to Seek Professional Help
Some people do not seek treatment because they don’t think that their drinking is “serious enough.” However, early treatment will be helpful to prevent many other harmful consequences to health and/or emotional well-being.
If any of the following is present, it might be time to seek treatment:
Work or relationships suffer due to alcohol use
A person has mood swings or is depressed after drinking alcohol
They have made many attempts to quit unsuccessfully.
Withdrawal symptoms appear when not drinking
Family and friends are at a loss; they show concern.
It’s difficult to control intake of alcohol.
The assistance of professionals can enhance safety, decrease isolation and improve the effectiveness of recovery.
Start Your Recovery Journey Today
Alcohol addiction doesn’t have to be something that one person has to go through alone. The right structure, support and caring guidance during the treatment process can be helpful in the recovery process. Seek assistance if you don’t feel better, or if you know someone who might not.
Orlando Treatment Solutions provides customized addiction treatment programs, which help in healing at every point of recovery. Give a call today to find out more about the treatment alternatives and to start establishing a healthier future.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Help and a treatment plan are the way to recovery. Professional care can help you to get back on track and regain stability and confidence if alcohol is impacting your mental health, relationships, or life.
Contact Orlando Treatment Solutions today to learn about the evidence-based and compassionate treatment help you might receive to realize your recovery goals.
Ready to start healing?
📞 Call for confidential Complex Medication-Assisted Treatment.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding questions about alcohol use disorder or medication-assisted treatment.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is medication-assisted treatment for alcohol?
Medication-assisted treatment combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to help individuals recover from alcohol use disorder. It reduces cravings, supports emotional stability, and improves long-term recovery outcomes when paired with professional care.
What is the medication used to treat alcoholism?
Common medications include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. Each works differently to reduce cravings, discourage drinking, or stabilize brain chemistry during recovery. A medical provider determines the best option based on individual treatment needs.
What are the criteria for AUD?
Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed based on symptoms like cravings, loss of control, withdrawal symptoms, increased tolerance, and continued drinking despite harmful consequences. Severity depends on the number of symptoms experienced within a 12-month period.
What drug helps people drink less?
Naltrexone is one of the most commonly prescribed medications to help reduce alcohol cravings and decrease heavy drinking episodes. It works by blocking the rewarding effects alcohol has on the brain’s pleasure pathways.
Who is a good candidate for MAT?
Individuals with repeated relapses, strong cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or co-occurring mental health concerns may benefit from MAT. A professional assessment helps determine whether medication support is appropriate for a person’s recovery plan.
What is the stigma around MAT?
Some people mistakenly believe MAT replaces one addiction with another. In reality, MAT uses medically supervised treatment to support recovery safely. Research shows it can significantly improve treatment participation and long-term sobriety outcomes.
What rehab has the highest success rate?
Programs that combine medical care, behavioral therapy, individualized treatment plans, and long-term support often produce the strongest outcomes. Recovery success also improves when treatment addresses both addiction and mental health concerns together.
Is MAT the same as methadone?
No. MAT is a broad treatment approach that includes several medications for different substance use disorders. Methadone is one medication primarily used for opioid addiction, while alcohol treatment often involves naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram.
