Alcohol Use Disorder

We Are Here To Help

 Alcohol is a conveniently accessible substance that is available at local convenience stores, bars, clubs, and liquor stores. It is so common that it makes its way into our daily activities and celebratory experiences. A person who is alcohol-dependent commonly exhibits some or all of the following traits:

• Alcohol tolerance: The need to drink increasing amounts over time to achieve former effects. For example, you used to only need three cocktails every night, but now you must consume five to achieve the desired feeling.
• Withdrawal symptoms: These are intense feelings such as insomnia, tremors, or mood swings after going a short period without drinking.
• Drinking to provide relief or total avoidance of withdrawal symptoms, such as drinking to stop shaking or to “cure” a hangover.
• Awareness of cravings for alcohol, regardless of whether you withhold it from or admit it to others.
• Consuming larger amounts of alcohol over a longer period intended and having no success in cutting down the amounts.

Withdrawal Process

If you are indeed alcohol-dependent and make the choice to change your life and quit drinking, you can expect to experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These discomforts usually peak at the 24-72 hours mark following your final drink, but they may last for weeks, according to research from the National Institute of Health. Middlesex Recovery is here to help with these uncomfortable symptoms, no one should have to quit cold turkey or be at risk for serious side effects such as seizures.

Evidence-Based Medication

According to SAMHSA, MAT programs can lead to healthier outcomes for clients with alcohol use disorders. Naltrexone is the medication of choice for treating alcohol use disorders. The goal of this medication is to aid individuals in disassociating alcohol from euphoric feelings and experiences. This in turn helps encourage the individual in maintaining and committing to their recovery treatment plan. This medication is administered in a few different forms, such as tablet (ReVia® and Depade®) and injectable forms (Vivitrol®). Naltrexone is highly effective in tandem with substance use counseling and a comprehensive recovery treatment plan.

Achieving Long-Standing Recovery

Medication-assisted treatment when referring to evidence-based care, is one of the most beneficial treatment options available today. Research suggests that MAT for alcohol use disorder is very effective in lessening withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and increasing a patient’s chances of achieving lasting recovery.