Alcohol Addiction - Psychiatrist can Help

 


Alcohol deaddiction is a gradual process (usually under medical supervision), of overcoming alcohol dependence and restoring one's mental and physical health. Alcohol addiction is a chronic and relapsing condition that affects millions of people worldwide and causes significant burden in personal, social, and economic domains. Alcohol addiction can also lead to or worsen other mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

One of the key medical professionals who can help people with alcohol addiction is a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and management of various mental health disorders, including substance use disorders.

A psychiatrist can help people with alcohol addiction in several ways, such as:

- Diagnosing alcohol addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions, using various tests and assessments.

- Prescribing medications that can help reduce alcohol cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and negative mood states, such as naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers.

- Suggesting/ providing psychotherapy or counselling plans that can, help people understand the causes and consequences of their alcohol addiction, develop coping skills, focus on relapse prevention strategies, and address any underlying psychological issues/ trauma.

- Coordinating with other health professionals, such as primary care physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and counsellors, to provide comprehensive and holistic care for the patient.

- Offering long-term care and support that can help people maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse, through regular follow-ups, medication management, and referrals to other resources.

Hence it’s needless to mention that a psychiatrist can play a vital role in helping people with alcohol addiction to achieve recovery and improve their quality of life. However, not everyone who struggles with alcohol addiction may have access to or seek help from a psychiatrist. Some of the barriers that may prevent people from getting psychiatric help include:

- Stigma and shame associated with alcohol addiction and mental health problems

- Lack of awareness or denial of the severity of the problem

- Fear of side effects or dependence on medications

- Cost or availability of psychiatric services

- Preference for alternative or self-help methods

Therefore, it is important to raise awareness and educate people about the benefits of seeking psychiatric help for alcohol addiction. It is also essential for society to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment that encourages people to seek help without fear or hesitation. At the level of policy makers, it is necessary to ensure that psychiatric services are accessible, affordable, acceptable and culturally sensitive for people with diverse backgrounds and needs.

Alcohol deaddiction is a challenging but achievable goal that requires professional guidance and personal commitment. A psychiatrist can be a valuable ally in this journey, providing evidence-based and compassionate care for people with alcohol addiction. By working together with a psychiatrist and other health professionals, people with alcohol addiction can overcome their problem and reclaim their health and happiness.

To know more about deaddiction and counselling, contact Dr (Major) Shashank Raikwar at drpsychiatry@outlook.com.

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