Other Treatments for Alcohol Abuse

History of AA

The organization began in 1935 before much was known about brain functioning. A faith-based program, one admits his helplessness against alcohol (other drugs were added later), agrees to stop drinking—period—with the help of a higher power, admits to any harm done to the self and others, and makes amends if possible. Some think Prohibition in the twenties started Americans on a path of drinking in secret and binge drinking.

 

Other Treatment Options

I read in our local paper that AA is offering a combined twelve-step program for addiction and mental health disorders.  I’d like to know what credentials the counselors have. Traditionally, AA has been against using drugs in helping to stop the abuse of alcohol. Mental disorders generally cannot be managed without both behavioral therapy and drugs to offset the chemicals going wonky in the brain. Alcohol and other drugs are used to self-medicate. Taking away the alcohol by itself will not solve the problem.

For alcohol abuse, behavioral therapies combined with drugs proven to reduce alcohol cravings and improve sleep patterns and energy have been successful. Naltrexone, approved by the FDA in 1994, is one. Yet less than one percent of people seeking treatment, according to Glaser, are informed of this option. I know of people in at least one rehab who were offered this option and did very well, no longer drinking and eventually not needing the drug.

Another option, Antabuse, causes nausea, dizziness, and other objectionable symptoms when combined with alcohol. Now that naltrexone has an inexpensive generic, pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to promote it and there is little interest in researching other possibly effective drugs—varenicline, a smoking cessation medication that has shown promise in reducing alcohol consumption; topirimate, a seizure medication; and baclofen, a muscle relaxant.

One Size Does Not Fit All

No one treatment option works for every individual. AA tends to relate failure to the individual’s inability or unwillingness to follow the program. No study has been done by AA to determine whether the failure is the individual’s or the program’s. Naltrexone at least has been around some time. I wonder if studies have been done on possible side effects of long-term use. Alcohol abuse is such a widespread, insidious problem that destroys lives and undermines families, it would truly be a shame not to explore and advertise every avenue to solve the problem and lessen its repercussions.