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Safe withdrawal (detox)
If you are dependent on alcohol, you may need medically supported withdrawal. This usually means taking a reducing course of medicine, such as chlordiazepoxide, for about a week to prevent dangerous withdrawal symptoms. It can often be done at home, with regular check-ins, but some people need to do it in hospital or a specialist unit.
You will usually be given thiamine (vitamin B1) to protect your brain.
Medicines to help you stay off alcohol
- Acamprosate reduces cravings.
- Naltrexone reduces the pleasure from drinking and cravings.
- Disulfiram makes you feel very unwell if you drink.
Your doctor will talk through which might suit you.
Talking therapies
- CBT helps you understand your drinking and build new ways of coping
- motivational interviewing helps you find your own reasons for change
- family or couples therapy involves the people close to you
Support groups
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- SMART Recovery, which uses practical tools from CBT
- Al-Anon, for family and friends of people who drink
Other health problems
Your GP may check your liver and other health, and help with any mental health problems, which often improve once drinking is under control.
Next, read about recovery from alcohol dependence.
Sources we used
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