Treatment of alcohol dependence

1. Detoxification 

• controlled or assisted withdrawal
• If there is any withdrawal symptoms, use small doses of Benzodiazepine e.g Chlordiazepoxide
• Watch out! Withdrawal may precipitate Wernicke's syndrome. Hence prescribe thiamine 300mg/day
• If patient has severe dependence, or history of complications eg Delerium tremes, give high doses of Chlordiazepoxide +/- in-patient treatment.

2. Maintain abstinence

• Aim for abstinence where possible.
• Consider:
• Disulfiram (Antabuse): works through negative reinforcement as it causes undesirable symptoms when alcohol is consumed alongside with it
• Acamprosate: reduction of craving
• Opioid antagonists (Naltrexone): works via autonomic nervous system
• Psychological interventions:
• CBT; social training skills, problem solving, and motivational interviewing

3. Treatment of associated medical & psychiatric disorders


You see. Addiction is real. You think it's just someone following their nafs. But the truth is some people got caught in their addiction. What are all the jargons above? They are interventions to support people who want to change. To deal with the effects specifically. To help in stages.

Your job when dealing with friends, families, or anyone with addiction of any sort is to help them, support them. Not to judge them. Even those with addiction as simple as one may think as Facebook.

Tell them on the risk or harm
Emphasis on their responsibility for change
Give advice on how to change
Express empathy and be non-judgemental
Reinforce their self efficacy