Through an examination of familial patterns and heritability estimates, researchers have identified a substantial genetic contribution to the risk of developing alcohol dependence. The impact of alcohol dependence extends beyond the individual, permeating social, economic, and health domains. This section delves into the far-reaching consequences, including disrupted family dynamics, diminished workplace productivity, and a heightened burden on healthcare systems. By elucidating the multifaceted repercussions of alcohol dependence, this article https://ecosoberhouse.com/ underscores the urgency of addressing this public health challenge through a comprehensive psychological lens. Alcohol dependence, a term central to health psychology, refers to a complex and chronic condition characterized by an individual’s compulsive need to consume alcohol, despite adverse consequences on various life domains. This section delves into the multifaceted nature of alcohol dependence, elucidating its significance within the broader context of mental health and well-being.
Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication, and Other Substance Use (TAPS)
Whilst the research literature to date has concentrated mostly on the comparison of well-defined treatment interventions commonly incorporated into treatment manuals, this stands in contrast to what is normally delivered in routine practice. Despite the research on psychological treatments, current UK practice is not underpinned by a strong evidence base and there is wide variation in the uptake and implementation of psychological approaches to treatment across services (Drummond et al., 2005). If you drink heavily over a period of time, the brain’s chemistry adjusts to the effects of alcohol.
Counselling versus other active intervention
Overall, the health economic review does not provide evidence of superior cost effectiveness for any particular psychological intervention. The review team conducted a systematic review of RCTs that assessed the beneficial or detrimental effects of self-help-based treatment in the treatment of alcohol dependence or harmful alcohol use. The review team conducted a systematic review of RCTs that assessed the beneficial or detrimental effects of multi-modal therapies in the treatment of alcohol dependence or harmful alcohol use. The review team conducted a systematic review of RCTs that assessed the beneficial or detrimental effects of psychodynamic therapies in the treatment of alcohol dependence or harmful alcohol use.
The immediate physical effects of alcohol
Information about the databases searched and the inclusion/exclusion criteria used for this section of the guideline can be found in Chapter 3 (further information about the search for health economic Drug rehabilitation evidence can be found in Section 6.21 of this chapter). See Table 32 below for a summary of the clinical review protocol for the review of motivational techniques. Good quality RCT evidence for the clinical efficacy of some of the psychological therapies listed was not always available.
In most cases, though, working with a therapist is the best course for addressing psychological dependence, whether it occurs on its own or alongside physical dependence. Some estimates suggest approximately 90 percent of people recovering from opioid addiction and 75 percent of people recovering from alcohol addiction or other substance addictions will have symptoms of PAWS. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is another example of psychological withdrawal. It’s a condition that sometimes pops up after the symptoms of physical withdrawal have subsided. You’re probably dealing with both a physical and psychological dependence in this case. If you keep drinking a lot of alcohol, it can cause more problems and make your depression and anxiety worse over time.
Treatments for withdrawal symptoms and addiction
Two trials relating to clinical evidence met the eligibility criteria set by the GDG, providing data on 427 participants. When studies did meet basic methodological inclusion criteria, the main reason for exclusion was that no relevant alcohol-focused outcomes were available. At 15-month follow-up, short-term psychodynamic therapy was significantly more effective than other therapies (in this case, cognitive behavioural relapse prevention) in maintaining abstinence, although the effect size was moderate. However, no significant difference was observed between short-term psychodynamic therapy and other therapies in reducing the quantity of alcohol consumed, heavy drinking rate or attrition.
- They may also use the substance to escape from problems, which often started their dependence in the first place.
- The clinical review revealed no significant beneficial effect of adding contingency management to standard care in maintaining abstinence when assessed post-treatment.
- These data were used to estimate how patients would progress between specific drinking states (problem, moderate or dependent) within the model.
- The authors found no significant difference in alcohol consumption at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up.
Effectiveness of multicomponent interventions
All eight studies were published in peer-reviewed journals between 1997 and 2007. Other reasons were that treatment was opportunistic as opposed psychological dependence on alcohol to planned, the study was not directly relevant to the review questions, or no relevant alcohol-focused outcomes were available. Although the primary focus of studies of comorbidity has been on individuals with conduct disorder, a few studies have also examined the problems presented by co-occurring common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.