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Suggest Advise On Alcohol Addiction

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Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2014
Question: My brother (age 36) seems to be addicted to alchol. I note that he can not stop once he starts and the frequency for drinking alchol has increased / now sometimes more than 3 times a week of heavy drinking. I wanted to see what are the possibilities and options for cure. Could you advise? Also could you recommend a good therapist in mumbai that he could visit.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (3 hours later)
Brief Answer: Hi Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress. Important aspects of your query are: • 36 year old male • Known case of alcohol addiction, >3 times a week. • Lack of motivation to quit drinking Frequently de addiction take time, which differ patient to patient. Same time there is need to provide supervised but supportive environment for the patient. De addiction in any form is difficult task and frequently requires help of professionals like de addiction specialist or Psychiatrist. Treatment become more difficult in case patient is not willing for it. In his de addiction treatment following steps will be helpful: -As he is not motivated then first step is in his treatment: Motivation enhancement sessions of patient and assessment of motivation of person by specialist. -Keep patient motivation during treatment by providing empathic and supportive environment. -He may need medical treatment for psychological symptoms which is very common with Alcohol use. -Assessment of liver function test. -Stoppage of alcohol with prevention of discomfort or withdrawal with help of medicines. -Relapse prevention: by anti craving treatment with medicines like Buspirone/Naltrexone or deterrent treatment with Disulfiram. -Maintenance treatment: socially by joining group like AA (alcohol anonymous) For treatment in Mumbai you can visit psychiatry department of XXXXXXX GS or XXXXXXX Medical College. In Private Practice, you can consult Dr XXXXXXX XXXXXXX M: 0000 I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups. Wish you good health. Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ashish Mittal (7 hours later)
He has been motivated and willing to deaddict. Can there be physical dependence on alchol or is it just psycological?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (12 hours later)
Brief Answer: hi Detailed Answer: Hello again, Thanks for follow up. Psychological dependence is there. In physical dependence patient experiences withdrawal like anxiety, sleep difficulty, restlessness, palpitation and excessive sweating after quitting alcohol within 1-2 days. Please accept my answer and give feedback in case there is no further query and you found reply helpful. In case of doubt, I am here to help you. Wish you good health. Regards
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ashish Mittal

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1859 Questions

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Suggest Advise On Alcohol Addiction

Brief Answer: Hi Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress. Important aspects of your query are: • 36 year old male • Known case of alcohol addiction, >3 times a week. • Lack of motivation to quit drinking Frequently de addiction take time, which differ patient to patient. Same time there is need to provide supervised but supportive environment for the patient. De addiction in any form is difficult task and frequently requires help of professionals like de addiction specialist or Psychiatrist. Treatment become more difficult in case patient is not willing for it. In his de addiction treatment following steps will be helpful: -As he is not motivated then first step is in his treatment: Motivation enhancement sessions of patient and assessment of motivation of person by specialist. -Keep patient motivation during treatment by providing empathic and supportive environment. -He may need medical treatment for psychological symptoms which is very common with Alcohol use. -Assessment of liver function test. -Stoppage of alcohol with prevention of discomfort or withdrawal with help of medicines. -Relapse prevention: by anti craving treatment with medicines like Buspirone/Naltrexone or deterrent treatment with Disulfiram. -Maintenance treatment: socially by joining group like AA (alcohol anonymous) For treatment in Mumbai you can visit psychiatry department of XXXXXXX GS or XXXXXXX Medical College. In Private Practice, you can consult Dr XXXXXXX XXXXXXX M: 0000 I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups. Wish you good health. Regards,