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Question: My brother-in-law is addicted to alcohol. We are not able to control him. He consumes continuously for 4 to 5 days and will not consume for few weeks and starts again.
He consumes in such way that he will not be in a position to come home. If we try to stop he will shout at us and makes us to let him go out.
Is there any treatment for this? I doubt whether counselling works for such a stubborn person. Even I wonder if he agrees for treatment.
He consumes in such way that he will not be in a position to come home. If we try to stop he will shout at us and makes us to let him go out.
Is there any treatment for this? I doubt whether counselling works for such a stubborn person. Even I wonder if he agrees for treatment.
Brief Answer:
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
Your brother in law is having binge pattern alcohol use, in which patient drink excessive alcohol for 1-2 week then remain abstinent for few weeks. In such cases it is better to bring patient in abstinent phase (no alcohol period) to prevent recurrence of binge drinking.
For de addiction following steps are followed:
-Motivational interviewing: Indicated in cases where patient motivation is poor (like in your brother in law case). Some investigations are also advised specially liver function test. If there is some abnormal results feedback is given to patient, which many time enhance patient motivation to quit alcohol.
-Relapse prevention: by anti craving treatment with medicines like Acamprosate and Baclofen
-Maintenance treatment: In this phase, some deterrent medicine (like Disulfiram) is given to patient after his consent, which causes adverse reaction on alcohol intake. It prevent patient from using alcohol due to fear of reaction.
To follow these treatment guidelines you should meet nearby psychiatrist with him.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups.
Wishing him good health.
Regards,
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
Your brother in law is having binge pattern alcohol use, in which patient drink excessive alcohol for 1-2 week then remain abstinent for few weeks. In such cases it is better to bring patient in abstinent phase (no alcohol period) to prevent recurrence of binge drinking.
For de addiction following steps are followed:
-Motivational interviewing: Indicated in cases where patient motivation is poor (like in your brother in law case). Some investigations are also advised specially liver function test. If there is some abnormal results feedback is given to patient, which many time enhance patient motivation to quit alcohol.
-Relapse prevention: by anti craving treatment with medicines like Acamprosate and Baclofen
-Maintenance treatment: In this phase, some deterrent medicine (like Disulfiram) is given to patient after his consent, which causes adverse reaction on alcohol intake. It prevent patient from using alcohol due to fear of reaction.
To follow these treatment guidelines you should meet nearby psychiatrist with him.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups.
Wishing him 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
Answered by
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