Question

Discuss at least two treatment approaches for alcohol dependence and include in the discussion comments on the controversy between controlled drinking versus abstinence.

Answer 1

one approach is client treatment matching: in this kind of treatment, the clients individual characteristics like age, gender, severity of alcohol dependence are considered in order to select a treatment that is most appropriate.

psychosocial interventions are considered to be highly effective such as cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interview and relapse prevention. in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), the goal is to modify irrational thoughts , manage emotions through an intervention. the patient is taught various skills to combat addiction like coping strategies, relaxation techniques . CBT is one of the most widely used methods to treat inidividuals with alcohol as well as other drug addictions.

In relapse prevention (RP) the patient is taught skills to help them identify situations where one is most vulnerable to drug use and are taught skills on how to cope effectively in these situations by using various cognitive and behavioral techniques.

other approaches include the 12 step approach used in alcoholic anonymous (AA) committees, therapeutic communities like rehabilitation centers are also effective.

In controlled drinking, the individual reduces their alcohol consumption level to a moderate level which is considered to be at an acceptable level. a lot of individuals akcnowldge the fact that they drink heavily but are unable to completely avoid drinking. thus controlled or moderate drinking becomes an attractive alternative for them which they consider to be possible as oppose to not drinking at all. however,a lot of mental health experts who employ the 12 step program by (AA) believe that alhocolism is a detrimental disease that takes time and effort to change and can have dire consequences. they beive that such indiviuals will be at high risk for relapse and thus moderate drinking is not a safe alternative. they beileve that abstinence is the best way to treat this condition.