How Medication-Assisted Treatment Works
March 16, 2026
Comprehensive treatment addressing alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. Medical detoxification, medication management, therapy, and long-term recovery support for lasting sobriety.
Take the first step towards lasting wellness, with Elevated Healing Treatment Centers
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) exists on spectrum from mild to severe. Some drink daily, some only weekends but excessively, some experience blackouts and health problems. Regardless of pattern, AUD is medical condition—not moral failure or lack of willpower. Often co-occurs with depression, anxiety, or trauma. When someone drinks to manage anxiety or escape depression, treating only the drinking without addressing underlying mental health leads to relapse. We treat both.
Alcohol & Mental Health Connection:
Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Medically supervised detox with benzodiazepines as needed. Comfortable, safe removal of alcohol from system.
FDA-approved medications reduce cravings and support abstinence: naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram. Psychiatrist prescribes based on your needs.
Address underlying anxiety, depression, trauma driving drinking. CBT, motivational enhancement, psychodynamic therapy. Build coping skills for managing emotions without alcohol.
Therapeutic groups with peers understanding struggle. Peer support, accountability, normalized community of recovery.
If depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep disorders present, treat simultaneously with alcohol. Integrated approach addresses root causes of drinking.
Identify triggers, develop coping strategies, build support network. Planning for high-risk situations ensures sustained sobriety.
Naltrexone: Opioid antagonist reducing cravings and blocking rewarding effects of alcohol. Available as daily pill or monthly injection (Vivitrol).
Acamprosate: Helps maintain abstinence by restoring brain chemistry balance. Daily medication. Especially helpful for those with long-term drinking.
Disulfiram (Antabuse): Creates unpleasant reaction if alcohol consumed. Deterrent medication working through motivation/commitment. Requires genuine desire to stop.
Note: Medication effectiveness increases when combined with therapy. Medication alone insufficient—behavioral treatment essential for sustained recovery.
Yes. Severe alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, hallucinations, or dangerous cardiovascular changes (delirium tremens). Medical detoxification necessary, especially for heavy, long-term drinkers. Don't attempt home detox—medical supervision essential for safety.
Acute withdrawal typically 5-7 days. Some symptoms (protracted withdrawal, cravings) persist weeks. Most intensive detox support needed first week, then transitioning to ongoing therapy and medication management.
Varies. Some people can eventually moderate drink. Most with AUD benefit from complete abstinence—moderate drinking often leads to relapse. Decision made with therapist/psychiatrist based on your history and goals. Abstinence standard recommendation.
Relapse is common part of recovery journey for many. Not failure—learning opportunity. Relapse prevention plan addresses triggers. If relapse occurs, we assess what happened, adjust treatment, intensify support, increase program level if needed. Resuming abstinence immediately important.
Acute phase 2-4 weeks intensive care. Many benefit from 2-3 months total intensive treatment. Ongoing outpatient support indefinitely—monthly therapy and psychiatry appointments help maintain recovery long-term.
No. We support whatever works for you. AA effective for many. Others prefer SMART Recovery, secular approaches, or family/friend support. We coordinate with whatever peer support aligns with your values.
If alcohol has become problematic, treatment offers path to sobriety and restored health. Medical detoxification, medication, and therapy combine for lasting recovery.
(747) 888-3000
Schedule Alcohol AssessmentComprehensive alcohol abuse information and treatment resources.
Peer support organization for alcohol recovery.
Science-based alternative to 12-step programs.
National Institute of Mental Health research and information.
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