Alcohol addiction is a disorder in which alcohol consumption becomes severe and the addict does not know when to stop drinking. They spend a lot of time-consuming alcohol and cannot control the quantity of consumption either. The first step toward addiction recovery is to control the disorder is not just the answer, one has to learn and adapt to a new mindset and skills to deal with the triggers which cause the desire to drink, to deal with stress and to improve the body’s health.

The following medications and therapies are often used to treat alcohol addiction:

1. Medication to help deal with addiction recovery
There are no medicines that help one get rid of the desire to drink, but some of them will help one recover. These medicines only help one curtail the desire to drink. The medicines generally prescribed are:

• Campral, which helps curtail alcohol cravings.
• Disulfiram, a medicine makes one feel sick and throw up when consumed.
• Revia, which blocks the effects of alcohol.

Medications may also be given to treat withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and tension. Sedatives may be given to calm the person and improve sleep. Vitamins are prescribed to promote body function, growth, and development.

2. Therapy
Alternative therapies to aid alcohol addiction recovery are suggested besides medication and detox. These therapies are done with long term goals to ensure wholesome and healthful living. Some of the alternative therapies are as follows:

• Meditation
  Meditation, if done regularly, has a strong impact on the mind. It helps one improve their mental discipline and self-control, which are essential for abstaining and recovering from alcohol addiction. Visualization of an alcohol-free healthy lifestyle goes a long way in overcoming the problem. It requires a lot of discipline to cultivate the habit of meditation, but it is truly worth it.
• Yoga
  Yoga helps heal and improve the flexibility and balance of the body. It helps in stress relief and heals the aches and pains associated with withdrawal symptoms.
• Acupuncture and acupressure
  Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into the skin to restore balance to the body, while acupressure is a process wherein pressure is used to heal the body. Both these therapies are very effective for dealing with anxiety, pain, and stress caused by alcohol withdrawal.
• Light therapy
  Bright-light therapy, or phototherapy, is effective in treating sleep disorders and depression. Both these problems are very common during alcohol addiction recovery. Hence, the benefits of this program are two-fold. Certain studies have proved that this therapy with medication is as effective as other intensive alcohol addiction recovery programs.

3. Support groups

Joining de-addiction groups like Alcoholics Anonymous is a way to get connect with others who have overcome alcohol addiction. The members engage with the group to discuss and help each other as a mutual support group. Reaching out to others for help, discussion and comfort will help us tide over our problems. There are many groups online as well in case one wants anonymity. Online programs are also available to help tide over mental issues and anxiety.