How alcohol misuse is treated depends on how much alcohol a person is drinking. Treatment options include:
Detoxification
This involves a nurse or doctor supporting you to safely stop drinking; this can be done by helping you slowly cut down over time or by giving you medicines to prevent withdrawal symptoms
Counselling
Including self-help groups and talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Medication
There are two main types of medicines to help people stop drinking. The first is to help stop withdrawal symptoms and is given in reducing doses over a short period of time. The most common of these medicines is chlordiazapoxide (Librium).
The second is a medication to reduce any urge you may have to drink. The most common medications used for this are acamprosate and naltrexone. These are both given at a fixed dose, and you’ll usually be on them for six to 12 months.
