From the Guidelines
Recovering from alcohol addiction requires a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle and habit changes, and combining pharmacotherapy with cognitive behavioral therapy is associated with improved outcomes. To start, establishing a structured daily routine that includes regular sleep patterns, balanced meals, and physical activity can help stabilize the body and mind during recovery 1. Avoiding triggers by identifying people, places, or situations that prompt drinking urges and developing strategies to manage or avoid them is also crucial. Building a strong support network by connecting with supportive friends, family members, or joining groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery can provide additional help.
Some key lifestyle and habit changes to implement include:
- Practicing stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to handle stress without alcohol
- Staying hydrated and maintaining proper nutrition by drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to repair nutritional deficiencies
- Engaging in regular physical activity like walking, swimming, or cycling to reduce cravings, improve mood, and promote better sleep
- Finding new hobbies and interests to fill the time previously spent drinking and create positive experiences
- Considering professional help from addiction counselors, therapists, or doctors who may recommend medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram to support recovery, as screening and behavioral counseling interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing heavy drinking episodes in adults engaging in risky or hazardous drinking 1.
Overall, a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle and habit changes, combined with pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most effective way to support recovery from alcohol addiction.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Lifestyle and Habit Change Recommendations
To help with recovery from alcohol use disorder, several lifestyle and habit changes can be implemented:
- Abstinence from alcohol is often the primary goal, but reduced drinking can also be a viable option for some individuals 2
- A combination of medical advice, motivational intervention, qualified detoxification, and psychotherapeutic and pharmacological relapse prevention treatment can be effective 3
- Mutual aid groups, recovery community organizations, and access to jobs, friends, and housing can provide multiple pathways to recovery 4
Implementations for Recovery
Implementing the following strategies can aid in recovery:
- Medications such as disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate can be used to treat alcohol use disorder, although less than 9% of patients receive pharmacotherapies 5
- Anticonvulsants, such as baclofen, have shown promise in treating alcohol use disorder, but more research is needed 5
- A risk-benefit assessment of acamprosate and naltrexone can inform treatment choices, with acamprosate showing more reliable treatment effects and better tolerability 6
- Building recovery capital, focused on building strengths, can be an effective approach to recovery 4
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
Evidence-based treatment approaches for alcohol use disorder include:
- Individualized treatment plans that combine outpatient, day care, or inpatient therapy approaches 3
- Motivational interview techniques and knowledge of effective therapeutic measures of outpatient and inpatient detoxification 3
- Pharmacological relapse prevention and referral to a rehabilitation facility 3
- Reduced drinking approaches as an alternative to abstinence, with evidence supporting sustained improvements in drinking reductions for many patients following behavioral treatments and pharmacotherapy 2