Halsamind Medical

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Alcohol Dependency

Understanding Alcohol Dependency

At Halsa Mind Medical, we understand that alcohol dependency can significantly impact your physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. Alcohol dependency is a chronic condition characterised by a strong, often uncontrollable desire to drink alcohol, despite its negative consequences. Our team is here to help you regain control and support you through the recovery process.

What is Alcohol Dependency?

Alcohol dependency, also known as alcohol use disorder, involves excessive and habitual alcohol consumption that leads to physical, emotional, and social difficulties. Key signs of alcohol dependency include:

  • Increased Tolerance: Needing to drink larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects.
  • Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing symptoms such as sweating, shaking, or anxiety when not drinking.
  • Loss of Control: Being unable to reduce or stop drinking despite repeated attempts.
  • Impact on Daily Life: Alcohol use interfering with work, relationships, or health.

Comorbid Conditions and Alcohol Dependency

Alcohol dependency often coexists with other mental and physical health conditions, which may require simultaneous treatment. Common comorbidities include:

  • 1. Depression: Many individuals use alcohol to self-medicate feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
  • 2. Anxiety Disorders: Alcohol may temporarily reduce anxiety but often worsens symptoms over time.
  • 3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Past trauma may lead to alcohol use as a coping mechanism.
  • 4. Chronic Physical Conditions: Liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and digestive disorders often arise from prolonged alcohol use.
  • 5. Substance Misuse: Alcohol dependency may occur alongside the use of other substances, compounding its effects.
  • 6. Sleep problem

Our Approach to Care

At Halsa Mind Medical, we adopt a compassionate and evidence-based approach to treating alcohol dependency. Our goal is to address the underlying causes, support safe withdrawal, and provide strategies for maintaining long-term recovery.

Our Assessment Process

  • 1. Screening
  • The process begins with a confidential screening to understand your alcohol use, mental health history, and lifestyle factors.
  • If we determine that another service would better meet your needs, we will signpost you to the appropriate care.

  • 2. Gathering Information
  • Our support team will assist you in providing detailed information about your alcohol use patterns, medical history, and any previous treatments.
  • You may be asked to complete questionnaires to help us better understand your challenges and goals.

  • 3. Psychiatric Consultation and Treatment
  • You will be offered an appointment with one of our experienced psychiatrists within two weeks of completing the screening process.
  • During the 30 to 45-minute consultation, the psychiatrist will:
  • o Provide a diagnosis based on your symptoms and history.
  • o Outline a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
  • o Recommend additional therapies, such as counselling or psychological therapy, if appropriate.

Treatment for Alcohol Dependency

We offer a comprehensive range of treatments to support you in overcoming alcohol dependency, including:

  • 1. Therapeutic Interventions:
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): To address thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to alcohol use.
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI): To enhance your readiness and commitment to change.
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy: To address underlying trauma that may be driving alcohol dependency.

  • 2. Medications:
  • Prescribing and monitoring medications such as disulfiram, acamprosate, or naltrexone to support withdrawal and reduce cravings.

  • 3. Community Detox Programmes:
  • A supervised detoxification process conducted in the comfort of your home with regular monitoring and support from our medical team.
  • Community detox can help you safely manage withdrawal symptoms without requiring hospitalisation.

  • 4. Lifestyle Guidance:
  • Practical advice on building healthy routines, managing triggers, and developing coping mechanisms.
  • Support in improving physical health through nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene.

  • 5. Integrated Care for Comorbidities:
  • Collaborative management of coexisting mental and physical health conditions to ensure comprehensive care.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Untreated alcohol dependency can lead to severe health complications, relationship difficulties, and a reduced quality of life. Early intervention can help break the cycle of dependency, improve mental and physical health, and support long-term recovery.

Why Choose Halsa Mind Medical?

At Halsa Mind Medical, we provide:

  • A team of experienced psychiatrists and mental health professionals.
  • A structured and timely assessment process.
  • Personalised, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
  • A compassionate and non-judgemental approach to care.
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