Americans, especially younger people, are rethinking their relationship with alcohol, and for good reason. Mounting evidence highlights the link between alcohol and serious health problems, including cancer.
Alcohol is responsible for 178,000 deaths each year, about two-thirds of which are caused by chronic conditions related to long-term drinking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In January, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory describing evidence of a causal link between alcohol consumption and increased risk for cancer of the breast, colon, esophagus, voice box, liver, mouth, and throat. Alcohol is responsible for about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the U.S.
“When it comes to alcohol consumption, less is better and none is best,” said Derk Replogle, Director of Addiction Services at NewBridge Services, which provides outpatient treatment for substance use disorders. “The health risks are often downplayed or ignored.”
During Alcohol Awareness Month, Replogle offers advice for cutting down on drinking or stopping completely, and explains treatments that are available if you need help.
Controlling Alcohol Consumption
Anyone concerned about their drinking should take these steps:
- List the benefits of cutting back on alcohol
- Set a limit and track your drinking
- Have several alcohol-free days each week
- Explore social activities that don’t revolve around alcohol
- Avoid keeping alcohol at home
- Ask for help if you’re struggling
If an individual decides to stop but cannot, “it’s time for treatment,” Replogle said. “The first step is often the hardest, and that’s asking for help.” Treatment must be tailored to the individual to be successful, and often involves a combination of approaches, Replogle said.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is most appropriate for people who have a stable home environment and are willing and able to attend counseling sessions. NewBridge Services provides this type of treatment, with clients attending one-on-one and/or group sessions two to three hours a week, Replogle said. NewBridge uses evidence-based practices to help clients alter harmful behaviors and prevent relapse. Individuals can continue working and living at home. Medication and support groups may be part of outpatient treatment.
Intensive Outpatient
An intensive outpatient program is geared for people who need more supervision in their recovery. It provides at least nine hours of service a week, usually broken into three-hour sessions. It can be a stepping stone from inpatient treatment to outpatient care.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment is suitable for individuals who face a host of drinking triggers at home and need a more structured living environment. Providing 24-hour supervision, residential treatment is an option for those who have not been successful in outpatient programs. People in short-term facilities typically stay for one to three months. Long-term residential treatment is more intense, with residents enrolled for up to a year. In addition to addiction treatment, they learn skills to manage day-to-day life and participate successfully in their community.
Addressing co-occurring mental health issues alongside addiction is paramount. A significant number of individuals with substance use disorders also experience mental health challenges, Replogle said.
Ongoing Support
Innovative approaches such as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) are gaining traction in addressing alcohol abuse. Medications like Naltrexone and Disulfiram, in conjunction with evidence-based therapies, offer promising avenues for reducing alcohol consumption and preventing relapse, he said. In 2023, NewBridge received state approval to provide MAT for clients with substance use disorder and those with co-occurring disorders.
Regardless of the chosen treatment path, ongoing support and follow-up care are essential to sustaining recovery. “People can and do recover from addiction,” Replogle said. To schedule a comprehensive evaluation with NewBridge, call (973) 316-9333 or contact NewBridge online.
