Psychiatry and psychotherapy for alcohol dependence

With the process described above, the vicious cycle of addiction has begun. However, behind such a development there is often a mental illness (Depression, Anxiety disorder, burnout, chronic pain, etc.), which can and must be treated well and professionally, or a complex stressful situation that requires professional support (medical as well as therapeutic).

For many people, the beginning of an addiction problem is often a desperate attempt at self-medication with unsuitable means (e.g., medications that have addictive potential, alcohol, or even drugs, in order to remain capable and functional in a difficult life situation). Especially in these cases, rapid intervention is required to correct such a crisis-like development in order to avoid dramatic consequential damage (physical, mental, and social).

Very few affected individuals drink or consume because they want to or think it is good. Most are in an emergency situation and urgently need multi-professional help. From now on, we can discreetly offer you exactly such help in a pleasant setting.

Medical treatment for alcohol dependence (MedR. Dr. Jutta Leth)

In principle, there are two methods of addiction treatment for alcohol. One can try to slowly and successively reduce the supplied and accustomed amount of alcohol through dilution, or one can temporarily switch from alcohol to benzodiazepines. These medications prevent the development of a physical withdrawal syndrome (tremors, sweating, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, nausea, epileptic withdrawal seizures, up to delirium with psychomotor agitation, delusions, and disorientation/confusion). After stabilization of the clinical picture, they are then slowly reduced and tapered off under close specialist medical monitoring (on average, this takes about 10 to 14 days).

Unfortunately, no new patients can be accepted at MedR. Dr. Jutta Leth.

Please contact JUVENIS by phone at +43 1 236 3020, by e-mail at empfang@juvenismed.at or via the contact form, to arrange a consultation or treatment appointment.

Additionally, regular blood pressure and pulse checks, ECG checks, and laboratory checks are required. Usually, stomach protection preparations, vitamin B complex preparations, and sleep-inducing antidepressants are also given for several weeks, and if necessary, anticonvulsants (as seizure protection and/or mood stabilizers). In rare cases, infusion therapy for forced detoxification is required.

After successfully completed physical (somatic) withdrawal treatment, one can be adjusted to so-called "anti-craving agents" (Campral or Revia) to prevent the craving for alcohol from recurring and leading to relapses.

Psychotherapy for alcohol dependence (Mag. Hilde Winkler)

To live permanently abstinent after successfully completing physical alcohol withdrawal, psychotherapeutic treatment is recommended.

Every treatment is preceded by precise diagnostics. In addition, an individual explanatory model is created, which offers insight into the development of the disorder. This includes pre-existing risk factors (e.g., alcohol-dependent parents) as well as triggers (e.g., job loss, separation) and maintaining factors (e.g., high baseline tension, lack of problem-solving strategies, pathological personality structure, depression, withdrawal symptoms) of the disease, which are given special consideration during treatment.

The therapeutic relationship between client and psychotherapist represents a significant active factor in the treatment. In this framework, problems of the entire lifespan, i.e., burdens from childhood, difficulties in current life, and fears/anxieties regarding the future, can be addressed. The therapist supports the coping process and tries to maintain a balance between change and stabilization.

Please contact JUVENIS by phone at +43 1 236 3020, by e-mail at empfang@juvenismed.at or via the contact form, to arrange a consultation or treatment appointment.

Within the framework of individual psychotherapeutic sessions, those affected have the opportunity to reflect on their problems, question them, and finally find an individual way to cope with the disease. The therapy supports patients in deepening their decision to abstain, recognizing relapse risks better, refusing alcohol offers, resisting the urge, and strengthening their individual competencies for relapse prevention and management. The goal of the treatment is also to impart knowledge and skills that enable an abstinent life and thus promote the long-term health and quality of life of our patients. Depending on the problem at hand (e.g., personality disorders, depressive symptoms, anxiety disorder), specific psychotherapeutic methods can be used in the specific case (e.g., relaxation techniques, cognitive techniques, imaginative procedures).

In behavioral therapy, a frequency of 1 session per week is usual.

Partial reimbursement of costs through your health insurance is possible if a clinically significant mental disorder is present.Some private supplementary insurances often cover part of the costs – however, this would have to be inquired about by the patient with their supplementary insurance.

There is also the possibility of deducting clinical-psychological treatment as an extraordinary expense on your taxes.

We have answered the most frequently asked questions on the topic of Alcohol dependenceanswered. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us via empfang@juvenismed.at or at +43 1 236 3020.

Responsible for the content of this page: MedR. Senior Physician Dr. med. Jutta Leth & Mag. Hilde Winkler