Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are terms that are often used interchangeably. And, while they both refer to individuals who consume excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages — and they are both considered to be a substance use disorder — a person suffering from alcohol dependence actually experiences withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, dizziness, aggression, self-destructive behavior, and blacking out. When a person seeks to break that cycle, they require medical assistance — as well as counseling or some sort of emotional support. For the medical portion of it, infusion therapy can provide a viable option.
Overview of Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol dependency is a chronic disease. A person suffering from it will not only experience uncontrollable urges to drink inordinate amounts of alcohol, they do it to the point where it interferes with their personal relationships, job, and health. It affects both physical and mental health — often leading to high blood pressure, digestive problems, heart disease, and certain types of cancer, as well as bipolar disorder and depression.
Therapy for Alcohol Dependence
While there are oral medications designed to treat alcohol dependency, some patients fail to obtain relief from them. In addition, there are those with underlying medical conditions that make it difficult, uncomfortable, or impossible to swallow a pill. Injections are generally administered once a month.
What to Expect
When you visit any of our Infusion Associates locations, you will first meet with one of our healthcare professionals to go over the details of your therapy. This includes information about medication, dosage, length of each infusion, and possible side effects. You can also take this time to ask any questions and address concerns you may have.
As soon as you walk in, you’ll notice they’ve been designed to make you feel as comfortable as possible. You’ll receive your treatment in a reclining chair, and we provide blankets, WiFi, TV, and warm beverages. If you wish, a family member or friend may accompany you. You can also bring your favorite snacks.
Medications to Treat Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol dependency can be treated with several medications. The most common ones include:
- Vivitrol (naltrexone)
Side Effects
As with any prescription medication, infusion therapy carries the risk of side effects. These may vary from person to person and may range from mild to severe. The most common ones include:
- Headaches
- Toothache
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle Cramps
- Cold symptoms
- Sleeping difficulties
- Joint pain
If Your Doctor Has Recommended Therapy for Alcohol Dependence, Let Infusion Associates Help You
At Infusion Associates, we provide medically-prescribed infusion therapy in a welcoming and friendly environment. Our team of healthcare professionals is fully committed to making the experience as comfortable as possible for you or your patients. We always inform patients of any potential side effects and answer all their questions before starting treatment. In addition, we have a registered pharmacist on-staff to make the process as seamless as possible.
If you would like to refer a patient to us or want to inquire about the treatments we offer, you can contact us by calling us at (616) 954-0600 or filling out this form.