How a 25-Year-Old Female Overcame Alcohol Addiction: Real Rehab Case Study

25 Years

Age

Female

Gender

MBA Graduate

Background

Alcohol Addiction Causes and Patient History

The initial detoxification process was started within 12 hours of the last drink. The symptoms were mild in the first 6 hours and the patient suffered from insomnia, tremors and mild headaches.
Later, she suffered from mild headaches, minor heart palpitations and heavy sweating. However, the patient did not suffer from any hallucinations, high blood pressure or rapid heartbeat over the next 2 days. Therefore, no beta blockers or anti-depressants were prescribed.

Began consuming alcohol at 20 due to peer pressure and to escape from familial issues.
Increased usage over five years leading to dependency.

The patient was consuming over 14 units of alcohol every week. She was diagnosed with high cholesterol and other health problems directly related to alcohol.

Diagnosis and Assessment of Alcohol Addiction

Preliminary Diagnosis:

Severe alcohol addiction was diagnosed with accompanying anxiety and depression.

Prioritising Alcohol Over Everything

The patients prioritised drinking over work, family, health and responsibilities. She continued to consume alcohol despite exhibiting harmful consequences of consumption, such as vomiting.

Blood Tests and Scans

To understand the extent of damage done to the body, health experts conducted blood tests. Since the liver is generally impacted the most the doctors analysed the health of every organ thoroughly.

1. The patient had gained more than 20 kg in 2 months.
2. Her SGOT was 120 U/L, which is 3 times the upper limit, and her GGT was 180 U/L, which is more than 3 times the upper limit.
3. Her blood sugar levels, triglycerides and LDL were also dangerously high, putting her at a risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Alcohol Addiction Recovery Treatment Plan

Approach: A holistic rehabilitation program was recommended to patients. An inpatient treatment program was recommended for the first 2 weeks to monitor her dependence closely.

Program: The treatment program included therapy sessions with a diet plan and prescription of medication.

Initial Detoxification in Week 1-2

The initial detoxification process was started within 12 hours of the last drink. The symptoms were mild in the first 6 hours and the patient suffered from insomnia, tremors and mild headaches.
Later, she suffered from mild headaches, minor heart palpitations and heavy sweating. However, the patient did not suffer from any hallucinations, high blood pressure or rapid heartbeat over the next 2 days. Therefore, no beta blockers or anti-depressants were prescribed.

Therapy Sessions from Week 2-7: Weekly Individual and Family Therapy Sessions

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) aims to eliminate negative thought processes. Therapists strengthen emotional stability and support long-term recovery by encouraging the patient to adopt a positive mindset.
In her case, CBT helped identify negative cognitive distortions associated with depressive symptoms such as low self-worth and poor self-confidence.
The patient was able to deconstruct the disturbing events of the past and identify triggers. Therapists engaged in active listening and helped her create a chronology of events.

Family-Focused Therapy

With Family-focused therapy, the families were educated about addiction. Consequently, they were also sensitised about depression as the two disorders were directly related. The taboo attached to alcoholism was reduced in the presence of the patient.
Communication among members improved, and conflict resolution was enhanced. Issues were resolved in real-time in a face-to-face interaction. A structured routine was created for the patient in the presence of the family and a diet plan was introduced.
The family was further instructed not to isolate the patient for long periods. Not only would this lead to probable more alcohol consumption but it would also lead to the presence of negative thoughts.

Group therapy sessions

Support groups help create a positive outlook towards a problem. When patients who are recovering from alcoholism meet each other and interact, an emotionally changed environment is created which eliminates feelings of loneliness.

Follow-Up Weeks: Week 8-12:

Significant reduction in cravings and improved mental clarity were noticed. The patient reported experiencing stressful events which she managed independently without reliance on any substance.
She maintained a structured routine, including adherence to a balanced diet and regular physical exercise.
Patients started mentoring new admissions, indicating strong recovery progress. She did not exhibit any symptoms of relapse and was also regular for her online and offline sessions.

Proven Results: Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Impact on Patient’s Life: The patient regained control over her life as she joined a company as an HR executive. She is now planning to resume her studies and has applied to multiple institutions to begin her thesis.
Future Steps: She has enrolled in continued outpatient therapy to maintain long-term sobriety. She is actively participating in alumni support groups to help others maintain sobriety. The patient is planning to start an online support group to help people who cannot afford full-time rehabilitation.
Family and Community: She is working on rebuilding trust with family and friends. By working with a support group, she plans to help people who are suffering from the same disorder.