It’s hard to admit you need help curbing your drinking habit, and nothing is quite as challenging as taking that first step, but you only need to do one thing to get help: call White Lake Family Medicine and schedule an appointment to talk with David Leszkowitz, DO.
Dr. Leszkowitz is board certified in addiction medicine and has helped many patients overcome alcohol abuse with outpatient treatment. You can detox and recover without entering an inpatient clinic, even if you need addiction treatment.
Signs of alcohol use disorder
The amount of alcohol you need to consume before you have a problem depends on how much, how often, and how quickly you drink. But one thing is definite: Ongoing alcohol use changes your brain in ways that make it dependent on getting more alcohol.
Over the last year, have you encountered the following:
- Consumed alcohol in large amounts or for a longer time than you intended
- Strived to cut back on drinking but couldn’t
- Struggled to stop drinking but couldn’t
- Devoted a lot of time to getting or using alcohol or recovering from its effects
- Failed to meet work, school, or home responsibilities due to alcohol
- Continued using alcohol despite having physical, emotional, or social side effects
- Continued drinking alcohol in situations where it was dangerous (when driving)
- Experienced memory blackouts
- Experienced cravings or a strong urge to drink
- Craved to drink more to get the same results
- Had withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
If you can say “yes” to any of these items, it’s time to connect with our team for outpatient treatment that helps you stop drinking.
What to expect when you seek help
Once you decide to seek help, there’s no need to wait. You can walk into the office or schedule a same-day appointment.
We begin by talking with you, learning about your drinking habits, and reviewing your medical history. Then we do a physical exam, assess your overall health and look for signs of addiction and withdrawal, such as uncontrollable eye movements, a rapid heart rate, and shaky hands.
After determining the extent of your alcohol use and where you are on the spectrum ranging from mild over-consumption to addiction, we develop a treatment plan based on an approach with a proven history of success: medication-assisted management (MAT).
How MAT supports your recovery
MAT successfully helps people stop drinking and break free of an addiction using a combination of medication and therapy.
Medications
If you have an alcohol dependence or addiction, we can prescribe several medications to help you detox and prevent a relapse. Not everyone needs medication, but some medications ease withdrawal symptoms, while others reduce cravings. Another medication motivates you to avoid alcohol because it makes you sick if you drink.
After you start taking medications, we schedule regular appointments to monitor your progress and ensure you don’t need medication changes. We base your appointment frequency on the severity of your alcohol use and the type of medication prescribed.
Therapy
Medication supports your ability to stop drinking alcohol, but therapy builds the foundation for a long-lasting recovery and a life free from alcohol abuse. Many emotional and mental issues tempt people to return to alcohol. During therapy, you learn to recognize and change the behaviors and habits that make you turn to alcohol.
Therapy also teaches a wide range of skills that help prevent a relapse. For example, you may learn to change negative behaviors, improve your relationships, and develop coping skills for managing cravings.
Benefiting from holistic health care
In addition to addiction medicine, we specialize in family medicine and preventive health care. Alcohol takes a toll on your physical health and increases your risk of developing serious problems like nerve damage, liver disease, stomach inflammation, and heart disease. Our holistic care nurtures your physical health as you stop drinking alcohol.
Whether you have questions about your drinking habits or want to take the first step toward recovery, our team is here to provide the support and treatment you need. Call White Lake Family Medicine or connect online today for an appointment at our Whitei Lake, Michigan office.
