Alcohol Dependence

Valley Medical and Wellness

Chronic Pain Medicine & Addiction Medicine located in Burnsville, Minneapolis, Plymouth, Woodbury & Rochester, MN

Alcohol dependence not only impacts your life, but it negatively affects those around you. At Valley Medical and Wellness, we offer therapeutic solutions to support your recovery from alcohol abuse. Our team can provide monthly Vivitrol® injections to reduce your alcohol cravings and help you overcome a dependence on alcohol, as well as offer support between appointments.

We proudly serve the Twin Cities metropolitan area, including Eagan, Bloomington, St. Paul, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, and Brooklyn Park. Our offices are located in Burnsville, Minneapolis, Woodbury, Rochester, and Bemidji. Learn more about Vivitrol for alcohol dependence by calling the office nearest you today.

Alcohol Dependence Q & A

What is alcohol dependence?

Alcohol dependence describes the misuse and overuse of alcohol. Additionally, there’s a dependence factor that increases your tolerance of alcohol, which means you need to drink more over time to maintain the same level of results.

Many who are alcohol dependent exhibit alcohol-seeking behaviors, such as frequenting places or situations where you can drink. As a result of this dependence on alcohol, you can develop physical cravings and compulsions for drinking. When you aren’t able to consume alcohol, it can result in significant withdrawal symptoms which may be life threatening.

What withdrawal symptoms are common with alcohol dependence?

There are a number of symptoms that can be caused by alcohol dependency. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:

Tremors
Insomnia
Mood swings
Hallucinations

In some cases, it’s possible to experience seizures in the hours after having your last drink. In some cases, withdrawal from alcohol could become life threatening.

Because of the severity and discomfort of these withdrawal symptoms, many people find it hard to quit drinking and go back to abusing alcohol to prevent tremors, hangovers, and other symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

What treatments are available for alcohol dependence?

The team at Valley Medical and Wellness takes a multifaceted approach to treating alcohol dependence and works closely with you to design the right treatment plan.

One common strategy for reducing your dependence on alcohol without debilitating side effects involves the use of Vivitrol®, an injectable medication. Vivitrol (Naltrexone) is an effective treatment that reduces your cravings for alcohol by interfering with your body’s reward system. The medication blocks the positive feelings that drinking alcohol gives you, making you less inclined to crave a drink.

You receive Vivitrol injections once a month during an in-office visit. Your Valley Medical and Wellness provider monitors your treatment to ensure it’s working for you. They can also recommend lifestyle changes, counseling, and other forms of support to help you on the road to recovery.

By reducing the craving factor, treatment with Vivitrol supports the other work you’re doing to achieve recovery, such as talk therapy and alcohol abuse counseling.

If you have concerns about your increasing dependence on alcohol, call the Valley Medical and Wellness office nearest you.