FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Here you will find answers to the most common questions about alcoholism treatment. For questions about gambling and internet addiction, you can contact us directly.
If you cannot find the answer to your question regarding alcoholism treatment below, or if there is something specific you would like to hear more about, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team will be happy to help you.
If you cannot find the answer to your question regarding alcoholism treatment below, or if there is something specific you would like to hear more about, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team will be happy to help you.
How to access the treatment?
You can initiate the treatment by scheduling an appointment without requiring a doctor's referral. The only criteria is your own motivation to treat your addiction. The initial visit is typically an informative session, during which you can decide whether you want to proceed with the actual treatment.
What does the treatment include?
Treatment for alcohol problems encompasses a combination of therapy and medication. The treatment program consists of two doctor's visits and six therapy sessions. Before your first doctor’s visit, you will undergo laboratory tests to measure your liver enzymes, which will be considered when determining the appropriate medication.
During therapy sessions, the discussion will revolve around internal and external factors that influence alcoholism and your drinking behaviour. Before your final doctor's visit, your liver enzymes will be measured again, allowing the doctor to evaluate the treatment's impact on your liver and overall progress. The duration of treatment typically ranges from 4 to 6 months.
More info in our Services -pages.
During therapy sessions, the discussion will revolve around internal and external factors that influence alcoholism and your drinking behaviour. Before your final doctor's visit, your liver enzymes will be measured again, allowing the doctor to evaluate the treatment's impact on your liver and overall progress. The duration of treatment typically ranges from 4 to 6 months.
More info in our Services -pages.
What does the treatment include?
Treatment for alcohol problems encompasses a combination of therapy and medication. The treatment program consists of two doctor's visits and six therapy sessions. Before your first doctor’s visit, you will undergo laboratory tests to measure your liver enzymes, which will be considered when determining the appropriate medication.
During therapy sessions, the discussion will revolve around internal and external factors that influence alcoholism and your drinking behaviour. Before your final doctor's visit, your liver enzymes will be measured again, allowing the doctor to evaluate the treatment's impact on your liver and overall progress. The duration of treatment typically ranges from 4 to 6 months.
More info in our Services -pages.
During therapy sessions, the discussion will revolve around internal and external factors that influence alcoholism and your drinking behaviour. Before your final doctor's visit, your liver enzymes will be measured again, allowing the doctor to evaluate the treatment's impact on your liver and overall progress. The duration of treatment typically ranges from 4 to 6 months.
More info in our Services -pages.
What does the treatment cost?
You can find our up-to-date service price list .
The medication typically costs between 100-400 € (including a B statement), and the laboratory liver tests are usually priced around 100-200 €. Kela provides partial coverage for medication and laboratory tests. The treatment programme's payment is made at the beginning of the treatment as a one-time payment or by mutual agreement. Medication costs are paid directly to the pharmacy, while laboratory test expenses are settled directly at the laboratory or at the doctor's office during the visit.
We also offer the option to pay for the treatment program in instalments. To apply for financing, please approach Terveystalo's customer service during your initial visit. You will receive an immediate response to your application. Learn more about instalment payment options here.
The medication typically costs between 100-400 € (including a B statement), and the laboratory liver tests are usually priced around 100-200 €. Kela provides partial coverage for medication and laboratory tests. The treatment programme's payment is made at the beginning of the treatment as a one-time payment or by mutual agreement. Medication costs are paid directly to the pharmacy, while laboratory test expenses are settled directly at the laboratory or at the doctor's office during the visit.
We also offer the option to pay for the treatment program in instalments. To apply for financing, please approach Terveystalo's customer service during your initial visit. You will receive an immediate response to your application. Learn more about instalment payment options here.
How effective is the treatment?
The treatment has demonstrated high effectiveness, with three out of four clients achieving either very good or good results. This indicates that they have successfully reached the limits of moderate alcohol use or at least reduced their alcohol consumption by half compared to the baseline. Two out of three clients have achieved the limits of moderate alcohol use, while one in four clients reported complete sobriety during the last month of treatment.
The failure of treatment is almost exclusively due to a lack of motivation, which is reflected in a failure to follow treatment instructions. Conversely, a strong commitment to the treatment program consistently shows positive outcomes.
Read more about our outcomes at Results -page.
The failure of treatment is almost exclusively due to a lack of motivation, which is reflected in a failure to follow treatment instructions. Conversely, a strong commitment to the treatment program consistently shows positive outcomes.
Read more about our outcomes at Results -page.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
The treatment program is well-suited for individuals struggling with alcoholism, alcohol use disorder, or heavy drinking. If you feel that your alcohol consumption has become unmanageable, we encourage you to reach out to us for further information about the treatment. The program's goal is to help you regain control over your alcohol use, regardless of the severity of the problem.
Please note that the treatment is not appropriate for individuals with acute liver damage or those struggling with opioid addiction. The suitability of the treatment for each client is always assessed during the initial medical examination.
You can find more demographics about our clientele at the Results -page.
Please note that the treatment is not appropriate for individuals with acute liver damage or those struggling with opioid addiction. The suitability of the treatment for each client is always assessed during the initial medical examination.
You can find more demographics about our clientele at the Results -page.
How does the medication work?
The targeted medicine used to treat alcoholism is naltrexone (sold as Naltrexone Vitaflo) or nalmefene (sold as Selincro). In most cases, the medicine is not taken as a continuous medication, but only in situations where you intend to consume alcohol, expect to be in situations involving alcohol consumption.
The medication works by reducing the pleasure derived from drinking through the blocking of certain nerve receptors. Over time, it diminishes the compulsive urge to drink, rendering alcohol less meaningful. The medication does not impact the intoxication itself.
The medication is passive, meaning that it has no stimulant or sedative effect of its own and no proven interaction with alcohol or other drugs. Furthermore, it does not have an aversive or nausea-inducing effect when combined with alcohol.
There are several articles about naltrexone, nalmefene and other medications used in treating alcoholism at our Resources bank.
The medication works by reducing the pleasure derived from drinking through the blocking of certain nerve receptors. Over time, it diminishes the compulsive urge to drink, rendering alcohol less meaningful. The medication does not impact the intoxication itself.
The medication is passive, meaning that it has no stimulant or sedative effect of its own and no proven interaction with alcohol or other drugs. Furthermore, it does not have an aversive or nausea-inducing effect when combined with alcohol.
There are several articles about naltrexone, nalmefene and other medications used in treating alcoholism at our Resources bank.
Does the medicine have any side effects?
In general, the medicine is well tolerated. A small number of clients may experience side effects, but most of these are mild and temporary. The most common side effects are nausea, fatigue, headache, and insomnia.
Our Resources bank contains several articles that talk about the medications used to treat alcoholism and other addictions.
Our Resources bank contains several articles that talk about the medications used to treat alcoholism and other addictions.
Why is therapy needed?
Medication alone is not sufficient for achieving a profound lifestyle change, as it does not directly change behavioural patterns. A more holistic discussion and reflection on the client's life is therefore needed to achieve the best possible outcome.
In therapy, issues, feelings, and phenomena related to drinking are examined in depth from many perspectives. It addresses the theory of withdrawal, which is also an important part of treatment to understand and utilise.
At the beginning of treatment, it is important to remember that the desire to drink and alcohol consumption will gradually decrease over the weeks. There is no need to worry even if you do not experience immediate progress, as changing behaviours and old habits takes time and processing.
You will hear more about the role of therapy from our professionals by booking an info visit.
In therapy, issues, feelings, and phenomena related to drinking are examined in depth from many perspectives. It addresses the theory of withdrawal, which is also an important part of treatment to understand and utilise.
At the beginning of treatment, it is important to remember that the desire to drink and alcohol consumption will gradually decrease over the weeks. There is no need to worry even if you do not experience immediate progress, as changing behaviours and old habits takes time and processing.
You will hear more about the role of therapy from our professionals by booking an info visit.
