Alcoholism treatment is one of the most powerful tools in battling alcoholism, one of society's most dangerous and deadly diseases. Although alcoholism effects millions of people worldwide, alcoholism treatment has been making great strides in assisting millions of people to overcome their disease and find the path to sobriety. Alcoholism treatment has been an invaluable tool for millions of recovering alcoholics. Read here about how it can help you or your loved one.
Dangers of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is one of the most common forms of addiction currently effecting our society, die in large part to the legality, availability, and acceptance of alcohol in most social settings. Because consuming alcohol is not only common, but also encouraged at virtually every corner from advertisements to business dinners, parties, and weddings, our chances for develoing alcoholism over addictions to other illicit drugs are severely increased. Another cause for the problems with alcoholism in our society stems from widespread misconceptions about alcohol and what is presumed to be safe and responsible alcohol consumption. Below are some of the most common misconceptions about responsible alcohol consumption:
- "I can go drink for drink with my friend because we are about the same size"
The truth is that there are several factors that weigh into how much an individual can drink before intoxication and size is only one. Other considerations such as tolerance, health, metabolism, and diet play big roles in the amount of alcohol each body can tolerate.
- "If I drink coffee, take a cold shower, or eat some food, I'll feel better and won't be drunk anymore."
The only thing that will help ease the effects of intoxication is time. On average, it takes the human body 1 hour per drink to process alcohol.
- "As long as I don't mix the kind of alcohol I consume, I won't gte drunk"
Alcohol is alcohol. Mixing beer, wine, liquor, and champagne only makes you sicker to your stomach, but does not effect the onset of intoxication.
Alcohol DetoxAlcoholism is just as dangerous and deadly a disease as is heroin addiction or an addiction to any other drug. What makes alcoholism even worse is the fact that alcohol can create not only a pyschologicl dependence, but also a physical addiction which can be very severe and potentially life threateing when an alcoholic body is deprived of the substance. Some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include nausea, sweating, delerium tremors (DT's), severe headache, seizure, and anxiety. For cases of severe alcoholism, the withdrawal process has far more potential to lead to seizures which can create a myriad of other medical problems including brain damage and death. For these reasons, it is extremely important to seek medical attention before entering the withdrawal process from alcoholism, so the process can be medically monitored. This withdrawal process(referred to as detox or detoxification) is often the first step in alcoholism rehabilitation to rid the body of it's physical dependence on the alcohol. Alcohol dertox is often done with the assistance of some doctor prescribed medications such as Clonazepam (a benzodiazepine, or tranquilizer used to treat seizures as well as anxiety) and Antabuse (a drug that produces highly unpleasant reactions to any alcohol consumption) to help prevent relapse.
Alcoholism TreatmentAfter the first stage of treatment, counseling usually begins in many different forms, depending on the specific needs of each alcoholic and the severity of the alcoholism. Generally, counseling sessions will help the alcoholic to explore the root causes for their compulsive behavior and find triggers for their drinking. The main goal of any alcohol rehabilitation center is to target the causes of the compulsive behavior and find productive and healthy forms of coping with everyday stress and pressure.
Another important part of alcoholism treatment is family support. Addiction is described as a family disease since it is the entire family that is effected by the alcoholic's behavior as opposed to just the alcoholic. Many times, family members will find themselves in the awkward position of enabling the alcoholic from fear and frustration of the effects of the disease. In alcohol rehab, it is very common for the rehabilitation program to incorporate family members to the treatment process. This method helps the family members to understand the disease and help them to manage thier emotions as they relate to the alcoholic and his or her actions while under the influence of alcoholism. It often takes more than just the alcoholic to overcome alcoholism. Support and encouragement from family and close friends is an invaluable tool in the recovery process.
Alcoholism Relapse
It is also important to understand that relapse is very common in all addictions, including alcohol. A relapse does not mean failire, nor does it indicate a lack of will to remain sober. Alcoholism is a disease and its treatment is a life-long battleof being active in recovery every day and working the steps of recovery every moment. It is a lot of work and a slip or relapse is not uncommon on the path the recovery. If relapse does occur, it is most important to seek help immediately and get back on the path to recovery as soon as possible. Because alcoholism is an addiction and even with counseling, the alcoholic may not take the appropriate steps on his or her own, the importance of a strong support system increases ten fold. It is in these times that family recovery plays a very important role. Family members learn early warning signs and get training on the most subtle of indications of alcohol consumption. The support role the family becomes equipped to play in recovery proves to be most important when relapse occurs. In many cases of alcoholism, it takes several relapses before an alcoholic is finally able to remain sober for a long period of time. No matter, it is important to always remember that alcoholism is a disease and it takes a lifetime of work as there is no easy cure. The key to recovery is to stay dedicated, dilligent, and patient.
If you have any questions or concerns about how to get help for yourself or a loved one in need of alcoholism treatment, please feel free to call us or fill out a free confidential assessment. We are here to help and we will continue, as always to do all we can to provide the best help available for all in need.
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