How to Work Through Alcohol Addiction
You are here:Has your drinking progressed to the point that you’re worried you might have an alcohol addiction? This is a good sign. If you are worried about it, then you are ready to take action to resolve the problem.
When you take a drink and little alarm bells go off in your head, it’s your conscience telling you to pay attention. If you ignore the warning, you put yourself at risk of alcohol addiction. Of course, feeling guilty about an occasional drink doesn’t mean you’re an alcoholic. But, continued drinking can lead to dependence, addiction, and health complications.
If you already have an alcohol addiction, overcoming it may be a difficult process, but many people have succeeded, and so can you. The first step is to enter a treatment program right away. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to work through the challenges of recovery.
Alcoholism Interferes With Your Life
Many people who struggle with alcohol use believe they can quit when they’re ready. So, instead of quitting, they make excuses for their drinking. Are you one of those individuals? Do you need a drink to help you cope with stress? Or, maybe you drink to help you deal with family demands or job-related problems. In either case, the excuses continue to pile up. Before long, occasional use becomes an alcohol addiction.
The impact of alcoholism on your life can be devastating. If you miss work, neglect family, or withdraw socially, the consequences can be life-altering. Everything snowballs out of control. Many people lose their jobs, homes, and friends due to their drinking habits.
Legal problems can be a possible outcome of alcohol addiction. People who drive while intoxicated, engage in violent behavior, or are arrested for alcohol-related behavior can pay huge fines, lose their license, and may need an attorney.
Alcohol Addiction Damages Your Health
Prolonged alcohol abuse can cause a variety of health complications. Some of the damage can be permanent. Below are some of the long-term health issues you may not be thinking about today.
- Memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Kidney and liver damage
- Heart disease
- Arthritis or gout
- Premature aging
- Nerve damage
- Pancreatitis
- Obesity
- Cancer
Don’t ignore these potential health issues. You may not be having any of these problems yet, but they can show up later.
How to Overcome Alcohol Addiction
When you’re ready to overcome an alcohol addiction, contact a professional treatment provider. They understand what it takes to become alcohol-free. With a comprehensive program, they will help you learn how to cope with daily challenges in a more effective, healthier manner.
These are some of the ways you’ll learn to work through alcohol addiction in a rehab facility:
Detox
Alcohol detox is the first step in a treatment program. But, keep in mind, it is not a cure. Detox is a process that allows the body to eliminate the toxins created by alcohol. These toxins are responsible for cravings and withdrawal symptoms that occur during abstinence.
Detox can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Inpatient detox is the most effective approach because you remain at the facility 24/7 with medical supervision.
After completing detox, you are ready to enter the rehabilitation program.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is defined as “ the action of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness.”
In a rehab program, you’ll participate in classes, activities, and therapy sessions that seek to help you return to living a healthier, normal life. You will learn how to manage stress and cope with daily challenges without turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Treatment options in our rehabilitation program at Design for Change Recovery include the following:
- Group and Individual Counseling
- Holistic Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Family Therapy
The goal of our treatment approach is to restore self-esteem and confidence. You will gain the skills needed for long-term sobriety. Counseling helps you explore and identify the underlying cause of your alcohol abuse. In this way, you learn to recognize triggers and avoid relapse.
Extended Care Services
When your treatment program ends, our extended services or aftercare program provides continuing support and guidance. As you transition to life as a sober individual, you won’t feel that you’re all alone.
Our extended care program offers a structured, substance-free environment where you can take time to adjust to sober living. You will participate in household chores, abide by a curfew, and undergo voluntary drug testing. Regular group counseling and support sessions are also part of the program. The extended care program also helps you build discipline and gain confidence in your ability to live a sober lifestyle.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Design for Change Recovery
At Design for Change Recovery, we understand the challenges involved in overcoming alcohol addiction. If you’re ready to reclaim your life and reach your full potential, contact our Lancaster, CA facility today. We will work with you to create a treatment approach that suits your unique needs and preferences.
Source:
niaaa.nih.gov/publications/ – Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help
