In order to start on the path of recovery an alcoholic must recognise that they have a disease. Their behaviour and habits are reflections of this disease. Those who have an alcohol addiction cannot always recognise that they have a problem with substance abuse as the negative impacts of alcohol are outweighed by their compulsion and addiction to alcohol. Alcoholism affects millions of people every year and many people suffer without ever seeking treatment.
There are a multitude of signs when trying to recognise if someone has an alcohol addiction with many of them varying from addict to addict. Questions such as: do you drink alone? are loved ones concerned about your drinking? and does your drinking have a damaging effect on your daily life? – can all identify the majority of alcoholics. If the answers are yes, it can be almost certain that you have a drinking problem.
Reliant On It
If a person is addicted to alcohol they will be reliant on it. They will need to enter a long term rehabilitation centre with a 12 step programme in order to help them on the path of recovery. To learn how to live a sober and happy life free from alcohol. There are many different treatment options for alcoholism. Short-term treatment facilities only deal with detoxification from alcohol. They do not have the resources or time to tackle any other of the problems that an alcoholic will face. This generally means that when an alcoholic leaves the detox programme. Re-enter themselves into society they will not have the necessary skills to live a sober life and will have a very high chance of relapsing.
Long Term Rehab Treatment
The most successful option for recovery from alcoholism is a long-term rehabilitation programme. Most notably, those focusing on the twelve steps. There are generally three strands of treatment to enable recovery. The first is the detoxification process in which a person is cleansed of all the toxins and alcohol in their body. As abstaining from alcohol after being addicted can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, there must be professional staff on hand for supervision in case any problems occur. The second approach to treatment is addressing the spiritual requirements of an alcoholic. Lots of people turn to alcohol and finally start abusing it because of loneliness and a feeling of emptiness.
12 Step Program – Treatment
Long-term rehab programmes will incorporate a 12-step program to help address this issue. Using these tools leads to higher success rates of living a life of sobriety. The 12-step program also prepares the alcoholic for life outside of rehab. Good treatment centres introduce their patients to group meetings that they will need to attend after they leave their treatment programme. The last approach to recovery in a long-term rehabilitation programme is focusing on behavioural therapies and counselling. These teach the addict the skills they need in order to abstain from alcohol in the long term.
Therapy
These therapies tackle issues such as peer pressure, stress and triggers. They give the addict the long term life skills they need to live a happy life without needing to turn to alcohol. The signs of alcoholism clearly differ greatly depending on the person. Long term rehabilitation programmes are necessary in order to help the addict turn their life around and kick the habit once and for all.
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