Alcohol Treatment
Millions of people – from all age groups and walks of life -- suffer from alcohol addiction. Alcoholism is a disease that does not discriminate. Instead, it wreaks a terrible havoc on those who engage in binge drinking and find themselves unable to stop. Consider the ramifications of alcohol addiction:
- Health problems. Countless studies have found that alcohol abuse can lead to liver disease, liver failure, heart disease and kidney problems – all of which have the potential to be fatal.
- Social problems. Individuals who are addicted to alcohol often see their own personal relationships suffer as a result. They may engage in unlawful behavior, such as driving under the influence and may see their work or school performance suffers because of their condition.
- Drug problems. Many individuals with an alcohol addiction will also develop a drug addiction, making their problem much worse as a result.
For those who see their lives begin to slip away because of a drinking problem, there are alcohol treatment programsto help get them back on track.
What is Alcohol Treatment?
Alcohol treatment refers to the process of helping individuals overcome their alcohol abuse problems. Individuals who engage in any of the following behaviors are considered candidates for alcohol treatment:
- Unable to stop drinking alcohol despite an understanding of the risks to their health and relationships.
- Drinks to excess and at times that are considered "socially unacceptable" such as the morning or while at work or school.
- Has seen their performance at work or school suffer greatly as a result of their alcohol consumption.
- Is engaging in high risk behavior as a result of alcohol use (i.e., binge drinking, driving while intoxicated, unprotected sex with multiple partners, etc.).
- Experiences withdrawal symptoms when not drinking such as anxiety, depression, irritability, headaches, etc.
The alcohol treatment process addresses not only the drinking behavior, but the root emotional causes that brought about the alcohol problem in the first place.
What Drives People to Alcohol Treatment?
There are a number of common reasons why people develop a dependence on alcohol, and consequently end up in an alcohol treatment program, including:
- Family heritage. There is a strong genetic link for alcoholism. Individuals who have a family member with a drinking problem are considered to be predisposed to having one themselves (provided that the environmental factors are present).
- Peer group beliefs. Individuals who are part of a peer group that engages regularly in binge drinking behavior are also at a high risk for developing an alcohol addiction.
- Poor mental health. A large percentage of alcoholics also suffer from a mental illness such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks or bipolar disorder. These conditions only make alcoholism worse, as individuals will fall deeper and deeper into the cycle of addiction in attempt to self-medicate.
- History of abuse. Many people who have been physically or sexually abused are at risk for alcoholism. Like those with depression, they use alcohol as a means of numbing the pain and isolation they are experiencing.
The Basics about Alcohol Treatment
Programs have different methods for approaching the problem of alcohol addiction. However, there are some basic elements which all alcohol treatment programs share. These basic processes include:
- Detox. Alcohol detox is the process of cleansing the body of alcohol-related toxins. During detox, the individual stops drinking alcohol while under the supervision of medical and counseling professionals. The presence of these trained professionals is crucial, as most individuals will suffer from withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox, and need support and care in order to avoid relapse or any health problems associated with the process.
- Individual counseling. The psychological dependence on alcohol is, in many ways, stronger than the physical addiction to the drug. And like drug addiction, the individual needs to address the problem at the source. Individual counseling is the process by which individuals address their past issues head-on, and learn why they led to chronic alcohol consumption. Once these issues have been "smoked out", the individual can begin to develop better life-strategies and decision making skills that will help them cope with stress in a more productive way.
- Group counseling. Group sessions involve meeting with other recovering addicts in the alcohol treatment program to discuss past experiences, and work together to help one another find solutions to the problem of alcoholism. These sessions are a boon for those individuals who felt alone and isolated because of their drinking problem. The support network that is formed between the participants can help speed up the recovery process.
- Aftercare. Many people often wonder, "what happens when alcohol treatment is over?" 12-step programs and follow-up counseling help the individual make the transition back into the "real world." This is important because oftentimes, family and friends cannot relate to what the individual is going through – and aftercare fills that void with understanding and accountability.
How Long Does Alcohol Treatment Take?
The length of an alcohol treatment programs depends upon the individuals and the severity of his or her addiction. Most residential and outpatient alcohol treatment programs require at least a 30 day commitment. The length helps insure that the individual has time to complete detox and get through a number of regular counseling sessions and related programs.
Michael's House is a residential alcohol rehab program that has been providing treatment for those struggling with alcoholism for over two decades. Contact Michael's House today to learn more about how they can help break the cycle of addiction.
Get Help Now!
All information submitted on the website is considered private and handled in full confidentiality.
