We all know that feeling—the bleary-eyed, sluggish dawn after a night of binge drinking. You swear you’ll never do it again – but temptation always finds its way back, doesn’t it? If you’re struggling with alcoholism, it’s essential to know that you’re not alone. In reality, around 16 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
If you’re considering giving up alcohol, there are a few things you should know.
When is it Time?
What are the telltale indicators that you need help with alcohol addiction? There is no one-size-fits-all solution to that conundrum, but there are a few indicators that suggest it’s time to seek aid.
If you’re struggling with alcohol abuse and you can’t seem to stop drinking, even if you want to, then it’s probably time to seek professional help. If drinking is jeopardizing your personal or professional life, or if you’re putting your health at risk by consuming too much, it’s time to get assistance.
A Little About Sobriety
Before you can begin to look for a treatment program, it’s important to understand what sobriety means. Sobriety is not just the absence of alcohol or drugs in your system. It’s also a state of being mentally and emotionally clear.
When you’re sober, you’re able to think clearly, make sound decisions, and control your emotions. You’re also able to form healthy relationships and build a fulfilling life.
Sobriety is a journey, and there will be ups and downs. But if you’re ready to commit to making a change, there are treatment options available that a free treatment guide can help you find.
Your circumstances and objectives determine the one that’s best for you. Don’t shy away from seeking assistance if you need it, whatever your motivation.
Behavioral Treatments
Behavioral treatments focus on changing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to addiction. You can opt for this treatment alone or in combination with other therapies.
Some common behavioral treatments include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and correct distorted thinking patterns that lead to alcohol or drug abuse. It also teaches coping skills to deal with stressful situations without turning to drugs.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of CBT that helps you manage your emotions and relationships. It teaches you how to tolerate stress and regulate your emotions effectively.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): MET helps you develop the desire to change your behavior and achieve sobriety. It provides you with the tools and support you need to make lasting changes.
Inpatient Treatments
Inpatient treatment is a live-in treatment option that allows you to focus on your recovery without distractions. It provides 24/hour support and supervision. It is the best option available for people with severe addiction.
Inpatient treatments typically include
- Detox: This is the process of removing all drugs and alcohol from your system. It can be dangerous, so it is crucial to receive medical supervision.
- Rehabilitation: This phase of treatment focuses on helping you heal physically, emotionally, and mentally. You will learn how to live a clean life and overcome your addiction with the help of successful rehabilitation centers located in cities like Denver, Illinois, Texas, and many others.
- Aftercare: Once you complete inpatient treatment, you will need continued support to maintain sobriety. Aftercare programs provide this support through counseling, therapy, and social activities.
Outpatient Treatments
According to the NIAAA, your doctor can prescribe an outpatient treatment program if they determine that you have a less-severe alcohol use disorder, good physical health, and a supportive social network.
Although the length and intensity of these programs vary, they generally enable you to continue with your usual routine. An outpatient care team, which might include a counselor, therapist, and social worker, will collaborate with you to design a treatment strategy that is appropriate for your requirements.
- Counseling: Counseling can help you identify the root cause of your addiction and develop coping mechanisms to deal with triggers.
- Therapy: There are many types of therapy available, each with its own focus. Common types of therapy used to treat addiction include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
- Social Activities: Social activities can provide a sense of community and support while recovering from addiction. They can also teach you how to have a good time without using drugs or alcohol.
Detox Process
Detoxing is the process by which the body rids itself of a psychoactive substance. The brain and body, which have become accustomed to and dependent on the substance’s presence, are most often affected by some form of negative response following its removal as the systems and pathways disrupted by its use return to normal.
These systems will take time to recover on their own during detox. Meanwhile, as a result of the fact that the brain and body aren’t functioning correctly for an extended time, discomfort sets in. As the drug is flushed from the body and these pathways begin to work again, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms subside, and the individual feels better.
On the other hand, the symptoms may be extremely distressing and even dangerous during this time. The person may experience a relapse at this stage since he or she is attempting to cope with the pain. As a result, assistance during this period might be pretty valuable.
Takeaway
Sobriety is not uncommon, and it is possible. Maintaining sobriety might be difficult, but it is not impossible. Support from family, friends and experts can help maintain sobriety. Recognizing a problem and seeking assistance are the essential stages in overcoming an addiction.