By The American Medical Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine define alcoholism as a chronic disease that is progressive, chronic, and can be fatal. People suffering from alcoholism drink excessively and have an inability to control their alcohol consumption. In addition, alcoholism brings on a myriad of negative consequences in one’s life.
Alcoholism Treatment Facilities
Many people in need of alcoholism treatment enter alcohol treatment facilities reluctantly because they deny that they have a problem or state that their problem is not bad enough for treatment. In cases where family members are sure the individual is in desperate need of help, intervention may have a strong enough impact on the individual to get him or her to accept the need for alcoholism treatment. Keep in mind that when a person goes into treatment, it does not necessarily mean he or she will stay. While an intervention may get a person into alcoholism treatment, somewhere during the treatment process, the patient must develop his or her own willingness to be there, or relapse will be right around the corner. It is for this reason that you must take your time and choose an alcoholism treatment program that works with people on an individual basis.
What is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal occurs when alcoholics or those with an alcohol addiction abruptly discontinue drinking. After consuming alcohol for some time, the body becomes dependent on it. High and consistent instances of alcohol consumption actually affect the chemicals in the brain, which causes the following:
- An obsession for alcohol
- The need to consume more and more to receive a high
- Cravings for alcohol
- Poor thought process
There are a number of advantages to undergoing alcohol withdrawal at an alcohol detox center. They include complete physical and emotional evaluation, medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and a safe environment in which to heal emotional support. There are many alcohol withdrawal treatment options available to you, but you must take the first step toward recovery and search for the best treatment facility.
The Complete Treatment Process of Addiction Recovery
Any reputable alcoholism treatment program will provide you with a thorough assessment prior to admission. This is to ensure that you can benefit from the alcoholism treatment the program provides. If you happen to be suffering from alcohol abuse instead of alcoholism, you can still benefit from an alcoholism treatment program.
After determining your appropriateness for alcoholism treatment, the next step will be to be admitted to an alcohol treatment facility. During treatment, physicians and nurses manage the painful symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal.
The next step in alcoholism treatment is the actual rehab process. Patients begin to focus on the causes of their alcoholism and how they can keep from drinking again. While there are a number of forms of addiction therapy to accomplish it, the goal is complete alcohol abstinence. After you complete alcoholism treatment with detox and rehab, your therapist will design an aftercare relapse prevention plan for you to help you maintain recovery.
