Alcohol Rehab 101

The following are the four main symptoms of alcoholism:

• Craving (a strong urge to consume alcohol)
• Loss of control (inability to stop drinking once started)
• Physical dependence (symptoms of withdrawal when not drinking)
• Tolerance (requiring larger quantities in order to get buzzed

If allowed to continue alcoholism will completely consume the life of the addict. Excessive consumption over extended periods of time can lead to nervous system destruction, organ failure, brain damage, depression and even suicide.

Healing from Alcoholism

Like any addiction, alcoholism is a disease. It is not a matter of willpower or self-control. Physical and psychological addictions are established that will render the alcoholics unable to stop on their own. Freedom from this disease is possible, but often only with focused, compassionate and thorough help.

For many alcoholics non-residential treatment programs like Alcoholics Anonymous are able to provide the emotional support, relational inspiration and tactical guidance that a person needs in order to stay alcohol-free. The principals of the famous 12 Step Program have been helping people recover from alcoholism for decades with great success. Ongoing support group meetings and one-on-one accountability relationships with fellow recovering addicts both greatly increase the likelihood of long-term recovery.

For some alcoholics, however, residential treatment is required. More advanced or extreme cases will result in intense withdrawals that can be relieved through medications administered by medical professionals. The powerful psychological addiction may also require 24 hour accountability, isolating oneself from alcohol and separation from people and events that trigger abuse. Residential alcohol rehab offers everything alcoholics need to endure withdrawal and then begin the process of reclaiming their personality from the disease. Group and individual counseling, relaxing and restful environments, new healthy habits and diversions and education that empower the addict to understand the reality of their condition are all offered at the most successful programs.

It is also frequently the case that other co-occurring psychological disorders may be contributing to the addiction or undermining recovery. Dual Diagnosis Treatment carefully examines for any of these potential conditions and develops a plan for treatment. This also greatly increases the likelihood of long term and lasting recovery.

Signs of Alcoholism

If you are concerned about your relationship with alcohol ask yourself the following questions:

• Have you tried to quit drinking but have not been able to?
• Do you occasionally drink more than you had intended to?
• Is your use of alcohol interfering with your work, hobbies, finances or relationships?
• After alcohol has worn off do you experience symptoms such as nausea, sleeplessness, tremors, sweating or seizures?
• Does it take more alcohol to give you the feeling you desire?
• Has your use of alcohol caused you to give up activities you previously enjoyed?
• Have you engaged in risky behavior such as drunk driving, fighting or risky sexual behavior that you would not have engaged in sober?

If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, it is crucial that you get the information and help you need to stop this disease before it ruins your life.

Get the Alcohol Help You Need Today

Call our 24 hour, toll-free helpline right now and talk to one of our trained addiction specialists. We will answer any questions you may have. We can help you find the treatment plan that is right for you. Don’t wait. There is no shame in asking for help. Don’t waste another day or risk your health, relationships or personal freedom any longer. Call us today and let us help you take the first steps toward freedom from alcohol dependency.