At some time, people who are addicted to alcohol may have to seek treatment, either on their own, with encouragement from their families, or because it is ordered by employers, the military, or the courts. There are many treatment options available, and as said previously, it depends on what type of circumstance exists requiring the alcoholic to seek treatment. Such options include meetings with others, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, or AA, individual counseling, outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment, medications, or a combination of treatment modalities, which is most common. Stopping cold turkey is also an option, but is usually not realistic, unless combined with a support environment like AA. People seeking alcohol treatment usually do so because they are at rock bottom, and many instances where alcohol has disrupted their lives and the lives of their loved ones has occurred. Treatment will not work unless the individual truly wants help.
Many alcohol treatment programs are based on the 12-step program, which is used in Alcoholics Anonymous. In this type of setting, alcoholics are encouraged to be open and share experiences, but are not required to do so. Tons of literature is available at these meetings for a nominal price or for a donation, and a variety of topics are discussed relating to the alcoholic’s individual situation. Those who are serious about quitting must seek out a sponsor, which will help them through their recovery process. This person is available to them in case they are having a weak moment or if they just need words of encouragement.
Alcohol treatment programs are designed to get the person back on track physically and emotionally, so that they can face their addiction and gain control of their lives.
Self-esteem and self-worth is greatly distorted by the addiction, and treatment interventions include group and individual therapy to get at the root of the trauma which may have caused the cycle to begin in the first place. The alcoholic must discover what causes them to drink, why they can’t stop, and what counter measures they can use when these triggers occur. Recovering alcoholics may also benefit from prescribed medications, such as anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs to help them control they physical symptoms of withdrawal, which can only be prescribed by a medical doctor or psychiatrist.
Recovery takes time and with the proper support and motivation, alcoholics can be successful and remain alcohol-free for the rest of their lives. Often times the alcohol is replaced by another substance, but this is not always a bad thing. The most common is coffee or caffeine and cigarettes. Food is also another common vice, but as every person seeking treatment is told, one thing at a time. It is just not possible to conquer every issue at once. The most serious should be addressed first, then everything else will fall in place. Take one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time, this is the best recipe for long-term success.
Substance abuse treatment takes many different forms today. Each and every substance abuser is different, and has a unique set of pressures, conditions, fears, and weaknesses to overcome. Every substance abuser also has a unique combination of resources, experience, and strength to utilize in their treatment. The best and most effective substance abuse treatments are therefore the ones that customize to cater to your strengths and weaknesses.
For more advanced forms of addiction, a substance abuse treatment center is also a good place to start. Substance abuse treatment centers often offer both outpatient and inpatient services. Inpatient programs are usually at least a month long, and sometimes much longer depending on your needs. These programs are a great way to learn about different approaches you can take in your substance abuse treatment. In addition to the services they provide, they’ll help you identify services, and resources you can use when you return to your life. Effectively, though they are all different, substance abuse treatment centers are sort of like boot camps, training you to live without drugs.
Regardless of what avenues you explore in your substance abuse treatment, its important to keep in mind that no one treatment method is necessarily better than any other. Even the most extended stays in the most famous treatment centers don’t guarantee success, or even improve your odds all that much. All substance abuse treatments have a pretty low statistical likelihood of being successful on the first try. However, that is a reflection of the nature of the disease, a compulsive set of behavior that is extremely hard to break away from. The important thing to keep in mind is even if you fail, you probably made some progress, and should keep trying. Repeated attempts at substance abuse treatment usually prove successful, so long as you are motivated!
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