Treatment of Alcoholism

Treatment of alcoholism is an incredible and helpful resource for those who struggle with alcoholism.

Alcoholism is a disease that affects millions of Americans.

It is estimated that over 10% of Americans struggle with alcohol addiction.

Alcoholism is one of the most common addictions both worldwide and in the United States.

It is widespread, prevalent, and affects people whose lives seem otherwise completely normal.

Alcoholism can be a hidden disease, developing and increasing slowly over time.

As addiction to alcoholism grows, treatment of alcoholism becomes more and more imperative and in-demand.

Treatment involves assisting those who struggle with alcoholism through therapy, reinforcement, medication, and positive coping mechanisms.

Treatment is difficult and not always successful, but it is administered and monitored by professionals who have the best interest and health of their patients in mind.

Alcoholism treatment is usually provided by a specialized addiction treatment center.

The choice to attend treatment for alcoholism can be at the discretion of the person who suffers from alcoholism.

Choosing to seek treatment is a difficult and daunting choice to make for many addicts.

However, it can be the first step that ultimately leads to recovery and a better life.

Understanding Treatment of Alcoholism

Without treatment, people who struggle with addiction to alcohol are much less likely to recover.

Alcoholism is a life-changing disease and is sometimes deadly.

The physical dependence on alcohol can be devastating to your personal life, physical and mental health, and career.

Addiction to alcohol can put both you and the people you love in danger.

That is why prompt and effective treatment of alcoholism is so important.

Addiction to alcohol is a chronic disease.

It can last a lifetime and can shorten the lifespan of the person who is struggling if left unattended.

Just like with other chronic diseases, relapse is possible after recovery begins.

Because of the unpredictable and damaging nature of alcoholism, it is imperative that people who struggle with alcoholism receive treatment.

Recovery often lasts a lifetime, and many recovering addicts choose to continue attending treatment or therapy to lower their chances of relapse.

Effects and Abuse of Alcohol

Alcohol is different from many addictive substances in that it is legal to obtain, widely available, and relatively inexpensive. Because so many people consume it and obtain it so easily, it is much easier to form an addiction.

It is not always easy to know if you are simply drinking a bit too much or if your slight drinking problem has evolved into an addiction. However, there are guidelines as to what behaviors define alcohol abuse.

The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) lists the following as factors of alcohol abuse if you have:

• Drank more or longer than you originally intended multiple times
• More than once wanted to cut down on or stop drinking but could not
• Spent a large amount of time drinking
• Found that drinking interfered with your work, personal, or family life
• Continued to drink even though it was difficult for your family and friends

These are only a few of the most important signs of alcohol abuse and do not represent all factors. If you think you might be abusing alcohol, we recommend continuing your own research using the resources of the NIAAA or another dependable agency.

Alcoholism is not always an easily visible disease. Drinking problems can develop slowly and become hidden. However, there are some effects and signs of alcohol abuse that are important to look out for. Alcoholism can affect the body and mind over time, changing the victim’s behavior and physical health. Alcohol adversely affects the heart, brain, and liver differently.

Alcohol abuse can also increase your risk of various types of cancers, including head and neck cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, and more (NIAAA and National Cancer Institute).

Mental Illness and Alcoholism

Alcoholism does not just cause the degradation of physical health. It can also lead to the development of certain mental health disorders. Sometimes, alcoholism and mental health disorders can develop at the same time. One of them can also lead to the occurrence of the other.

According to MedlinePlus, alcohol addictions and mental illnesses are often diagnosed together in a ‘dual diagnosis.’ Mental health conditions are also listed as risk factors for developing an alcohol or drug problem. Around 50% of the people who struggle with mental illness will also struggle with substance abuse at some point in their lives.

If you think you may have a dual diagnosis, it is important that you seek treatment for both issues as you begin your recovery. Treatment of alcoholism is not enough in and of itself if you are also struggling with mental illness. If you are able to seek treatment for both, you will greatly increase your chance of recovering and living a happier life.

How Alcoholism is Treated

There are many types of treatment for alcoholism, all of which are considered effective. Different treatments work for different people, so the best thing to do is to try options until you find one that works well for you. Most rehab programs are through an addictions treatment center, but there are other options like support groups and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Though these can be great options, you will receive the best treatment at a professional addictions treatment center where knowledgeable and experienced staff can find the best options for you.

The NIAAA lists behavioral treatment, medications, and support groups as viable ways to treat an alcohol addiction. Behavioral treatment for alcoholism involves changing alcohol consumption through counseling. It focuses mainly on decreasing the amount of alcohol consumed through different types of coping mechanisms for withdrawal and new mindsets.

There are three medications that are approved by the United States government in treating alcoholism. These medications can help with symptoms of withdrawal and prevent patients from relapsing. Only physicians prescribe medications.

Mutual support groups allow you to meet others who also struggle with alcoholism. They can be a wonderful network of compassion and positive accountability. At an addictions treatment center, you meet people who understand exactly what you are going through. It can really help to know that you are not alone and that other people have been able to recover successfully.

Payment for Treatment of Alcoholism

It is strenuous to deal with an addiction to alcohol, and the cost of treatment can be just another burden that you have to worry about as you try to recover.

We understand that treatment can be expensive and difficult to secure, so we offer free insurance verification for treatment.

You can find out easily and inexpensively whether your insurance covers alcohol addiction treatment.

It is not easy to be a recovering addict, and it is not easy to pay for recovery.

Even when the cost seems high, it is important to remember what you could gain from treatment.

Recovery offers a chance at a better life not controlled by your addiction.

With our services, there is no need to blindly search alcohol detox centers near me and hope something worthwhile pops up.

We will provide you with a great match for a treatment center full of compassionate and capable staff.

Although we can never guarantee a full recovery, we can guarantee that we will do our very best to give you the resources and support you need.

Treatment will give you a chance to take control of your life and live it the way you want to.

Alcohol addiction is treatable. It is possible to make a full recovery.

Take the chance on yourself and a better life today by contacting us.