Information About Alcohol Treatment Programs
Reaching The Point Of Reckoning
I know a lot of alcoholics. I drank with them. They are my friends. For some reason I didn't get addicted, but for years I drank as much as they did, so I guess I didn't have the genetic predisposition to alcoholism.
I was one of the lucky ones. Most of my alcoholic friends are on the wagon and have been for years. They lead happy, productive lives and are loved by their friends and families.They have good jobs and do well financially. But it wasn't always that way. They reached a point where their alcoholism became too much of a burden for them. They reached a point--the Point of Reckoning--where they had to make a choice. Stop drinking or lose all the really important things they cherish. Like their families. Their careers. Their resources. Their self respect. Whatever it was, they reached a decision point. They decided to give it up. It's tough, no question. One of the hardest thing leading up to the Point Of Disgust was their denial of their problem. But it usually takes several bad experiences for them to decide to go on the wagon. The key question they had to ask themselves was this, "Do I control my drinking, or does it control me?" If the answer to that is the latter, then the time to seek help is staring at them in the mirror. Fortunately there are a variety of options available to seek help from.
Treatment Programs Won't Work Unless The Alcoholic Wants Help
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 successful, unless combined with a support environment like AA. People seeking alcohol treatment usually do so because they are at rock bottom-the Point Of Reckoning-- 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.
The Alcoholics Anonymous Approach
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.
Sometimes Medication Is Necessary For Withdrawal
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. 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.
Success Is Achievable
Recovery takes time and with the proper support and motivation, alcoholics can be successful and remain alcohol-free for the rest of their lives. As I mentioned above, most of my alcoholic friends beat their addictions. 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. I'm not advocating it, but I have an alcoholic friend who smokes pot whenever he gets the urge for a "diversion." It's better for him than alcohol. 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.
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Tags: Addiction, alcoholics anonymous, alcoholism treatment, rehab, treatment
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