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An addiction to alcohol can happen to anyone. Not only is alcohol legal, but drinking is widely accepted socially as a way to relax and have a good time. And while many people can use alcohol to do just that, there are others who end up abusing alcohol. Extended abuse of alcohol can easily lead to dependence, which is not exactly easy to overcome once it has happened. For many people whose drinking has turned problematic, getting alcohol addiction help can offer a way out of the dark world of addiction.
No one who starts drinking does so with the intention of becoming an alcoholic. Some people can drink without developing a problem. Others however, aren’t so fortunate. People that grew up in a household where one or more parents were addicts, are more likely to develop an addiction in their lifetime. Mental health problems such as anxiety or depression can also lead to addiction. Early childhood trauma is another reason people might develop an addiction later in their lifetime.
When a person finds that drinking relieves the negative or uncomfortable emotions they are accustomed to experiencing, it then becomes the solution to their problem. This can be completely unconscious. Drinking makes them feel better, so drinking becomes something they do more frequently. Frequent bouts of drinking over an extended period can lead to dependence, which can easily lead to addiction.
Once an addiction to alcohol has developed, it can feel all but impossible to quit drinking. Prolonged abuse of alcohol will literally change the way the brain functions, making it feel extremely difficult to function normally without it. While some people have success quitting on their own, most people that try to quit drinking by themselves won’t have the success they’re looking for.
This isn’t because of any character flaw or because there is something wrong with this person. It’s just that alcohol addiction has hijacked the way their brain works. When a person has become addicted to alcohol, they won’t feel “normal” unless they’re drinking. And because quitting can be so difficult, it’s often necessary to seek out professional help.
Anyone suffering from an addiction to alcohol can benefit from getting help. Seeking out alcohol addiction help will ensure a person is equipped with the tools necessary to overcome their addiction for good. Getting help is especially critical to those suffering from severe cases of alcoholism. For serious alcoholics, suddenly quitting drinking can be life threatening. In instances such as these, getting help is vital.
If someone you care about is exhibiting signs of addiction – whether it’s excessive marijuana use, long-term dependency on pharmaceuticals, binge drinking of alcohol or even financially damaging levels of gambling – contact us for immediate rehabilitation help.
Addiction affects each person differently. The same is true for addiction treatment. No two people will respond the same to alcohol addiction help, which is why there are a variety of options available for treatment. There are a variety of different treatment centres to choose from, with options for both inpatient and outpatient care. Understanding which type of treatment best suits your individual needs is the first thing that will need to be decided before choosing a treatment centre.
Inpatient treatment for alcohol addiction involves a person staying at the rehab centre the entire length of their treatment. They will stay in either a shared or private room and receive all therapy and treatment at the rehab centre. Inpatient alcohol addiction help is beneficial because it removes a person from the environment they’re accustomed to drinking in. When a person gets inpatient help, the only thing they need to worry about is getting well. With all distractions left in the outside world, overcoming alcohol addiction can be a much easier process.
For those who can’t get away for treatment, outpatient help is available. In an outpatient setting, a person attends therapy and treatment at different appointment times scheduled throughout each week. Outpatient alcohol addiction help can be extremely beneficial to those who have responsibilities to attend to, but desire to get treatment for their drinking problem. Because outpatient treatment leaves a person in the environment they’re accustomed to drinking in however, they must stay steadfast in their determination to quit drinking. Because outpatient help is less intensive than inpatient treatment, it is best for those with milder cases of alcohol addiction.
While each treatment centre that offers alcohol addiction help will be different, there are basics a person can expect when getting the treatment they need. Addiction is a complex problem that must be addressed on different levels in order to be overcome successfully. When getting help for an alcohol addiction, a person can expect the following to be a part of their treatment plan.
The very first step of overcoming alcohol addiction is to allow any remaining traces of alcohol to leave the body. Detox from alcohol typically begins about 8 hours after a person has had their last drink. The most intense withdrawal symptoms are usually experienced 24-72 hours after a person’s last drink. For critical cases of addiction, the first few days of detox are critical. Those who are severely addicted to alcohol may experience hallucinations, fevers, and seizures after 72 hours of detox. In cases such as this, alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening and a medically-assisted detox will be ordered. It isn’t until a person has completed detox that they will be able to receive the rest of the treatment they need.
One of the most critical components of alcohol addiction help is talking to a professional therapist or counsellor. When an individual has the opportunity to talk to a professional about their problems with alcohol, they are more apt to come to a better understanding of their current addicted state. Once they better understand their problems with alcohol, the more able the are to begin to overcome them. Therapy can help a person better understand their emotions and offer new ways to deal with these feelings that lead to the compulsion to drink.
There are several treatment modalities that will help a person overcome an addiction to alcohol. When an individual receives alcohol addiction help, they will be offered various treatments that help them overcome their addiction. From treatments designed to help them form new patterns of thought and behaviour to the life skills necessary to integrate into society as a sober person, the treatment offered to those seeking alcohol addiction help is unsurpassed in helping them reach their goal of sobriety.
A person who has successfully completed an alcohol addiction treatment programme might feel on top of the world when they finish. This natural high can quickly come crashing down however, when they integrate back into the real world. Relapse is a very sobering reality. Anyone who has received alcohol addiction help needs to realise how important aftercare is.
Aftercare consists of continued therapy and various treatments and activities designed to help a person sustain their sobriety after treatment is over. Remaining active in the recovery process is vital for continued success. Many former alcoholics find that attending 12-step programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are excellent in helping them maintain their sobriety, even when the temptation to drink arises.
Getting alcohol addiction help will greatly benefit a person when they are committed to sustained recovery. Part of sustaining sobriety is found in attending various aftercare programmes that are designed to help a person stay sober and live their best possible life.
If someone you care about is exhibiting signs of addiction – whether it’s excessive marijuana use, long-term dependency on pharmaceuticals, binge drinking of alcohol or even financially damaging levels of gambling – contact us for immediate rehabilitation help.
We believe that anyone suffering from an addiction to alcohol deserves to get the help they need. We are in touch with some of the best options for alcohol addiction help throughout the UK, and are here to ensure that it’s possible for you to get the help you ought to have. No one should suffer from trying to quit an addiction to alcohol alone. We understand how difficult the process can be and encourage you to call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to see how we can help you get the help that’s readily available throughout Essex and London. We’re here to make sure no one suffers another day from an addiction. Please call us to see how we can assist in helping you overcome your addiction to alcohol and embrace the life you deserve to be living.
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