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Alcoholism Rehab Centers

Woman suffering from alcoholism Admitting that you have a problem with alcoholism is never easy, but it’s also difficult to ignore the problems it is causing in your life. Are you struggling with finding a job, or are you afraid of losing your position or even your family to this serious disease? If any of these issues apply to you, it is time to really consider the impact of alcoholism in your life and to seek help for your safe, effective recovery.

Alcoholism rehabilitation is a serious issue. In this page, we will investigate causes, effects, and treatment options for alcoholism. If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, we urge you to seek out treatment in your area to find a rehabilitation center near you.

You can find rehab centers for your alcohol recovery by calling 888-646-0635Who Answers?. We will connect you with one of our treatment advisors and help you determine which rehab center will best suit your needs. Remember, you can achieve recovery and a safer, healthier life too, one that is free of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol Use vs. Alcoholism

Alcohol, in moderation, is not a bad thing. Many use it to relax after a week of hard work. Some drink only during appropriate social situations. Others drink at home as a temporary escape, or even occasionally as a sleep aid. However, when it becomes a replacement for something you feel is missing in your life, or a tool to ignore some emotion or even traumatic experience, it can become a toxic habit.

Many people start abusing alcohol because of the death of a loved one, a relationship ending, or another serious life event that triggers the need for a coping mechanism. Unfortunately, alcohol is not a safe or effective coping mechanism when compared with therapy, yoga, and other, better options.
Some people experience serious life consequences of their drinking, including losing their job or an inability to find work. You may be struggling with this issue and wondering how you will be able to make ends meet, which can be extremely difficult.
Still, a large number of alcoholics are high-functioning alcoholics. These individuals drink often and in great quantities but manage to hold down jobs. They may even be CEOs, doctors, or other white-collar workers. If this is your situation, you may feel it is safer to avoid seeking treatment than to ask for help, as you could be concerned about losing your job if you admit you have a problem with alcohol.

You may be wondering why alcoholism occurs in some individuals and not in others, though, as well as what defines alcoholism as a separate issue from an alcohol use disorder or problem drinking.

Alcoholism Defined

Most clearly, alcoholism is defined as a disease separate from alcohol abuse, according to the National Library of Medicine. The main establishing aspect of the disease is dependence, which occurs in many other addictions. It is when the body and brain depend on the substance, and if it suddenly no longer being used, the individual will experience intense withdrawal effects.

Alcohol withdrawal causes effects like nausea, confusion, tremors, and anxiety. There is another form called delirium tremens that is very dangerous and can even be deadly.

Alcoholism is also defined by a number of other symptoms, including:

An inability to control one’s drinking
Cravings for alcohol
Tolerance or a need for more and more of the substance each time one drinks

Many addictions arise from the reluctance to face deep-seeded issues and to instead drown them in distraction. Alcohol abuse may be a person’s way of coping when they feel they cannot deal with their problems. They may unknowingly shun the healthy coping methods available to them and instead engage themselves in habits damaging to their health, their wellbeing, and the lives of their loved ones. Over time, their substance abuse becomes an addiction.

There are other elements associated with alcoholism as well. There are many who have argued that alcoholism is a genetic disorder, and point to studies showing that a number of alcoholics have had family members that followed the same path. There are also those that believe that alcoholism is a learned trait

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are many different factors that can make a person more likely to become addicted to a substance. Such factors include:

Biological factors, including family history of addiction, race, gender, mental illness, etc.
Environmental factors, including peer pressure, availability of the substance, income, etc.
Developmental factors, including the age at which substance abuse first occurs, etc.

Different individuals react differently to alcohol with many variables in play. A person’s upbringing, mental state, associated crowd, location, type of alcohol etc. all affect the way they may react to the substance. Some become relaxed when drinking. Some become giddy. Some, however, may be angry and violent. Whichever of these defines you, if you consistently find yourself struggling with any of the following situations, you are very likely struggling with alcoholism, and you will need help in order to put an end to this problem.

Drinking more than you originally intended
Being unable to stop drinking though you may want to
Experiencing serious personal and/or professional issues associated with your alcohol use
Craving a drink
Experiencing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms if you are unable to drink
Putting alcohol before everything else in your life
Worrying that someone else will find out about your alcohol abuse and what it will do to your family, career, etc. (but refusing to stop)

What Do I Do About My Alcoholism?

You may be scared to seek help for a number of reasons. You may be worried about losing your job, your status, your loved ones, or the respect of other people. The most important thing to remember in this instance is that it is always better, safer, and healthier to seek help for alcoholism.

The biggest hurdle for any alcoholic can be simply accepting the fact they are not in control of their alcohol use. But once you accept this truth and make the decision to seek help, you are already on a much safer path. If you let it, alcohol can destroy many parts of your life, and perhaps it already has. You deserve to seek recovery and wellness rather than feeling ashamed. Everyone is worthy of a life without addiction, and so are you.

Alcoholism Rehab Centers: An Effective Intervention Tool

Alcoholism rehab centers are a resource that the families of alcoholics and alcoholics themselves should tap into. Many of these clinics were founded by former alcoholics, former drug addicts, and those who have taken a special interest in assisting people struggling with alcoholism.

The goal of rehabilitation is to not only assist in detoxing the patient’s body but also to find out what deep, physiological issues have played into their disorder. Many times, when the patient is able to find the root cause of their compulsive drinking, they are able to face it and deal with it rather than find another distraction.

The common treatments utilized in alcohol rehab centers are as follows:

Detox

Detox is the first part of recovery. Those who have become dependent on alcohol will need help putting an end to this problem, and medically assisted withdrawal is a safe way to do so.
According to the NIDA, though, patients MUST seek addiction treatment following detox in order to recover safely.

Medications

There are a number medications that are useful for treating alcoholism.

Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, blocks the opioid receptors in the brain that are affected by drinking alcohol (NIDA). People who take it are less likely to relapse back to heavy alcohol use.
Acamprosate reduces long-term withdrawal symptoms caused by alcoholism, such as anxiety and insomnia.
Disulfiram makes it difficult for the body to break down alcohol. People who relapse back to drinking while taking the drug will experience uncomfortable side effects.

Behavioral therapies

Behavioral therapies help patients learn to cope with their cravings and other lingering issues associated with alcohol abuse. In addition, they can help you deal with any additional psychological issues associated with your addiction.

Finding a local alcohol rehab center can be the most important decision for you or your family member’s life. It is wise to do a bit of research and find out as much as you can about the program before taking the plunge. A good center will have every accommodation and make the patient feel at home.

These facilities can be 24-hours if necessary, and others exist where you can continue living your life and working around your treatment.
Rehab centers are a form of medical treatment, so they will keep your business personal. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about anyone finding out about your treatment.
You can choose the program that best suits your needs so your recovery will be as effective as possible.

As accommodating as these clinics are, however, the program will still be challenging. It will require you to make major changes in your life, habits, and even thought processes. The best thing to remember is that you are making a choice to live a healthier, happier, and more independent life. Once you begin attending treatment, you will learn to free yourself from the stipulations alcohol has put on your life, and soon, you will be able to control the outcome all on your own.

Life After Time Spent at Alcoholism Rehab Centers

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcoholism recovery is a process. It may not be over after one treatment program, and you may require additional programs over the course of your life to stay healthy and sober.

Remember, people who seek treatment experience lower rates of relapse, better social, professional, and personal functioning, and better health.
If you do experience a relapse, this does not mean your recovery was unsuccessful.
You will have good days and bad days in your recovery. The important thing is to give yourself what you need (including time) and to ask for help when you require it.

You can still work in your field, take care of your family, and live your life after alcoholism rehab. Just remember that it will be so much easier to do so once you have asked for the help you need and begun the process of recovery.

Put an End to Your Alcohol Abuse

Call 888-646-0635Who Answers? now to speak with a treatment advisor and to learn more about the options available for your recovery. You can find rehab centers that suit your needs and offer the safest, most affordable care for your situation.