FEATURED
Sticky
Alcohol Addiction
Alcoholism is one of the hardest addictions to overcome and negatively affects the lives of millions of Americans every year. Alcohol addiction is characterized by a craving or a dependence on alcohol, which is beyond the capability of the person to control. However, what many people don’t understand is alcohol addiction is a physical and mental disease and needs to be treated as such. Because alcoholism is a serious disease, it needs to be treated like a serious disease with therapy, addiction counseling and medication. However, the vast majority of alcoholics rarely seek out treatment for their disease and instead blame it on a character flaw or their own moral weakness. Instead of seeking out the treatment that they need to get better, many alcoholics just blame themselves and carry around tremendous guilt and bitterness because of it.
Symptoms of Alcoholism
A person who is addicted to alcohol has a difficult time limiting the amount of alcohol they consume and feels a strong compulsion to drink alcohol regularly. An alcoholic may feel irritable or anxious if alcohol is not available and alcohol addiction is usually characterized by a high tolerance and large rate of consumption. Many people with alcohol addiction issues may drink alone or do it in secret. Alcoholics generally have problems with relationships, work or school, and often lose interest in hobbies and extracurricular activities they were once fond of. Alcoholics can also suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, sweating and tremors if they go too long without any alcohol consumption.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Alcohol addiction treatment and recovery is a long, ongoing process. The first step for anyone addicted to alcohol is to first admit they have a problem. This can often be the hardest step to make because many people don’t view the regular consumption of alcohol as a problem, let alone a disease. However, once these individuals get a clear understanding of what alcohol is doing to their lives and how it is negatively affecting their relationships they often break down and decide to seek treatment. Once an individual has taken this first very difficult step they must seek out an alcohol rehab center that is best suited for them. The patient will then decide whether they want to visit an outpatient or inpatient facility and the duration of treatment they would like to receive.
Alcohol Rehabilitation
The first step in any alcohol rehabilitation program is to undergo detox, which usually lasts anywhere from 3-7 days. This process helps a patient clean out their system of any alcohol and it’s toxic effects, enabling the doctors to treat the body in a medically safe way. Medications are often used in the this process to help limit the painful effects of alcohol withdrawal as well as treat headaches, fevers and other health problems that might come up. After the detoxification process is over, the rehab phase will begin. Alcohol rehab consists of addiction therapy, mental health counseling, family therapy services, and a wide variety of other treatments.
If you live in Illinois and are suffering from an alcohol addiction do not hesitate to call us at (866) 531-4569. It could be the very thing that could save your life.
