Alcohol addiction can affect every aspect of your life, from mental and physical health to social and financial well-being. If you are concerned about your drinking habits, you should get help immediately. Different addiction recovery programs are available to help you regain control over your life.
Steps To Overcoming Alcoholism
The first step to getting help is recognizing and accepting that you have a drinking problem. You may have an alcohol problem if you:
- Struggle to control the amount of alcohol you take
- Spend too much time drinking and recovering from the after-effects of alcohol
- Need to drink more than you used to
- Often get strong urges to drink alcohol
- Often compromise your safety after a drinking spree
The next step after acknowledging the problem is getting treatment for your addiction. Treatment often starts with detoxification, which involves ridding the body of alcohol. Treatment centers can then employ other therapies to facilitate wholesome recovery. You may also need ongoing support to maintain sobriety.
Types of Addiction Therapies
Although some people might be able to stop drinking on their own, many may require professional help to withdraw from an alcohol addiction safely. The type and length of treatment will depend on the gravity of the problem, your living situation, and other health issues you may have. Below are common, evidence-based treatment options for alcoholism:
Medication
Alcoholism medications function by altering how the body responds to alcohol or controlling its long-term effects. The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following drugs to treat alcoholism:
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) which causes an uncomfortable physical reaction such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches after consuming alcohol
- Naltrexone in oral or injection form may help reduce alcohol cravings and prevent excessive consumption
- Acamprosate (Campral) may help those who need help with cognitive function while quitting alcohol
Talk Therapy
Some addiction treatment programs incorporate behavioral therapy to improve alcohol abuse-related maladaptive behaviors and attitudes. A therapist may offer these treatments during the duration of alcohol addiction programs through several group and one-on-one counseling sessions. You might undergo a variety of therapy, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a treatment technique that puts more of an emphasis on implementing successful strategies to avoid drinking alcohol than it does on diagnosis.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): It aims to support patients in embracing positive transformation and emotional equilibrium.
- Motivational Interviewing: This is a short, client-centered, semi-directive psychological treatment strategy focusing on improving a client’s motivation for change.
- 12-step Facilitation: This was founded on the spiritual notion of a “power greater than ourselves,” which is determined by each individual, and a conviction that one should try whatever works best to abstain from alcohol.
Addiction Support and Aftercare
Whether you decide to take a self-directed treatment approach, get counseling, or go to a rehabilitation facility, you will need support during and after treatment. Having individuals you can rely on for support, consolation, and direction may make recovering from alcohol addiction much more manageable. You can get help from close friends, family members, others in recovery, and members of a spiritual group.
Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) may also help. Sharing your struggles and triumphs with a group that relates to your experiences can be emotionally helpful. Alum programs in treatment facilities are another excellent option for aftercare support.
Seek Help for Alcohol Addiction
Free yourself from alcoholism by getting help for your addiction today. Speak to your friends and family about your decision to get the support you need to overcome alcoholism. Find a rehab center near you for comprehensive alcoholism treatment.
