Alcoholism is a severe brain disease that affects millions of people in the United States. Alcoholism can lead to health problems and negatively impact a person’s relationships, finances, and overall quality of life.
Therefore, if you are struggling with a drinking problem, it is a good idea to seek help as soon as possible. But, for people suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD), finding help can be challenging, especially if they don’t know where to look.
Fortunately, various useful options are available to help individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction.
With so many helpful options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to turn. This blog gives an overview of various resources and treatment options available to help you determine your best match.
Key Takeaways
Overcoming alcohol addiction can be difficult but not impossible. Keep reading to learn what alcoholism is and how to overcome it.
- Alcoholism is a severe and complex disease that can take a heavy toll on a person’s mental and physical health if left untreated.
- Many signs can help you determine if you have a drinking problem, such as blackouts, memory impairment, and slurred speech.
- You can get help for alcoholism by talking to someone, enrolling in a treatment program, building a support network, and practicing self-care.
To find out about what treatment options would suit your specific needs and situation, contact health professionals at The Haven Detox-New England. Call (844) 933-4145 now!
Understanding Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a condition where a person has a strong desire to consume alcoholic drinks even when it causes problems in their life. Alcoholism affects the brain, making it difficult for a person to control their alcohol intake.
People dealing with alcoholism may experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop drinking, which can include shaking, sweating, anxiety, and even seizures.
Alcoholism can be treated with a combination of therapy, support groups, and medication, but it requires a lot of effort and commitment from the person with alcoholism to overcome the addiction.
Steps to Overcome Alcoholism
Getting help for alcoholism can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. Always remember that seeking help is a courageous step that can lead to a healthy lifestyle.
If you are struggling with alcoholism, here are some steps that you can take to get help:
Recognize the Problem
Recognizing that there is a problem is the first step in getting help for alcoholism. It can be challenging to confess to yourself or others that you have an alcohol problem. Still, being open and honest about your drinking habits is essential to get help.
Ask yourself if you’ve ever:
- Felt like you needed to cut down on your drinking
- Felt ashamed or guilty about your drinking
- Lied to others about your drinking
- Experienced blackouts or memory loss due to drinking
If you responded yes to any of the above questions, it might be time to seek professional help for alcoholism.
Talk to Someone
After you’ve admitted to yourself that you have an alcohol problem, talk to someone about it. This can be a family member, a close friend, or a healthcare professional. Choose someone you can trust who will support you in getting help for your drinking problem.
If you are uncomfortable talking about your drinking habits to someone you know, you might seek help from a helpline or a support group. Some of the organizations that can offer help include:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- SMART Recovery
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Research Treatment Options
Various effective treatment options are available for alcohol addiction, including inpatient and outpatient programs, therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups.
Finding a program that works for you and meets your unique needs is essential. Here are some common treatment programs:
- Inpatient rehab provides 24-hour medical care in a residential setting. Inpatient rehab may be a good option if you have a severe addiction and need an intensive level of care and support.
- Outpatient rehab allows you to receive treatment while living at home. Outpatient rehab may be a good option if you have a mild or moderate addiction and can maintain your sobriety outside of a residential setting.
- Therapy can help you address the root causes that may be contributing to your alcohol abuse, such as anxiety, trauma, or depression. Therapy can take place in an individual or a group setting.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves using medications, such as acamprosate or naltrexone, to help manage alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), provide a supportive community of people in recovery to share their struggles and offer encouragement and hope to one another.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re dealing with alcohol addiction, it’s essential to seek professional help. This may involve working with a counselor, therapist, or addiction specialist. They can help you uncover the root causes contributing to your alcohol use and develop an individualized treatment plan.
When seeking professional help for alcoholism, it’s important to find a healthcare provider who specializes in addiction treatment.
Here are some options for locating a healthcare provider:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Locator
- Your insurance provider’s list of in-network healthcare providers
Build a Support Network
It is essential to have a network of supportive people you can rely on while trying to overcome alcoholism. These can be family members, friends, support group members, or healthcare professionals.
Having supportive people around you can help you stay on track, provide accountability, and offer encouragement and support when needed.
You can also consider joining a sober living community, which is a group of people who are dedicated to sobriety and a drug-free lifestyle.
Sober living communities offer a safe haven for those in recovery. They can assist you in building a sense of community and accountability as you work toward recovery.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is a vital part of recovery from alcohol use disorder. This may involve having a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. You may also want to try relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, which can help you manage anxiety or stress.
It’s important to be calm and sympathetic with yourself as you work to overcome alcohol dependence. Recovery is a journey, and celebrating your progress along the way is important.
Stay Committed
Recovery from alcoholism is a lifelong journey, and staying committed to your sobriety is important. This may involve attending support group meetings, continuing therapy, and practicing self-care. Be aware of triggers that may tempt you to drink and have a plan in place to manage them.
Importance of Getting Help
There are various reasons why it is important to get help for alcoholism. Here are some of the most significant reasons:
Health
Alcoholism can negatively impact your physical and mental health. Heavy drinking can lead to depression, anxiety, and other medical conditions. Seeking help for alcoholism can help you address these health issues and avoid further harm.
Relationships
Alcoholism can harm your relationships with family members and friends. Getting help for alcoholism can help you repair damaged relationships with loved ones.
Work and Financial Stability
Alcoholism can also impact your work and financial stability. Missing work due to drinking or losing your job because of alcohol-related issues can lead to financial instability. Seeking help for alcoholism can help you regain control over your career and finances.
Legal Issues
Alcohol-related behaviors like drunk driving can lead to legal issues, such as fines and even jail time. Getting help for alcoholism can help you address these issues and avoid future legal trouble.
Quality of Life
Ultimately, getting help for alcoholism can improve your overall quality of life. It can help you regain control over your health, relationships, and career, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you help someone who can’t stop drinking?
Helping someone who can’t stop drinking can be hard, and it often requires a combination of emotional support and professional guidance.
Following are a few steps that you can take to help someone who is struggling with alcohol addiction:
Approach them with empathy and concern:
Encourage them to seek professional help
Explore treatment options
Provide emotional support
Set healthy boundaries
Remember, recovery from alcohol addiction is a process, and it may take time for your loved one to overcome their addiction fully. Be patient, stay supportive, and continue encouraging them to seek help.
Which is the most successful type of treatment for alcoholism?
The most successful type of alcoholism treatment can vary depending on the individual’s specific needs. However, studies have shown that combining different treatments can be most effective in helping people overcome alcohol addiction.
Here are some of the most successful types of treatment for alcoholism:
Medications such as acamprosate, naltrexone, and disulfiram
Behavioral therapies, such as CBT and MI
Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
What are some treatment options for someone who is suffering from alcoholism?
There are several treatment options for those suffering from alcoholism, including:
Medical detox
Behavioral therapies, such as CBT, DBT, and MI
Medications, such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
Inpatient or residential treatment
Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Holistic therapies, such as meditation and yoga
It’s important to note that the best treatment approach will depend on the individual’s specific needs. A healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
How do I help an alcoholic that doesn’t want help?
Helping someone who is struggling with alcoholism can be challenging, especially if they do not want help. However, there are some ways you can support them:
Educate yourself about alcohol addiction.
Be honest and open about your concerns regarding their drinking.
Listen without judgment; this can help them feel heard and understood.
Help them find resources for treatment when they are ready.
Set clear boundaries.
Offer resources and information about treatment options, but avoid pushing them into treatment.
Remember that recovery is a journey that may involve setbacks and relapses. Encourage the person to seek help, but also be patient and supportive as they navigate their path to recovery.
The Haven Detox-New England: Break Free from Alcoholism
Seeking help for alcoholism is a brave and important decision that can lead to a happier and healthier life. Therefore, if you are struggling with alcoholism, seek help as soon as possible.
If you believe your addiction symptoms are interfering with your normal functioning and need professional help, The Haven Detox-New England has you covered.
The Haven Detox-New England offers medical detox and inpatient rehab to help our patients lead a life free of addiction. We also offer a dual diagnosis program for those suffering from alcoholism and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Along with alcohol addiction, we are well-equipped and specialized in treating benzo addiction, heroin addiction, cocaine addiction, and prescription drug addiction.
Do not let the fear of judgment prevent you from getting the care you need.
Contact us today at (844) 933-4145 and start your path toward a bright future.
