Treatment For Alcoholism

05/02/2011

If your drinking or that of a loved one is negatively affecting your life then it’s time to look for treatment for alcoholism.  While it may at first seem daunting to consider the possibility of entering alcoholism rehab the consequences of prolonged alcohol abuse are severe.

The thing that can be most frustrating for family and friends of the alcoholic is that is to stop drinking is the only rational decision and yet the victim of alcoholism is unable to stop drinking. This is because alcohol addiction is a brain disease and your loved one is likely to have a firmly entrenched denial network.

Alcoholism is viewed as a disease by modern medical thought.  Just like diabetes or cancer the person did not ever choose to become ill.  And just like other diseases there is a treatment for alcoholism that has been shown to be effective.  We would not think badly of somebody who is diagnosed with cancer.  We wouldn’t blame them or say that they have a moral failing.  It’s the same with alcoholism – it is not a moral failing or weakness of character or anyone’s fault.   

While a person is not responsible for their illness, they are responsible for taking action to recover from it. Being powerless or alcohol doesn’t mean that the alcoholic is helpless or that they shouldn’t take responsibility for their illness.

How does treatment for alcoholism work?

When entering treatment for alcoholism many people don’t know quite what to expect.  They may be nervous or fear judgment from their friends and family.  In reality most people are quite accepting of patients who are genuinely trying to work a program of recovery.  It’s only when a person is actively drinking and their behavior negatively influences the people around them that they find themselves being socially excluded.  You need not fear judgment when you enter a rehabilitation clinic.  The staff there will accept you for who you are and show real concern in helping you to reclaim your dignity and improve your quality of life.

Treatment for alcoholism will inevitably start with a detoxification process, which should be supervised by a medical doctor for safety reasons.  The doctor may prescribe medication to ease the discomfort of withdrawing from alcohol and will monitor the patient for any signs of medical risk.  Drying out from alcohol can take as long as 10 days depending on the physical state of the patient, how much alcohol has been consumed, and the period of time that (s)he has been drinking.  Most people will find themselves feeling better and ready for program within a week.

Following the detoxification stage patients will be admitted to the general program.  This is explained in more detail below.

What do I do in treatment for alcoholism?

The daily program of treatment for alcoholism will differ between clinics, but will generally incorporate activities such as group therapy, individual therapy, lectures, time for written assignments, art therapy, psychodrama, and possibly some light physical exercise such as a walk.  You will find that the routine is very easy to adjust to and once you’re established and in the rhythm of the facility, time will fly past.

Group therapy is a staple in treatment for alcoholism and gives patients the chance to relate to one another in a safe and contained environment.  It gives patients the chance to receive feedback about areas of their alcoholism that they might not have been aware of (“blind spots”).  By discovering that they are not alone, and that there are other people with similar problems the alcoholic will start to feel more hopeful and motivated to work the program.

Individual therapy entails sitting with a trained counselor or psychologist.  This professional will guide the patient through a process and help him/her to explore past issues and current emotions.  Treatment for alcoholism can evoke some very powerful emotions and having these private sessions is important as they allow patients to unload some of the burdens they may have been carrying.

Treatment for alcoholism is a life-saving process that helps alcoholics to reclaim their lives.  If you are worried about your own or a loved ones drinking and would like a new way of life please contact We Do Recover today!

Please call us to discuss on:

UK: 0808 26 REHAB (73422) or

SA: 082-74-REHAB (73422)

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