You may have heard miraculous stories about people who simply managed to quit alcohol without going into rehab. Not everyone is that lucky. About 4% of people addicted to alcohol or other drugs manage to abstain for 1 year without professional intervention. Most try to stop on their own and fail.
A constant craving (mental obsession) and the inability to abstain from drinking (physical compulsion) are signs of alcoholism. This is a serious illness that will get worse the longer it’s left untreated. Getting the right kind of treatment is key to your recovery.
It’s important to understand that your addiction will differ completely from someone else’s. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution when it comes to rehabilitation. Nobody’s symptoms will ever be the same, even if you use the same substance.
In this article, we are going to tell you why recovery shouldn’t be undertaken alone and how you can gain access to the best alcoholic treatment near you. If you have tried to stop drinking before, you may have experienced uncomfortable feelings that can only be quelled by having the next beer.
These are known as withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common of them:
- Body tremors
- Increased sweating
- Nausea
- Migraines
- Anxiety
- Faster heart rate
However, some alcoholics may suffer more serious, possibly life-threatening, physical reactions when attempting to quit ‘cold turkey’:
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Hallucinations
- Vomiting
- Delirium Tremens (DT), which consists of disorientation, hyperactivity, confusion and hallucinations
How to Treat Alcoholism
The best and safest way to treat any addiction is by seeking professional help. In a rehab environment you’ll go through a detoxification period, counselling and different types of therapy to prepare you for a safe return back into society.
The detox will be done under the supervision of expert medical staff at the centre. It is key to first rid the body of all the harmful toxins, which will safely minimise any cravings or discomfort that you might experience. Once the detox has been completed, you will receive both individual and group therapy – each method having its own benefits.
One-on-one counselling gives you the opportunity to find out how and why you became addicted in the first place. Once this has been determined, you will be taught the necessary skills for avoiding the same mistake in future. Group therapy allows you to interact and connect with other people who are experiencing the same thing.
If you or your loved ones are struggling with addiction, reach out for expert assistance today. Call us now and let one of our qualified addiction counsellors find the best step forward for you.