Thursday, February 6, 2014

Alcohol Rehab Programs Aim for a Lifelong Recovery

Not everyone who likes a few beers is an alcoholic. However, the risks of becoming a full-blown addict are higher when a taste for wine, vodka, brandy, and other drinks has already been developed. Social drinkers can develop an unhealthy drinking habit when sudden, taxing changes in their lives occur. Stressful situations include job loss, the death of a child or other loved one, an unexpected breakup, divorce, the news of a devastating illness, and the inability to cope with retirement. Alcoholics are usually unable to recover on their own. They need medical treatment, which includes alcohol rehab at a treatment and recovery institute. The following information will touch on alcoholism and rehabilitation programs.


Understanding the Disease


Alcoholism is viewed as a treatable disease. It can be cured with the right help. Unfortunately, treatments will only work when alcoholics can admit that they have a serious drinking problem, and that they truly wish to get better. Innovative recovery programs will fail if an addict is pressured. Before long, the signs of alcohol abuse will reappear.


Signs of Alcoholism

Not everyone sneaking a drink is an alcoholic. Some people just had a bad day, and want to forget about it. A problem arises when every day of the week causes anxiety, and the drinking never seems to stop. Signs of alcoholism include the following:

·    Headaches
·    Insomnia or fatigue
·    Anxiety and depression
·    Excessive sweating
·    Loss of appetite
·    Extreme weight gain or loss
·    Jumpiness and irritability
·    Lack of personal hygiene

Alcoholics tend to withdraw from social life because they do not want to get caught. They neglect their responsibilities, are often late, or find excuses not to show up at all.


Treatment and Rehabilitation

Treatment options are suggested after new patients are examined thoroughly. Each situation is different, and programs have to be selected accordingly. For instance, adolescent alcoholics act differently than seniors. That has to be taken into account. Rehabilitation and recovery plans may include the following:

·    Group therapy
·    Focusing and eliminating the cause of the disease
·    Individual treatment sessions
·    Educating and involving the family

Each male and female alcohol rehab participant responds differently to therapeutic programs. Some people react faster to treatment than others. That is one of the reasons why it is impossible to predict how long a recovery will take, and to be patient.



This is a guest post provided to Me, Myself & the City for its readers.



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