Beginning an alcohol addiction treatment program can be a daunting task when you don’t know what to expect. The fear of the unknown can be overwhelming for someone who just needs to know that everything will be okay. In this blog, we will outline the steps that can be taken, what to expect at each stage of the journey, and your options for achieving success.
At this stage, several things can happen. Some people may recognize that they have a problem and want help. Others may have family members or friends express concerns over their drinking patterns. Some lose jobs, get arrested, or face other experiences leading them down a path to seeking treatment.
Once confronted with the knowledge that they need to change, many people seek help, beginning with an appointment with their doctor or a mental health provider. While you can admit yourself to any treatment program, there may be benefits to taking this route.
If you suspect that there is an underlying mental health condition, it may be a wise route for restoring you to wholeness. Co-occurring mental disorders can exist, wherein a person has a substance abuse addiction and a mental health disorder. If you take this route, you can expect the doctor to do the following:
Treatments vary depending on your needs and goals. It may include a brief intervention, group or individual counselling, residential inpatient stays, or outpatient programs. Working to prevent alcohol abuse to improve the quality of your life is the main objective.
Treatments for alcohol use disorders (AUD) are as follows:
Your treatment may begin with a detox. A detoxification treatment is a medically managed withdrawal. The treatment takes two to seven days and may require sedating medication to prevent you from experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This treatment is done in a hospital or an inpatient treatment centre.
This stage involves the help of alcohol treatment specialists. Treatments include behaviour modification techniques, goal setting, self-help manuals, follow-up care, and counselling.
The goal of this treatment is to develop a plan for a life of sobriety. Then, it is about identifying the goals that are needed to accomplish this, which will give you the best chances for success.
Disulfiram may help some patients stop drinking alcohol. While it doesn’t offer a cure for alcohol use disorder or take away the urge to have a drink, if you have alcohol with this medication, you will have an adverse physical reaction. Reactions may include nausea, flushing, headaches, and vomiting. This treatment acts as a form of negative reinforcement.
Naltrexone is another drug that blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol and prevents heavy drinking by reducing the urge to have alcohol. Acamprosate can also help you with cravings. The advantage of acamprosate and naltrexone is that they don’t cause nausea, unlike disulfiram.
Vivitrol (a version of naltrexone) is injected into your bloodstream once monthly by your provider. While it can be taken with a prescription, injectables are easier for those recovering from an AUD to use consistently.
Group and individual counselling help you to understand your alcohol dependence and support recovery from the psychological aspects of alcohol use. Some people find family support to be helpful.
AUD can occur with other mental health issues. For those with anxiety, depression, or other conditions, you may need medications, talk therapy, or other treatments.
Some alcohol-related health concerns improve once you cease drinking. Yet, some conditions may need follow-up care and ongoing treatment.
Support groups and aftercare programs are instrumental in helping you achieve long-term success. Many support groups provide you with a mentor to help keep you accountable by checking in with you to see how you are doing. They are there to help you through situations and triggers you may face.
Being in a group also surrounds you with people who can relate to your story and vice versa. They also help with relapses and teach you to cope with lifestyle changes.
Some people find the recovery process easier when they are involved in regular spiritual practices. Gaining greater insights into their spiritual side can help some people flourish and maintain accountability.
For those with a serious AUD, staying in a residential treatment program has a greater impact on recovery. Most treatment programs have group and individual therapy, educational lectures, support groups, activity therapy, and family involvement.
These treatment programs include social workers, licensed alcohol and drug counsellors, doctors, nurses, and other staff experienced in treating AUD.
You may want to avoid replacing psychotherapy and traditional medical treatments with alternative medicine. However, incorporating it into your existing therapies may benefit you while recovering from an AUD.
With this approach, hair-thin needles are inserted under the skin to decrease feelings of anxiety and depression.
Controlled breathing while in a series of postures may assist in stress management and relaxation.
While meditating, you remove jumbled thoughts from your mind that may cause stress and learn to be more focused.
If you have an alcohol addiction, you may think that you can stop at any time. However, with intense cravings, experiencing overwhelming withdrawal symptoms, and working through triggers, some days may be tough. Most people find that they can manage independently, but only for a brief period.
Sometimes, we all need a little help and there is no shame in that. Sometimes, it is the wisest decision you could ever make for yourself.
If you find this is where you are in your journey, contact New Dawn Medical. We are dedicated to offering confidential, personalized, and professional treatment for alcohol abuse and withdrawal support.
Call us toll-free at 1-833-456-DAWN or 647-625-8799 for a consultation. You can also email us at info@newdawnmed.com or fill out an online form on our website.
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