The easiest way to stop drinking alcohol according to a lot of people who are not educated in the field of addiction is to ‘JUST STOP’. However, it doesn’t work, does it? How many times have you told your friend or family member or even yourself that you need to stop drinking? How many times have you had an intervention a conversation wherein you make them aware or make yourself aware of the troubles and the downfalls that alcohol is causing them or you? What comes next is a barrage of excuses, false promises, emotional outbursts and the icing on the cake heavy denial.
Though any layman can see that the problem is alcohol, why cannot the alcoholic see it? Why are they so stubborn, why are they so hell-bent on drinking even though it may cost them their family, peace of mind, finances and in some extreme cases their life? To answer this question a small but heavy fact must be exposed, alcoholism is a disease. It is not a rebellion, it is not stubbornness and it is definitely not a choice.
The disease of addiction is recently being shown to the world, its complications and its sufferings are now being divulged so we at alcohol rehabilitation centres can help treat the alcoholic and let them in on the journey of recovery. Just like a drug alcohol dependency causes changes in the brain chemistry making the alcoholic more dependant on the substance. This dependency can be termed as an addiction to alcohol making the addict tolerant to alcohol and hence he/she will continue increasing the abuse of the substance. Alcoholics usually feel like they cannot function normally without alcohol and they experience an inability to stop drinking on their own and here alcohol rehabilitation treatments come in.
Listed below are a few warning signs of alcoholism you may notice in your loved one or yourself:
- Being unable to stop consumption of alcohol
- Strong cravings for alcohol
- Putting alcohol above everything else in life
- Spending a lot of money on alcohol
- Behavioural changes after drinking
- Emotional instability because of alcohol
- Health issues related to alcohol
- Inability to cope without alcohol
There are many reasons why alcoholic drinks, most of the reasons given by the alcoholic are excuses to drink but there are some deeper underlying emotional issues which have made the person more susceptible to alcoholism. Below are listed a few,
Anxiety:
Almost all alcoholics struggle from some anxiety causing perpetual worry, Drinking alcohol helps lower inhibitions allowing them to feel relaxed and comfortable.
Trauma:
Mostly all alcoholics have experienced the trauma of some kind. Alcoholics usually do not feel heard or haven’t experience empathy in a traumatic situation causing unresolved trauma which accelerates their drinking.
Suppressed emotions:
Usually, alcoholics have a variety of heavy suppressed emotions which are not bought to the surface and healed. This suppression causes a lot of emotional instability within the person and to mask these intense feelings the alcoholic drinks.
Loneliness:
Mostly all alcoholics will talk about feeling alone and feelings of disconnection with the world and people. They feel misunderstood and ignored, these feelings come from a lot of intense voids within them which they try to fill up with alcohol.
What is the best way to help your loved one or even yourself to get this disease in control? There is no one stop quick fix for this disease, it is a commitment and a consistent practice which consists of coping techniques, support groups, therapy and rehab.
Detox centres and alcohol rehabilitation centres are completely equipped to deal with and help people suffering from alcoholism. They provide a strong support system and various coping techniques to help the person refrain from drinking again. Alcohol rehabilitation centres have in house psychotherapists and psychiatrists to help them heal unresolved emotional issues and treat any psychiatric medical conditions that exist within the patient.
Written below are stages that are used by alcohol rehabilitation centres to help the addict in the process of recovery.
Detoxification:
There will be serious uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms in the alcoholic once the drug is leaving the body. Rehabilitation centres will provide medical attention to help relieve the symptoms of withdrawal with as little pain as possible.
Denial:
Denial of the disease is the biggest issue of alcoholism. Counsellors, therapists and the in-house support group will work together to break the denial in the alcoholic by making them aware and educating them on the disease. Breaking the denial in the alcoholic could be both a slow or fast process, it is the first step and most important step towards acceptance of the disease. Once the alcoholic has come to an acceptance of the disease recovery will be much easier.
Rehabilitation:
Talking to in-house psychotherapists and getting medical attention for any psychiatric disorder the patient may have will help the patient heal their emotional state and become stronger for the real world. Coping techniques and a strong support group are formed helping the patient realise that he/she is not alone. During the stay in Rehab, the patient is made aware of the disease of alcoholism and is taught of the perils of the disease, this awareness helps the patient help recover more effectively.
Maintenance:
Long term sobriety is an ongoing process, alcohol rehabilitation centres teach the patient recovery process after rehab and help them get support group and various recovery resources so that they are mentally strong enough to refrain from alcohol abuse.
Family counselling:
Along with the alcoholic, the family also suffers. Rehabilitation centres and detox centres help educate the family on how to deal with the alcoholic and also conduct family sessions where unresolved matters are bought to the table and dealt with under the watch and guidance of a licensed therapist.
Please remember alcoholism is a disease and not a choice. Alcoholics cannot just stop drinking and need medical supervised attention to help them start walking on the path of recovery. Recovery is a journey and not a destination.
We at ZORBACARE urge you to help yourself or your loved one suffering from substance abuse.
Call us at +918669567929 to get a new chance at life. Our experienced team of medical practitioners will be of service to take you on the beautiful path of recovery and sobriety.
Credits: Salva Kazi (Content Writer)