As one of the substances that is most socially acceptable, alcohol use is often fostered in everyday situations. Though it may be difficult to recognize, problematic alcohol use can quickly turn into alcoholism. Alcoholism can have far-reaching consequences, affecting one’s health, family and social life, and professional responsibilities.
Gain control of your life
The compulsive need to drink may feel good in the short run, but has severe long-term effects. Alcohol abuse may lead people to lose their jobs, destroy their marriages, or become homeless. It’s often associated with domestic abuse, legal problems, and serious health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver.
Alcohol abuse treatment can break that vicious cycle before the disease progresses, allowing people to gain control of their life and eliminate maladaptive alcohol use. In some cases, alcohol abuse treatment can mean the difference between life and death.
Beer and wine
Though beer and wine are considered “safer” to use because of their low alcohol content, they can still be the primary substances of use that lead to alcoholism. Beer is commonly abused on college campuses and at sporting events, where problematic binge drinking is typically normalized. In addition to posing an immediate health threat, binge drinking regularly can increase the likelihood of tolerance and withdrawal developing, crucial physical components of addiction.
Similarly, wine may be associated with refined tastes and dinner parties, but that doesn’t make it any less dangerous. Excessive wine drinking can lead to physical dependency and should be treated like any serious addiction.
Liquor
With a higher alcohol content, hard liquors such as whisky, rum, and vodka tend to have a faster effect on the body. This can increase the likelihood of alcohol overdose and can lead to a dangerously high tolerance that is far more difficult to recover from. Regular liquor drinking may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms that require medical detox to safely overcome.
Treatment for alcoholism
Alcoholism is not treated the same way for every individual. Alcohol treatment is generally individualized and may be treated in a variety of settings from outpatient therapy to residential rehab facilities. It may be treated with a combination of psychotherapy or pharmaceutical therapy.
What works best for one person may not necessarily be the best treatment for another. Treatment greatly depends on individual factors, severity of addiction, and co-occurring mental health or substance abuse issues. Ultimately, the goal of all alcohol abuse treatments is to help the individual become free of their addiction to alcohol and become a healthier version of themselves.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment
There are many effective treatments for alcoholism and alcohol abuse. These range from group therapy such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) programs to intensive inpatient treatments at a rehab facility. The one that is right for you depends on the severity of your alcohol addiction and your aims for treatment.
The biggest difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment is that inpatient treatment takes place entirely in an addiction treatment facility where treatment is held on a full-time basis. This may last anywhere from a month to a year. This treatment may be helpful for those who live in an environment that is dangerous or unsupportive to sobriety.
Outpatient treatment, on the other hand, takes place alongside regular activities such as working and living at home. Outpatient treatment may take place every day of the week or only a couple of days a month depending on the individual’s needs.
A helpful way to think about the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment is to view them as a progression. Since initial treatment also includes detox, having medical support in an inpatient facility greatly increases the chances of success. Early alcohol addiction treatment also tends to be more effective when there is full-time commitment without interference from everyday stressors. Outpatient treatment can follow successful completion of inpatient treatment.
Pre-contemplation
Alcoholism can fly under the radar for a long time before you begin to realize how problematic it is. Many in the pre-contemplation stage are oblivious to their drinking problem, even if it is noticeable to others around them. They may be dismissive or defensive when confronted about their problematic drinking, rationalizing their use and remaining willfully ignorant of its detrimental effects.
Contemplation
By the time most people realize they have a problem with alcohol, their addiction may have progressed too far to successfully quit drinking without help. They may convince themselves that they can manage their own drinking but continually fail to do so. During the contemplation stage, they may be reluctant to seek treatment on their own unless they hit rock bottom.
Preparation
During the preparation stage, an individual realizes they have a problem that they need help overcoming. This stage is one of self-education, when people weigh their treatment options and decide what is best for them. They may begin working with a therapist or addiction treatment specialist to devise a treatment plan.
Detox
The first step in an alcohol abuse treatment plan is detox. During this stage, a person must fully discontinue use of alcohol and any other drugs. In inpatient addiction treatment, this is completed with medical supervision to manage difficult withdrawal symptoms that are typical to long-standing addiction. By first cleansing the body of alcohol, a person becomes better prepared to treat the psychological component of addiction.
Alcoholism may be treated at this stage with medication. That’s because of the serious effects that may accompany withdrawal. Medication use during detox should always be carefully supervised by a doctor to ensure safety and prevent adverse effects.
Therapeutic intervention
This phase varies most from individual to individual. That’s because there are many ways of treating the underlying mental health issues that promote alcohol abuse. For instance, someone who suffered from trauma or abuse may opt for trauma-focused therapy. For others who drink because of maladaptive behavior patterns, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be more effective. During therapeutic intervention, a person is free to explore different aspects of themselves, thus treating their mental health holistically.
Aftercare
Most people don’t realize that alcohol is a lifelong disease that must be managed accordingly to avoid alcoholism relapse. Aftercare is a process that can take years or last for a lifetime. During aftercare, a person should take the skills they’ve learned in therapy and continually apply them in everyday life. It is helpful to remain active in addiction treatment through therapy or peer group meetings. This greatly reduces the chances of relapse and turns newly learned healthy behaviors into lifelong healthy habits.
Termination
Though some individuals remain in the maintenance stage, termination is possible when a person has overcome their desire to drink and has resolved the mental health issues that co-occurred or affected their drinking habits.
These stages don’t necessarily occur in order. It is common for alcoholics to revert back to an earlier stage after relapsing. Just as certain medical conditions flare up at different times in life, addiction may also re-occur after it has appeared to be successfully treated. This is a normal part of addiction and can be brought on by changing life circumstances. The important thing is the desire to maintain sobriety.
Paying for alcohol abuse treatment
The cost of treatment is typically cited as one of the biggest deterrents to seeking treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. Thankfully, most insurance companies cover all or part of rehabilitation costs for people suffering from addiction.
Payment plans are also available to help those who don’t have insurance or whose insurance does not cover certain rehabilitation costs. These programs help make alcohol addiction treatment accessible to all. It’s important to discuss all your options with your insurance company and with your rehabilitation center to figure out the best way to finance your treatment.
Helping an alcoholic get treatment
It can be harrowing to see a loved one suffer as a result of their alcohol use. It may be difficult for them to accept that they have a problem and they may be defensive to what they perceive as unfair criticism of their behavior. Compassion is paramount in helping guide them to treatment. It’s important to remember that treatment works best when an individual accepts that they have a problem and want to change.
An intervention is a commonly used method to help motivate those with a drinking problem. During an intervention, friends and family confront the user with concrete examples of their behavior and how that has affected everyone. This may be eye-opening and lead individuals to want to seek treatment. It may be helpful to have an addiction professional supervise and guide an intervention.
Alcohol Abuse FAQs
How do I know if my alcoholism is severe enough to require treatment?
If you’re pondering the answer to this question, it’s likely that alcohol negatively affects your life sufficiently that it may require treatment. If you often experience hangovers, neglect family or professional duties, or continue drinking even when you try to cut back, you may be suffering from alcoholism. The best way to figure out if you need treatment is to seek a medical diagnosis. A doctor or addiction specialist can evaluate your case and circumstances and determine if treatment is necessary.
How long does inpatient treatment last?
Inpatient rehabilitation for alcoholism and alcohol abuse typically lasts anywhere from one to three months. This includes several stages of treatment including detox and therapeutic intervention. However, inpatient treatment is only the first stage and is often followed up by outpatient treatment and aftercare to maintain long-term sobriety.
How long will it take to recover from alcohol abuse?
Alcoholism is a chronic illness and managing it may require ongoing care for years or for life. That is why most people consider themselves to be “in recovery” rather than “recovered” after they complete treatment.
What is the benefit of inpatient treatment?
Since addiction is often developed or maintained in part due to environmental stressors and triggers, one benefit of inpatient treatment is that it can help eliminate these factors. While a person is in inpatient treatment, they are surrounded by supportive individuals and safe from trauma, stress, or bad influences. By focusing entirely on their recovery, individuals are better equipped to heal and focus on their wellness. They can learn skills and coping mechanisms unencumbered that they can later put to use when they return home.
Alcohol Abuse Recovery at Austin Pines Ranch
Austin Pines Ranch is conveniently located in the Austin Metropolitan Area, where we provide effective and individualized addiction treatment services for people from all walks of life. We welcome anyone who wants to take their alcohol abuse recovery into their own hands. Our peaceful 14-acre ranch offers tranquility and privacy to help you safely recover from substance abuse and addiction.
If you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism or alcohol abuse, contact our addiction treatment center today at (877) 982-3600. Our knowledgeable staff includes medical doctors, nurses, addiction specialists, therapists, and case workers who are committed to your care. Whether you live in Texas or you’re reaching us from your home state, Austin Pines can be your safe haven and provide the tools you need to start a healthy drug-free life.
