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5 Steps to Alcohol Treatment

Alcoholism is an insidious disease that seizes its victim and doesn't want to let go. Consequently, many alcoholics give up and end up dying of related diseases (liver and kidney failure). Those wishing to escape this tragic demise know they must undergo treatment in order to prevail.

  1. Admit

    • Many alcoholics deny their disease. This delusional thought causes them to refrain from seeking help since they do not think they require it. A person with an overwhelming compulsion to drink tends to experience withdrawal when he doesn't indulge. When he does indulge, he has no control over how much he intakes. Realizing this uncontrollable tendency is the first step in alcohol treatment.

    Seek Help

    • The best approach when seeking help for alcoholism is to pin-point the right professional. The treatment professional should be knowledgeable about the intricacies of the addict's affliction, and should have treated several cases similar to his. If unsure of where to seek help, ask your primary health care provider (PCP) to recommend a treatment center. If you do not have a PCP, call 1-800-ALCOHOL for a list of treatment centers in your area.

    Support System

    • Establish a support system that expresses "tough love." Due to the effects of her disease (depression and irrational behavior), the alcoholic can be difficult to handle. Sometimes, intervention is necessary and family members are forced to take charge of the issue by calling for help through hot-lines to steer the alcoholic into recovery. The support system members stay abreast of her progression by contacting her sponsor and paying keen attention to her behavior in their presence.

    Group Meetings

    • Twelve-step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous can help the addict feel included--he knows he's not alone. Alcoholics are encouraged to enter one of these programs. However, choosing the right one is key. He should consider the size, location and time of the meetings, to ensure it is convenient for him. Too large a meeting can result in him feeling unheard, and too small can result in not enough opportunity to bond with others like him.

    Successful Cases

    • During treatment, the alcoholic should seek out others who have traveled her road to recovery and won the battle. They can be an inspiration to her, for she oftentimes feels she'll never beat her addiction. The theory, "If I can do it, so can you," applies here. Those who overcame alcohol addiction are more apt to understand her tribulations while under treatment.

    Overcoming It

    • Alcoholism is a deadly disease and should be immediately addressed. There is no cure for alcoholism, but you can recover from it, if you are determined. Overcoming this disease not only improves physical health, but also builds personal character.

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