Alcholism Treatment

According to the Mayo Clinic at www.mayoclinic.com, people suffering with alcoholism may enter treatment because of health or legal concerns. Signs of alcoholism include drinking alone or to self-medicate, inability to stop after a few drinks, feeling a compulsion to drink and experiencing irritability when not drinking. Alcoholism puts a strain on the body and personal relationships. The physical and emotional need for a drink can undo your life. Find out more about treating alcoholism.

Therapy

• Finding out why you drink is an important step in recovery. Alcoholism can be caused by many factors such as undergoing traumatic experiences, growing up around alcoholics or having depression. Distorted self-views or low self-esteem are other components to alcoholism. Cognitive therapy focuses on behavior modifications, coping skills and goal setting. Set up initial consultations with therapists or psychologists in your area. Ask them questions about their past treatment plans for alcoholics. See if you click with the therapist before setting up another appointment. Some people prefer working with one specific gender. Alcohol treatment in therapy can take up to a year of treatment. Your therapist may suggest getting outside help by attending Alcoholics Anonymous or other alcohol dependency meetings. Regularly see your therapist and attend meetings. Consistency is essential for gaining back control of your life.

Residential Treatment Facilities

• Ask your therapist or follow the link in references to find a residential program that is right for you. Choose one that is tailored to your personal or spiritual tastes. For example, if you are interested in alternative methods of treatment or medicine, pick one that has that at the core of its philosophy. It is better in the long run to commit to a program that identifies with your needs. Expect losing some of your daily routine and freedoms when you go into treatment. The first few weeks may involve detoxing your body from alcohol. Depending on your level of addiction, the facility may prescribe medication for physical withdrawal symptoms such as tremors. During treatment, medical problems from substance abuse will be addressed. Daily activities, one-on-one therapy and group therapy sessions may make up the majority of your day. Many facilities want to give you time to absorb information; therefore, require "homework" to be done each day. Treatment times are determined by your treatment plan, progress or insurance policy. Be sure to set up an outside support system like a therapist or meetings for when you leave.

Drugs

• Some medications are geared to cause severe physical problems when the alcoholic drinks. Antabuse is one of the most popular of these drugs. The compulsion to drink can be cured if the individual knows that drinking alcohol will make them physically ill. These drugs produce nausea and vomiting when alcohol has been ingested. Campral is another drug that has shown promise in curbing alcohol related cravings. Likewise, ReVia may block the high that is associated with drinking. Ask your doctor about these drugs and if it is a good fit for you.