Unfortunately, there is no fine line between indulging in a refreshing glass of wine with dinner after work and drinking to the point of becoming an alcoholic. One is relaxing and the other is addictive. Sadly, over 15 million American’s suffer from the latter, or alcoholism. If you are one of them and have asked yourself, “what is rehab like for alcoholics,” please continue reading. Learn how life-changing treatment for alcoholism leads you back to a life of sobriety in a safe and healthy environment.
You will also discover that rehab for alcoholism is the first step in the brave decision to purge your body of harmful toxins and will put you in the same category as many others who chose to lead a better life. You deserve to live a healthy, sober life, and your motivation to make your rehab experience successful is an essential step.
What is an Alcoholic
An alcoholic is someone who consumes alcoholic beverages uncontrollably. Alcoholism is a disease that affects the drinker’s brain and prevents them from making healthy, sound decisions. Their drinking may be the result of both physical and emotional dependence on the drink.
As with many diseases, alcoholism happens in phases over time. Although there are a host of signs and symptoms of an alcoholic, a few of them are:
- Staggered or slow walking when drinking.
- Unexplainable bruises or marks from falls and bumps.
- Glazed or red eyes during or after drinking.
- Very low energy.
- Depression or anxiety.
- Puffy, cold, or shaking hands
Seeking Treatment
Those who suffer from alcoholism find it hard to stop drinking on their own without severe withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, they seek rehabilitation centers to help them make lifestyle changes and reclaim their lives. If that is you, you’ve already made the toughest decision which is to seek support. That means that walking into a rehab center won’t necessarily be hard for you. There will be staff at the door ready to help you on this journey.
During the initial intake, where details such as insurance eligibility and emergency contact information exchanged, then the staff will assess what your needs are as a patient. You’ll get evaluated by trained counselors who take an in-depth look to uncover the underlying problems of your drinking. They do this to get a complete picture of your alcohol history to provide you with the treatment you deserve.
Detox and Withdrawal
The work of getting your body cleaned of harmful toxins begins with detox and withdrawal. This part of rehab can be physically painful and is usually the most uncomfortable part of rehab. This is the point where many give up when attempting withdrawal on their own. However, at a rehab facility, the passionate and caring staff are with you and can provide medication to make withdrawal symptoms more manageable.
Some withdrawal and detox symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Seizures
- Sweatiness
- Agitation
- Mood swings
Once your body has purged all of the toxins, you will begin the journey of healing.
Treatment and Therapy
There are no two people exactly alike, and therefore there are many different facets to treatments and therapy. In rehab, you can expect to participate in individual and group therapy, as well as family therapy programs since alcoholism affects the entire family. Each type of therapy is designed to raise awareness about your triggers and stressors. Treatment and therapy also prepare you to transition back to a life of sobriety outside of the center.
Your new outlook and life won’t come without challenges and events that may create triggers, but the rehab facility will prepare and help you set realistic expectations. Planning and knowing how to deal with the transition from rehab to home will guard you against a relapse. Some challenges include:
- Missing the staff at the rehab center.
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or judgment from family or others.
- Lack of purpose or direction.
- Feeling depressed, anxious, or stressed.
However, your aftercare plans are prepared before your release, and you will likely leave the facility full of resources to help you outside of rehab. Keep those resources where you can see and use them frequently.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what is rehab like for alcoholics,” this article provides that information. If you are ready to take the brave first step toward the healthy, sober life that you deserve, please consider rehab so that you can reclaim your life. Call us today 844-639-8371.