Anyone who struggles with alcohol dependence will likely feel hopeless and alone at times. However, research shows that getting involved with a support group or other forms of treatment can be extremely effective in helping people recover from alcohol use. A qualified alcoholism counselor can help you determine which type of treatment is best for you. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that can negatively affect every part of your life if left untreated. If you suspect that you or someone you care about has a drinking problem, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. However, there are certain types of people who should be more cautious when considering alcoholism treatment. Below, we explain why, so you know who to trust before making the decision to seek treatment for alcoholism:
People Who Are Still Drinking
If you’re still drinking after realizing your alcohol use is probably affecting your life, your best bet is to get help as soon as possible. If someone you care about is in this situation, don’t let them remain isolated. Talk to them about their drinking, ask them to go to the doctor and get a referral to an alcohol treatment center. There’s no shame in seeking help, and it can dramatically change someone’s life for the better. Since it can often be difficult to know who is still drinking and who is already in treatment, you might also want to keep an eye out for friends or family members who seem to suddenly start drinking a lot more than usual. The signs of someone who may still be drinking include a significant change in behavior, such as acting restless, irritable, sad or angry for no apparent reason. Someone who continues to drink even though it’s affecting their work, family or social life should be considered at risk for alcohol dependence.
Signs Someone Should Seek Treatment for Alcoholism
Depending on how severe your alcohol dependency is, you may experience many different signs that someone has alcoholism. However, certain red flags may indicate that the person is drinking more than they can handle. While it’s not always easy to tell, these signs may indicate that the person needs treatment:
- The person regularly drinks when they’re feeling anxious. – The person frequently drinks alone, or in secret.
- The person drinks excessively, even when they’re sick.
- The person becomes secretive or avoids friends or family when they’re drinking.
- The person has blackouts or memory loss when they drink.
- The person has broken or additional family or personal relationships because of drinking.
Finding an Acceptable Treatment Program for Alcoholism
While the majority of alcoholism treatment programs are effective, it’s important to research the most reputable centers in your area. It’s also a good idea to ask for referrals from friends, family members, probation officers and counselors who work at rehabilitation centers or other alcohol treatment centers.
While it’s not a requirement, most programs are willing to help you find an acceptable treatment center. Once you’ve found an acceptable treatment center, be sure to check out the center’s cost.
Also, make sure the program you choose meets your insurance company’s requirements, since many health care providers require specific certification. Finally, ask how long people have been admitted to the center, and what the average length of stay is. These factors can help you decide if the treatment center you chose is right for you.
Help Available for Those Who Need It
If you decide to seek treatment for alcoholism, you may find that a lot of people in recovery are facing similar issues. The good news is that many treatment centers provide support groups, referrals and other resources specifically for people in recovery. You can also find support groups online, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through recovery alone.
In fact, there are many resources available to help you through recovery, including:
- Peer-support groups – These groups are led by people who’ve been through the same issues as you, so they can provide helpful advice and support.
- 12-step programs – These programs rely on a “step”-based approach, so they may not be right for everyone.
- Support groups for family members – These groups can be a vital source of assistance and support for loved ones affected by addiction.
Conclusion
An alcohol disorder is a serious health problem that can destroy relationships, jobs and even lives. If you or someone you care about struggles with alcohol dependence, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. There are many effective treatment options for people who struggle with alcoholism, including outpatient and inpatient programs.
Additionally, it’s important to research the most reputable centers in your area, and to check out the cost of each program before enrolling. It’s also important to remember that alcoholism is a chronic disease, so it may take several tries before you find a treatment center that works for you. With support, you can overcome your alcohol addiction and lead a happy, fulfilling life.
Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call us at 844-639-8371 today to start on the path to recovery.