Treatment Options for Alcoholism | SHL

Alcoholism, like any addiction, is a medical problem that often needs additional treatment measures to overcome.

For many who struggle with alcoholism, getting sober is a long and harrowing journey. But with the right alcoholism treatment plan, anyone can build a healthier life.

By merging individual counseling with educational group sessions, treatment for alcoholism has continued to prove useful for those who struggle with addiction.

What Causes Alcoholism?

Understanding the underlying causes of alcoholism is key to creating a useful alcoholism treatment plan.

There are many factors that contribute to alcohol addiction, including:

Genetics – Some genes affect how our bodies metabolize alcohol, increasing a person’s potential for developing an addiction.

Trauma – Children who suffer severe trauma growing up are more likely to begin drinking at a younger age and therefore develop an addiction to alcohol.

Mental Disorders – Many mental disorders, such as anxiety disorder, depression, and PTSD, go undiagnosed in alcoholics. The truth is many who suffer from alcoholism use drinking as a way to cope with these other medical issues.

Environment – Studies have shown that the environment one both grows up in and continues to live in can play a major factor in the likelihood of developing an addiction.

What Alcoholism Treatment Looks Like

Getting treated for alcoholism isn’t just a one-step process. For many, the path to a sober life can be incredibly difficult, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Alcoholism treatment requires proper detoxing and continued counseling to ensure a sober future.

Detoxing

For many who suffer from alcoholism, quitting cold turkey isn’t an option. Addiction builds a strong codependency in one’s body, and the immediate lack of a substance can cause serious health concerns.

A stay at an appropriate medical facility is necessary to monitor a patient’s vitals and introduce medicine when needed to counteract the adverse effects of quitting an addiction.

Without this, those who try to stop drinking on their own are more likely to relapse for both their physical and mental health.

Inpatient Care

After the initial detoxing procedure, many patients will need continued care in an inpatient medical center.

Here, they can recover from the detoxing process and ensure they won’t suffer any more adverse effects from quitting their addiction.

Additionally, this stay provides a sober living environment that reduces the risk of immediate relapse.

Outpatient Care

Once sobriety is established, maintenance of that sobriety is the most important step moving forward.

An intensive outpatient program can help individuals learn more about their addiction and the best steps toward keeping themselves healthy.

An outpatient program is designed around education backed by science. With both group educational sessions and individual counseling, those suffering from alcoholism can get the help they need, no matter what caused their addiction.

Seeking Alcoholism Treatment

Admitting you need help is the first, most important step you can take toward living a healthier life.

Those who struggle with addiction don’t always have the tools and resources they need to get sober. But by seeking alcoholism treatment, anyone can live the life they want and deserve.

About The Author:

Stacey Smith is a freelance health writer. She is passionate to write about women’s health, dental health, diabetes, endocrinology, and nutrition and provides in-depth features on the latest in health news for medical clinics and health magazines.