subject: Reaching The Goal Of Achieving Success In Alcohol Recovery [print this page] The first step to recover from alcohol dependency is to admit that you have a problem and you need assistance to stop it. Getting off from addiction is a long process that starts from detoxification to after care. Health practitioners are there to support but the success of the program of recovery depends on the consistency of the efforts given by the patient.
Treatment Programs
Alcoholics are referred to alcohol rehabilitation centers by a therapist or a support group. There are various treatment options for the patient that depends upon his condition and needs. The counselor would determine if the patient could stay in an outpatient rehab center or should he stay as an inpatient in a secure and safe center far from outside influences. The patients are educated about the withdrawal symptoms they could experience and how to manage the pain. Mayo Clinic explains that rehabilitation programs include individual therapy, group therapy, and support groups.
Psychological Withdrawal
Patients who are quitting from alcohol experience uncontrollable shaking, anxiety, mood swings, and nervousness. Patients are irritable and display anger towards family and friends. The patients' bodies are so used to the "high" feeling brought by liquor that they become so vexed about not having a drink. Patients withdrawing from alcohol may also experience depression, fatigue, and nightmares.
Physical withdrawal
Physical symptoms usually experience insomnia, appetite loss, sweating, nausea and vomiting while withdrawing from alcohol. According to the Health Services at Columbia, delirium tremens could occur to alcoholics who are taking alcohol for a long time. This needs immediate medical treatment and intervention. Symptoms of delirium tremens include loss of memory, confusion, hallucinations, fever and seizures.
Therapy
According to the Mayo Clinic, once detoxification is finished, counselling and therapy are given to back-up the recovery process. This can be done through inpatient, out-patient or residential treatment programs. Individual and group counselling, pharmacotherapy, and behavioural therapy are included in the treatment program to help the client in his recovery. Medicines are given not to cure alcohol addiction but to reduce the urge to drink or cause severe pain once alcohol is consumed.
After care
After completing the therapy in alcohol treatment programs, patients are recommended to have support networks to maintain sobriety. Staying in touch with counselors or medical staffs even outside the treatment center help the clients focus on their goal. Patients are also encouraged to join a support group like Alcoholic Anonymous to help them avoid relapse occurrence. These alcohol treatment programs help the clients manage stress and cope with the changes patients face outside the center.
