subject: Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism Facts [print this page] Alcoholism therapy helps thousands of alcoholics make lasting recoveries each and every year. Rehab centers all over the United States employ proven methods based on latest findings in neuroscience and psychology in their alcoholic treatment programs. However, long-term sobriety takes hard work and sacrifice from abusers.
All abusers should make a lot of lifestyle changes the moment they leave their therapy centers and rejoin society. For alcoholics, these changes usually involve compromising the social lives they once led. Alcohol is the social drug of choice in this country, but alcoholics must still avoid heavy drinking environments to stay sober. The following are a few of the methods, in which alcoholism therapy impacts alcoholics' social lives.
Inpatient Rehab Programs
Addicts with severe physical dependencies on alcohol or drugs usually attend inpatient programs. These treatment plans require individuals to live at their clinics for one to three months, during which time they obtain fifty or more hours of intensive therapies per week.
Alcohol and Work Environments
Drinking and even drunkenness are expected in several work environments. Business people often use alcohol as they network with partners and prospective clients, and drinking is usually a part of the processes of recruiting and hiring. Alcoholics with high-powered careers may need to avoid these environments by relinquishing certain responsibilities - or by obtaining new jobs altogether.
Alcoholic Buddies
Many people who go through alcohol addiction therapy still have friends who drink excessively and uncontrollably. To avoid addiction triggers and stay sober, it is usually necessary for recovering alcoholics to cut ties with these pals altogether. This is one of the most painful parts of therapy for a lot of abusers, however it could be vital for long-term sobriety. Thankfully, most alcohol abuse centers help alcoholics as well as other abusers make new friends and repair old relationships.
Coping Tactics
Most of the ways, in which abusers manage their drug cravings involve either avoidance or coping tactics. Avoidance works very effectively for people addicted to heroin, cocaine, and other illegal narcotics. Nonetheless, it is almost impossible for recovering alcoholics to avoid all situations that involve alcohol - it is too widespread. Alcoholics have to therefore develop techniques for controlling their temptations to drink when they are around other individuals who are drinking.
This can be really challenging, however it can be accomplished. During personal counseling sessions in rehab, alcoholics find out the thoughts and feelings which most often lead them to drink. Armed with this information, they develop personalized strategies for managing their cravings.
