Alcohol addiction is a disease that can impact anyone regardless of age, gender, or nationality. In the United States, alcohol is readily available and is often the main component of many social gatherings, parties, and events. With an abundance of happy hour specials or alcoholic promotions, it can be difficult to notice when social alcohol consumption has transformed into an addiction.
If you have found yourself in the throes of addiction, below, you will find three tips on how to safely and effectively detox from alcohol.
1. Understand Alcohol Addiction and Know When to Get Help
A helpful tool you can use to understand the level and severity of addiction you struggle with is to keep a “drinking journal.” Start by writing down) every time you drink. You can write down the type of alcohol and the amount if you can estimate properly. This can often be an exercise that serves as a wake-up call for many who may not realize the sheer amount of alcohol they consume every week.
Below are some signs you can use to recognize if you or a loved one may be struggling with an addiction. Common signs of Alcohol Addiction:
- Experiencing alcohol cravings at most hours of the day
- Binge drinking and being unable to say no to
- Short-term memory loss and slurring of speech
- Mood swings and unusual emotional outbursts
- Loss of interest in any hobbies that you once loved
- Feeling the need to lie or hide your drinking
Excessive alcohol use and binge drinking (alcohol abuse) can easily become alcohol dependence. Once one becomes addicted to alcohol, the brain chemistry begins to change, decreasing impulse control and decision-making skills.
If you recognize that you have an addiction, there is help for you.
2. Find a Treatment Facility that Provides Medically Monitored Detox
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
For those with more severe addictions or anyone who has an alcohol dependence and tries to detox from alcohol, they will experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms stem from alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) and can be challenging, uncomfortable, and even fatal if not managed properly. Common withdrawal symptoms from alcohol are:- Physical symptoms: tremors, sweating, chills, insomnia, increased heart rate, nausea, and vomiting
- Emotional reactions: anxiety, depression, nervousness
- Severe symptoms: delirium tremens (DT), seizures, extreme confusion, hallucinations
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options
When choosing a treatment center and program for alcohol addiction, depending on your unique needs, you can choose to start with medical detox, residential treatment, or outpatient treatment. Residential treatment programs are often comfortably designed living spaces with an individualized treatment program for each patient that enters the program. Both residential and inpatient treatment programs require the patient to remain at the treatment facility for the duration of treatment. This could range between 1-6 months, depending on the chosen program and the severity of the addiction. Inpatient treatment facilities are often in a hospital ward, whereas residential treatment programs are more cozy and homelike environments like Malibu Detox. The treatment structures remain the same. Outpatient treatment programs can take place in several locations and do not require the patient to reside in the treatment facility for treatment. The patient can choose their living environment, whether they wish to remain at home or in a sober living house, but will still need to attend the treatment program for a specific amount of days and hours per week depending on their treatment plan. Sober living houses can benefit those with an unstable living environment or if there is substance abuse or alcohol at home. Detox Programs were created to help patients safely go through the detox process under the supervision of medical professionals. Alcohol detoxification is the first step an individual needs to take to begin addiction recovery. Detox requires one to stop drinking to allow the body to be free from alcohol or other drugs. This can be a dangerous process due to the life-threatening symptoms that the sudden withdrawal of alcohol can produce. It is not recommended to quit drinking “cold turkey”. Often, a specific method is needed to help the body cope while detoxing from alcohol. Once the detoxification process is completed, the next step is generally a professional addiction treatment program.3. Trust the Process and Stay Consistent
Seeking professional help is the best way to work through addiction and start on the road to recovery. Aside from medical attention, there are several support groups that can provide the emotional support and encouragement needed during challenging times of the treatment process.
For those who are concerned about finances, many rehab centers will accept payment plans. Speak with your insurance provider along with the treatment facility of your choice to see what costs could be covered by insurance. There are even programs, such as those at Malibu Detox and Residential Treatment Center, that provide fully funded scholarships on a case-by-case basis.
Addiction is a lifelong disease, and although there is not yet a cure, there is a multitude of treatment options, support groups, and people who are cheering you on throughout your recovery process. Although you may not know what the future holds, you have the power to create the life you want, one step at a time. Stay consistent in the process, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Find Help Today
When you’re stuck in the cycle of addiction, you can experience hopelessness, isolation, and frustration. For those seeking addiction treatment, reaching out for help and finding the right addiction treatment program and treatment provider for you is a major first step in your recovery journey. Contact our Malibu, California, drug, and alcohol rehab and detox center today at (424) 234-2027 to discuss your personalized treatment plan today.
Take the Next Step
Taking the first steps toward alcoholism recovery can be emotionally and mentally draining. At Malibu Detox, we have designed our admissions process to remove the stress commonly associated with exploring treatment centers and obtaining treatment. With specialists in virtually every discipline, our staff compassionately guides each new client through the necessary steps to facilitate their healing journey.
