Are you dealing with alcohol dependency?
Alcoholism has been a perennial problem affecting American society for decades. It has taken a toll on families.
To show us how this problem has worsened over the years, the Center for Disease Control says that about 25.1% of adults have at least one heavy drink per day. This, of course, includes those who go beyond five ounces of alcohol a day.
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The approach to treating this problem has always been consistent. But there is a lot more to be done when the problem itself is deeply rooted.
Treating alcoholism should start with recognizing the factors that have led to alcohol dependence. Then, come up with the right treatment plans based on these factors.
Here's a guide on how you can help someone you know break free from the bottle and the risks it entails.
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Intervene and lend a listening ear
Alcoholism often results from psychological conditions that either pre-existed or developed over time.
Trauma and depression are just some of the factors that push someone into getting drunk. This is also a form of self-harm.
When a person's sole reason for drinking heavily stems from a desire for self-harm, it would be best to sit down and discuss the underlying issues that led to the drinking problem with a trained professional.
If you are listening to your friend or family member’s issues, you might want to give your take on the problem while providing solace.
Don't be preachy as you do so. Empathy is the first and most important ingredient for helping someone overcome a drinking problem.
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Help build a system to treat alcohol dependence
Going cold turkey is definitely not the safest way to treat alcohol dependence.
For some, this could actually make the condition worse than it already is. Just like any other psychological condition, alcoholism is best treated using processes that take months or even years to complete.
Getting rid of alcoholism is not something you can rush, but you can at least help someone who is going through it build an effective system.
This, no doubt, involves setting goals and coming up with rules that gradually limit the person's intake of alcohol. Activities designed to diminish the effect of objects and situations that trigger the addiction can also play a huge role.
Other than these practical steps, the person suffering from alcoholism should also undergo reflective meditation. This approach reduces the effect of the addiction and enables the person to treat the problem head-on rather than accept it as an inescapable condition.
Consider rehab as a last resort to alcohol dependency
If nothing has helped rid the addiction, rehabilitation has to be considered.
When picking the right center for someone you know, it is important to find a place that has the best facilities to meet their needs. It also helps to find a center that uses evidence-based interventions and detoxification procedures in its inpatient addiction treatment program.
A rehab center that's complete with these facilities is definitely the right choice to consider, especially when you are dealing with a severe case of alcoholism.
Alcohol dependence continues to destroy individual health, families, and communities. But being vigilant and proactive in treating someone you know who is likely to suffer from this problem is already a big step forward.
