How Do You Know if You Are an Alcoholic?
Alcoholism is a disease. It has been scientifically shown to be hereditary, the same as cancer. Some of the key factors in understanding alcoholism are the root causes that trigger a person to to drink even in the face of serious consequences like job loss, divorce, or liver disease.
Realizing you have a problem is the first step in the recovery process. To identify this, you should ask yourself these questions:
- Have you ever decided to quit drinking for a week, but only lasted for a couple of days?
- Have you ever changed from one kind of drink to another hoping that this would keep you from getting drunk?
- Have you had to have a drink first thing in the morning?
- Have you skipped days of work because of drinking?
- Has your drinking caused relationship problems?
If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, it is likely you have an alcohol problem. If you feel that you or a loved one suffers from alcoholism, it may be time to seek alcohol rehab.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the oldest support group for alcoholics with their 12-step program. The 12-step program is just what the name implies, 12-steps to follow as a means to sobriety. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking and meetings can be found worldwide.
AA provides immediate support and leverages the experiences of other members as a way to help newcomers. They are self-supporting through member contributions (like donating a dollar or two to help pay for room rental and coffee provided). Most people with long-term sobriety will tell you that they could not have accomplished their milestones without the help of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
There are many types of inpatient and outpatient alcohol treatment programs available. These include:
During the detox stage, the body must rid itself of alcohol and other toxins through a medically supervised program. This program addresses the dangers and symptoms of withdrawal associated with detox.
Residential programs are designed to provide 24/7 medical care for people in the starting phases of their recovery. While inpatient rehab is focused largely on medical stabilization in the early stages of recovery, residential treatment lasts longer and focuses more on helping clients develop crucial life skills for long-term drug rehab.
Partial Hospitalization Program
This program is intensive addiction treatment, where clients reside in off-site housing and are transported to our treatment center daily. Clients are always supervised.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
This level of care is for patients who want the flexibility of outpatient care but must continue to undergo all-day treatment during the week.
Whether it be Alcoholics Anonymous or one of the many other addiction treatment options that are out there, it is critical to get your loved one in recovery. It could literally be a matter of life or death. The data on alcoholism prove that; five percent of Americans die of alcoholism and ninety five percent of untreated alcoholics will eventually die. This doesn’t have to happen. There are alcohol rehab and recovery programs out there that can help.
About the Author
Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design and SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns. Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.