Alcohol Addiction – Understanding Why Can Help You Gain Full Recovery

It’s hard to break free from any addiction but, the first important step is to recognize that there is a problem and to do something about it. Although many people drink socially and without dependency forming, when you think about it, perhaps it is not surprising that alcohol addictions occur. In society today, we do not view alcohol in the same way as other addictive substances and yet, alcohol addiction is serious. Alcohol consumption is inter-connected to social events and most people like to have a drink. We also live in stressful times and this can play a role. There is, however, a big difference between drinking alcohol to be sociable and need to have alcohol to get through the day.

Understanding Why

There are many reasons as to why alcohol addictions occur. It’s easy for alcohol consumption to become a habit and alcohol fuels confidence. It also provides a sense of escapism, for a while at least. People use alcohol to combat the stresses of the day and when stress is not managed, alcohol becomes the ongoing crutch to get through pressurized situations. But, for any addiction, environmental issues and genetics will also play a role.

Acceptance and Counseling

People often self-analyze or try to counsel themselves, but resist this, instead, seek out professional counseling. This will help you to understand why you need to drink and to ascertain where this addictive behavior started. Once you have accepted that you need professional help, find an addiction recovery practice or addiction rehabilitation program that suits your needs. You can discuss the types of programs and learn what is needed to get your life back.

Treatment will include:

• Discovery of underlying issues
• Discovery of key triggers
• Detailed recovery and assessment plan based on your needs

Therapy varies but may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Biofeedback
• Holistic therapies

Within the treatment program, they will look at experiences or traumas that may have made you more vulnerable and whether you experienced early exposure to addictive behaviors. You will gain a valuable insight into your life, your behaviors, reasons, and actions, but, it will also help to increase your motivation to recover. Often, there will be unresolved emotions, such as guilt, regret or anger and counseling can help you to resolve these issues.

Physical and Psychological Barriers

Breaking an addiction is not easy but it can be done. On a physical level, you will experience intense cravings and there will be withdrawal symptoms too. People often forget about the psychological aspects of breaking free from an addiction, but, you may feel anxious, depressed or isolated. Learning to cope with stress may also help.

Detoxing

When you embark upon a detox plan, counselors will try to address any underlying issues so that you start to feel safer and stronger and more in control, this alone can help prevent a relapse. Know that you are in it for the long haul though. Depending on the severity of the addiction, it can take months or even years, in some cases, to recover completely and this is more on a psychological level. In respect of withdrawal or cravings, these often subside within a 3-week period. So, once you have stopped drinking and are on the other side of the withdrawal process, there will be support given to ensure your progress.

Treatment Programs

There are many excellent treatment programs available including outpatient rehabilitation programs, inpatient residential rehabilitation programs, and private addiction recovery practices. Plus, there are sober living communities. It will be essential to make lifestyle changes going forward and to recognize triggers. You will also have to avoid social settings where there are temptations. When you understand why you turned to alcohol, you can break the vice-like grip of addiction. You must be ready to take these steps though and to commit to it. By doing so, you take back full control of your life and that’s a great feeling.

This information comes to you from the US Rehab Network, which provides a national drug and alcohol directory of treatment centers and clinics