Alcoholism is a serious health problem that affects many adults and also some teenagers. Some people deal with this difficult affliction for many years, and sadly some people die as a result if the problem goes ignored or untreated. It is important that those who are coping with alcohol addiction are able to have easy access to help recovering from alcoholism and breaking their addiction.
People who suffer from alcoholism also have a serious negative effect on others in their lives such as family members, spouses, and coworkers. Fortunately, there are ways that people who have a problem with alcohol can get the help they need and start a path towards a better life. If you know someone who you think is an alcoholic, there are many resources available to help them as well as yourself. With the proper treatment, most people who at one time were alcoholics are able to recover and live productive and sober lives.
Groups and Support
There are many different support groups available to alcoholics. Perhaps the most well-known is AA, or Alcoholics Anonymous. This group offers open discussions, help, and sponsors that will help to hold people accountable and encourage them towards sobriety. There are also many other non-profit organizations dedicated to helping alcoholics and their families. Local and state programs are available as well. All of these groups and support systems are designed to help the alcoholic recognize their disease and encourage them to move towards recovery. There are also support groups like Al-Anon that are designed to assist the family members who are struggling to deal with living with an alcoholic. These groups can often be the first step needed to help someone realize their struggle and to know they are not alone. Talking about the issues openly can be a good way to help people who may at first be in denial or embarrassed about their problem.
- Alcoholics Anonymous Main Page
- Al-Anon Family Groups
- Self-Help Groups for Alcohol Addiction
- Adult Children of Alcoholics
- Women for Sobriety
Facilities for Rehab
Sometimes, talking about the issues may not be enough for an alcoholic to get well. Support groups are helpful, but often people with more severe alcohol addiction must check into a facility designed to help them rehabilitate themselves in a more aggressive manner. This is where rehab facilities may be needed to help those who are in serious trouble with their drinking and cannot seem to break through by using the help of support groups alone. These rehabilitation facilities are designed to help the alcoholic understand the severity of their problem, to keep them away from alcohol, and to guide them through the process of withdrawal and recovery, all while under supervision. A lot of rehab facilities are also under the supervision of licensed doctors because the physical health aspect is also considered along with the mental health aspect. Most rehab facilities cost money and can sometimes be expensive, but many recovering alcoholics believe they are well worth it and that rehabilitation facilities can often become helpful, lifesaving tools.
- Treatment Programs for Veterans with Substance Abuse Problems
- Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorders
- Treatment Statistics
- Recovery Support Services
- Finding the Right Rehab Program for Substance Abuse
Medications
In some cases, medication is needed to help alcoholics cope with the side effects and symptoms of withdrawal and recovery. The FDA has approved several different medicines that can be prescribed by a doctor to someone who has been diagnosed as an alcoholic. One popular medication for this is called Antabuse. This drug causes the person to experience serious reactions to alcohol such as nausea and other symptoms. This can help the person slowly avoid alcohol altogether. Other forms of medication work in sync with chemicals in the brain to help the person feel less intense cravings for alcohol. These medications can also help make the withdrawals easier and less intense and difficult. Another medication called Acamprosate assists with easing the symptoms people often feel when they are going through withdrawals, making the recovery process easier. It is highly advised that you talk to your physician before trying or taking any kind of medications pertaining to alcohol dependence. While these medicines cannot completely cure people of alcoholism, they have been known to help people do better while recovering.