Treating alcoholism is not something that should be done without any preparation or professional help. Because of the serious repercussions, it has on one’s health, it is ideal that professional treatment from rehabilitation facilities such as Villa San Miguel Detox & Wellness (https://www.vsmdetoxaustin.com/) are undertaken.
What is Alcoholism
Otherwise known as alcohol use disorder, alcoholism is the condition wherein an individual can no longer control the quantity of alcohol they consume. It can be a manifestation of other issues present in the person’s life, such as in a family or at work, and drinking is the only means of escape for them.
While drinking is a common, social activity, it ceases to be fun and safe when the person ultimately becomes so dependent on it that they can no longer function well in their day without it. This situation becomes all the more problematic when it leads to further depression, anxiety, and isolation.
Treating Alcoholism
Some people would say that all that a person has to do is to quit drinking altogether. Addictions do not work that way, however. Because the brain is wired to constantly look and crave for this substance, the only way to satisfy this craving is to consume as much as they can.
While most other people would have an internal barometer to know that they can’t–and shouldn’t–drink anymore, such as feeling bloated or tipsy, an alcoholic would not know when to stop. The only thing that could get them to stop is if they run out of drinks, or they pass out from it.
That said, alcoholism is not something that you can simply will away. It is a medical condition, and thus needs medical treatment. Essential to this is the process of detoxification. It’s not possible to detoxify, however, without cutting access to alcohol immediately and completely. This in turn results in withdrawals.
Withdrawals can be very tough not only on the mind but also on the mental health of the patient. It’s literally a deprivation of the one thing they can’t live without the most; you can expect that it’s going to be highly uncomfortable, to say the least.
There will be cold sweats, shivering, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting–basically indications that the body is already expelling the toxins from all the accumulated alcohol content within the system. There may also be hallucinations and seizures.
All told, it’s a most unpleasant experience, and if only for that, those who successfully graduate from the treatment program would not want to go back just to avoid going through withdrawal again.
Treatment and Post-Treatment Plans
Throughout the rest of the stay in the rehabilitation facility, the patient will undergo several therapy and counseling sessions. The goal is to identify and work out the issues that could have triggered their downward spiral to addiction in the first place.
Apart from that, it’s also crucial to receive continued support even after the facility program. Accountability and consistency are key components to truly treating alcoholism, that’s why it must continue even upon return to the outside world.