(ThyBlackMan.com) Alcohol abuse is a common problem in today’s society and much of it stems from our accepting attitude towards social drinking. Although many of us have no problem enjoying a glass of wine or a beer on occasion, other people have a more difficult relationship with alcohol that generally requires completing an alcoholism treatment program to overcome.
Motivation is a strong factor in determining recovery outcomes for people on an alcoholism treatment program. However, many individuals need to know the consequences they face before they are able to draw the strength they need to avoid them. In this article, we take a look at some sobering truths about alcoholism that provide powerful motivation to seek out professional help at one of the best alcohol treatment centers like Elevate San Jose.
Fact #1: Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are recognized disorders
Whether a person is binge drinking regularly or consistently consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, they are suffering a recognized illness. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a mental health condition that develops over time, with the possibility of relapse being ever-present. The disorder traps people in a cycle of compulsive substance abuse that is beyond their control. Addiction illness is characterized by a person’s inability to stop using alcohol despite the devastation it is causing them. Let it be known recovering from alcohol abuse will not be easy, but if one puts forth the effort, this addiction can be beaten.
Fact #2: Tolerance
Tolerance is a key symptom of alcohol use disorder. This means that a person has become used to drinking a certain amount of alcohol and their bodies start to require bigger volumes to get the desired effects. Tolerance is marked by the emergence of withdrawal symptoms when the person is not drinking. These start out as being flu-like symptoms most people recognize as a hangover but withdrawal can very easily become severe unless the person seeks out an alcoholism treatment program.
Fact #3: Alcohol abuse is a common struggle
There are millions of people all over the world who are drinking more than the recommended daily intake of alcohol. This is leading to thousands of alcohol-related deaths every year in America, where there are now more than 15,000 alcohol treatment centers dealing with alcohol dependence and alcoholism. Although research shows there are more men than women dealing with some form of AUD, the gender gap among people struggling with alcohol abuse is narrowing every year.
Fact #4: Alcohol abuse is the third biggest lifestyle risk
Alcohol dependence and alcoholism are the biggest threats to a person’s lifestyle after obesity and smoking. This is mainly because the addictive nature of alcohol is much more powerful than for some other substances or habits. Alcohol works by affecting the brain’s chemical balance which over time can cause significant mental and physical health issues.
Fact #5: Many people do not get help for alcohol dependency
According to stats, only around 1% of people with classic symptoms of alcohol dependency go on to seek out help. This means there are hundreds and thousands of individuals who continue using alcohol without seeking help, inflicting untold damage on their health, relationships and career. Alcohol dependence is when a person’s body tells them it needs alcohol for its survival, whether they wish to use or not.
Fact #6: Alcoholism treatment is very effective
There are numerous different ways alcohol dependence and addiction are treated. Although many people will have heard of Alcoholics Anonymous which focuses on a faith-based approach, there are several alternatives. The most effective alcoholism treatment programs are based on the personal treatment needs of the individual and are designed to prepare them to return home to a life without alcohol. Holistic rehab has been highlighted as an effective treatment model for alcoholism. Understanding the logistics of looking at holistic treatment, like ibogaine treatment cost, can help people decide if it’s the best decision for them however most people can greatly benefit from this as it’s used in some of the best alcohol treatment centers as it seeks to identify the root causes driving the individual’s drinking problem.
Fact #7: Alcohol causes crime
One major symptoms of AUD is an increase in risk-taking activity such as driving under the influence or even engaging in violent crime. The consequences on society are significant, representing a considerable drain on public resources. People under the influence of alcohol are much more likely to suffer accident, injury or even death due to risk-taking behavior unless they seek out a program from the best alcohol treatment centers for their AUD.
Fact #8: Alcoholism destroys personal relationships
AUD rarely affects just the sufferer, often dragging down other relationships into an addictive spiral. When a loved one is struggling with alcohol, it can often seem as though they are deliberately drinking to excess. However, the fact of the matter is that AUD introduces compulsive behavior that is beyond the individual’s control. Family therapy is widely offered in alcohol treatment centers as a vital tool for repairing close personal relationships damaged by alcohol abuse.
Face #9: AUDs can be overcome successfully
Although an AUD is a complex condition to treat, it is very possible for people to complete rehab and go on to enjoy a happy and fulfilling life in sobriety. Detox is possibly the most difficult phase of rehab treatment, although it is vital to rid the influences of alcohol on a person’s state of mind as well as their physical health. Residential alcohol treatment centers offer supervised detox which allows for withdrawal symptoms to be managed and complications avoided.
Staff Writer; Greg Adams
