The Importance of Rehab For Alcohol And Other Drug Substances
If you are concerned about someone who may have developed an alcohol addiction and worried about their wellbeing, you may be considering seeking help to steer them away from the habit and cause further damage.
Counselling and support are readily available through organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous which can provide a wealth of information and resources to assist with alcohol problems and could be a good starting point to address the matter.
Unfortunately, alcohol use disorder is a progressive disease consisting of four stages, each stage gradually deteriorating the health of an addict to the point of the condition becoming life-threatening or fatal.
When dependence or addiction has set in, substance use needs to be addressed with a more serious approach with specialised help due to complicated withdrawal symptoms that may require medical intervention.
This article sets out the dangers of alcohol addiction and why it is so important to treat the condition under a properly supervised rehabilitation programme.
What Causes Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol is a legalised substance that is consumed normally during social-related events such as parties, meeting friends, or celebrations, and for many people, their consumption is moderate and controlled although, quite often, drinking too much can produce an unwanted hangover the following morning when a person may swear never to drink again.
However, society today has a lot of pressure putting strain and stress on many individuals who take up drinking alcohol as a way to alleviate these feelings and as a form of relaxation but this form of regular drinking can lead to habit and larger amounts and higher strengths of the substance being consumed.
A prolonged use eventually results in becoming tolerant and creates dependence and addiction. Alcohol is an extremely addictive substance and alcoholism is the highest-ranked drug abuse affecting people of all ages, gender, or ethnic background and the problem is rising at an alarming rate.
Various factors can cause alcohol use disorder but one of the principal reasons is due to how alcohol affects the brain in so far as it increases the release of dopamine; a neurotransmitter that emits sensations of pleasure causing the person to feel relaxed and experience states of euphoria, this pleasant feeling then becomes a craving to repeat constantly.
Other possibilities for addiction could be related to having a family history of alcoholism, being exposed to alcohol consumption from an early age, peer pressure, or simply due to stressful life events as previously mentioned.
One should not forget that individuals who have co-occurring mental health illnesses can be more prone to alcohol misuse if they turn to the substance to self-medicate for symptoms such as depression or anxiety.
The cycle of addiction begins when a person finds it difficult to stop drinking because of the intense cravings they experience so they continue to drink to avoid these negative effects of withdrawal, hence the problem spirals out of control and develops into a serious form of addiction.
Who Needs Treatment For Alcohol And Other Drug Addiction?
When drug use has developed into a serious addiction, it is highly unlikely that an individual will be able to kick the habit on their own due to a series of withdrawal symptoms.
It is not recommended for anyone to attempt going cold turkey or attempting to stop drinking without having access to appropriate treatment.
Withdrawal symptoms of alcohol use disorder can be extremely intense and come with a high risk of complications that can be dangerous to health and even life-threatening. Some of these symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
Although seizures and hallucinations may be related to more severe cases of alcoholism withdrawal, dehydration can be a serious condition due to vomiting, especially if accompanied by diarrhoea and if left untreated can have a detrimental impact on health.
Likewise, delirium tremens is another serious symptom and may require immediate medical intervention. Other psychological symptoms may manifest such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Typical withdrawal symptoms can be mild or severe and appear shortly after the last drink and may last days or weeks.
and individuals must seek professional help through the stages of alcohol withdrawal to ensure their safety and improve their chances of a successful recovery.
Friends or family of a loved one who may be struggling with an alcohol-related condition should not be hesitant in finding help as the sooner a person receives adequate treatment, the easier it will be for them to manage their withdrawal symptoms.
The Importance Of Residential Treatment
Finding a residential treatment to address alcoholism is fundamental in helping individuals struggling with addiction as it offers a safe and secure environment to focus on the problems surrounding their condition and concentrate on achieving a successful recovery without the distractions and temptations of the outside world.
A residential treatment programme consists of receiving full support from qualified specialists such as medical staff, counsellors, and therapists who work alongside the individual with round-the-clock care to manage both the physical and psychological reactions from alcohol withdrawal.
This constant level of care can monitor and address any underlying issues that may be connected to the condition as well as immediate intervention of any adverse complications.
Residential treatment is the most effective procedure for addiction treatment as it allows a structured and comprehensive approach to recovery in which individuals can benefit from evidence-based treatment modalities, group sessions, and holistic therapies.
During this time, individuals will learn different strategies to help develop coping skills such as reflecting on self-awareness and reconnecting with their inner self. These skills will continue well after leaving the programme and will provide a solid base for maintaining sobriety as they continue on their road to a sustainable recovery.
Inpatient Vs Outpatient Rehabilitation Programme
If you are considering treatment to address alcohol abuse, you may be wondering about the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services.
This decision is an important one as each programme has its benefits and limitations although the best option to bear in mind should depend on the severity of the problem and the best support system for the addiction.
Inpatient rehab programmes require the individual to be admitted and stay at a treatment facility as a residential patient. The duration typically ranges from 28 days to several months depending on if the individual would benefit from an extended stay.
They will receive a specific treatment plan with constant support and supervision to overcome the disorder and will be followed through with the residential treatment as explained earlier.
On the other hand, outpatient rehab programmes are accessible to people who want to continue living at home allowing them more flexibility to carry on with their daily responsibilities such as work or studies.
As an outpatient, treatment may include attending regular group, individual, or therapy sessions, receiving medical management, and aftercare support.
Ultimately, the most effective decision to make when choosing a rehab centre is to take into account the severity of the problem and select the one that meets the needs and requirements of the individual.
What Is The Role Of Alcohol Detox?
Alcohol detoxification is a procedure used for treating drug and alcohol-related conditions and forms the first and necessary phase of the recovery process. Whilst on the subject of alcohol rehab and treatment options, this part of rehab services should not go amiss and is worth mentioning.
When a person consents to alcohol rehabilitation, after an initial assessment to check their overall health and severity of their problem, they will then be submitted to go through the detox process where the body is starved of the harmful substance and thoroughly eliminate all traces of it.
This process may take 7 to 14 days depending on how the patient responds.
During this phase, the patient will experience several mild or severe withdrawal symptoms that can prove quite unpleasant and uncomfortable.
This is the reason for having medical staff on hand to supervise and monitor how the body reacts and can swiftly intervene by using prescribed medicine if necessary to help lessen the symptoms and address any complications.
Alcohol is one of the most adverse substance use disorders to treat due to the complex symptoms but can be corrected through an efficient residential rehabilitation programme where the health and wellbeing of an individual are of number one importance.
Where To Find A Rehab Centre For Alcohol And Drug Treatment
You may find drug and alcohol treatment services in a local directory or may get help through mental health services that can offer a range of drug support networks.
However, due to the rising demand for these services, drug and alcohol addictions are straining many rehabilitation centres to the point of saturation causing lengthy admissions and a lack of both outpatient and inpatient treatment. Substance use issues are a worrying concern and if there is a risk of overdose you should call immediately for emergency services.
Should you have difficulty finding a reputable drug rehab centre, you may be surprised to learn that other options can support people with substance misuse such as private residential rehabilitation services.
For many, this alternative may not prove affordable and may seem out of reach but before making that decision, one should research and compare prices before disregarding the possibility.
Sivana Bali is a luxury rehab facility located on the island of Bali, Indonesia, nestled in the lush landscape of the tropical island, away from the stress and mayhem of the outside world. We pride ourselves on having evidence-based and comprehensive treatment programmes to address most substance addictions, including an effective alcohol addiction treatment plan.
Our specialised medical team support and assist with a medically managed detox programme to ensure the safety and comfort of patients and constant support is provided through our specifically designed residential treatment services.
Not only do we provide a high level of care and support to address addiction, but we also allow our inpatients to enjoy the luxury of our facility and amenities with the advantage of reconnecting with nature and their inner self as part of their transitional journey to recovery, all at an unexpected cost-effective price.
If someone you know is struggling and not getting the correct treatment they deserve, why don’t you give us a call today? Our friendly staff will give you all the information you need and answer your questions and concerns allowing you to make comparisons and making decisions easier at such a difficult time. We are only a phone call away, a first step in helping with withdrawal treatment.
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