How to Turn Your Alcohol Abuse into Recovery

Alcohol abuse and its fallout affects millions of families each year.  Alcohol is accepted in our society as an activity to relax and unwind.  When casual use turns into abuse, it is important to seek help.  Turning alcohol abuse into recovery from alcoholism is not an impossible journey. We can help you get started; give us a call at 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) .

How Do I Know I’m an Alcohol Abuser?

Social alcohol use can become alcohol abuse for anyone.  Alcohol use can turn into a disorder with habitual drinking.  Depending upon the number and severity of symptoms, alcohol use disorder can be classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Look for these symptoms to self-diagnose alcohol abuse:

• Drinking to drunkenness regularly
• Having an inability to limit the amount
• Experiencing extreme hangovers
• Craving alcohol
• Tolerance to alcohol
• Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol like nausea, shaking and sweating

I Have Alcohol Use Disorder.  Now What?

Embracing spirituality has proven beneficial for those in recovery.

After determining alcohol abuse is present, the question is how best to proceed?  Seeking help is necessary to step onto the road toward recovery.  Finding the proper help and support is critical for every individual struggling with alcohol use disorder.

Physical Treatment

Habitual alcohol abuse affects the brain and the body in complex ways.  Because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, intoxication results in slowed responses in the brain and body.  For those using alcohol for a long time, a specific type of brain damage can occur known as Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome.  Stopping alcohol requires medical intervention when physical dependency is present.

Mental Treatment

Psychological services are necessary to change patterns in an alcohol abuser’s thinking.  Craving develops in chronic alcohol abuse.  Counseling is necessary to change the thoughts that lead to excessive drinking.

Cognitive behavior therapy related to the following areas helps alcohol abusers successfully manage thought processes to promote abstinence:

• Stress management
• Anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship issues
• Quality of life issues

Spiritual Treatment

Many alcohol abusers find greater success in recovery by embracing a spiritual way of life.  Those in 12-step programs believe alcoholism is a disease of body, mind and spirit. Prayer, meditation and connecting with nature are tools used to overcome the spiritual malady of alcoholism and abuse.  Establishing daily practices can bring a sense of direction and overall feeling of well-being to those suffering with alcohol abuse.

Beginning Recovery

For individuals seeking help toward lasting recovery from alcohol abuse issues, there are three primary steps to take.  First, seek a medical evaluation to determine the level of physical treatment necessary to stop drinking.  Second, consider different types of counseling and therapy and find a program to fit individual considerations.  Then seek spiritual intervention and keep an open mind when exploring different belief systems and rituals to bring positivity and peace.  Beginning with a three-fold recovery process is the best way to promote lasting recovery.

Is All This Necessary to Quit Drinking?

Recovery is different for every individual struggling with alcohol abuse.  However, recidivism rates for recovering alcoholics and alcohol abusers are high.  Finding a treatment program and support system to help with recovery efforts is important for those hoping to find a happy, healthy new way of life. For help finding the treatment that best fits your needs, call 800-481-6965 (Who Answers?) today.

5 Step Alcohol Abuse Treatment Solutions that Work

Resources

Becker, H. (2008). Alcohol dependence, withdrawal and relapse. National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse. Retrieved from:  http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh314/348-361.htm

Laudet, A., Morgan, K. & White, W. (2006). The role of social supports, spirituality, religiousness, life meaning and affiliation with 12-step fellowships in quality of life satisfaction among individuals in recovery from alcohol and drug problems. Alcohol Treat Q. 24: (1-2); 33-73.  Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1526775/

Mayo Clinic Staff (2015). Alcohol use disorder. The Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from:  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20020866

Miller, M. (2015). The relevance of Twelve-Step Recovery in 21st Century Addiction Medicine. American Society of Addiction Medicine. Retrieved from:  http://www.asam.org/magazine/read/article/2015/02/13/the-relevance-of-twelve-step-recovery-in-21st-century-addiction-medicine