Alcoholism is listed by the CDC as the third largest preventable killer of people. If someone you love is battling alcohol addiction, they are not alone.

While there are many people that find the antics of someone that has had too much to drink funny, it is no laughing matter to those who live the person in their home. I personally grew up surrounded by the effects of alcoholism, and I know firsthand the damage that it can cause in the family dynamic. While I was much too young at the time to know what to do, I still had a desire to help my family members get the care they needed to recover.

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Affects of Alcoholism

Overindulging in alcohol is not an uncommon activity in society. Having one or two drinks too many and feeling that buzz seems to be something some people set out to do intentionally. The tough thing when it comes to alcohol is how it affects the brain. As a relaxant, the brain begins to become dependent on alcohol in order to thrive and remain in a calm state.

As the body builds tolerance it takes more and more alcohol to get the same buzz. The persons end up in a very real physical battle to maintain alcohol at comfortable levels and try to function as a normal human. This can lead to confusion, blackouts, memory loss, generalized fatigue and muscle weakness, tremors, seizure and even death if they’re not able to keep the supply up that the brain demands.

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Realizing There Is a Problem

Alcoholism is a disease that might start innocently enough, but before a person realizes it, they have a problem that is not so easy to fix. Getting alcohol and spending quality time drinking becomes their personal goal each day. They understand that without this the withdrawal symptoms will be catastrophic. The withdrawal from severe alcohol dependence can offer life-threatening symptoms when consumption is discontinued.

Alcohol detox in a clinical setting is essential if you know that your loved one’s symptoms of not drinking are bad. Without getting this substance out of their system there is no way they can begin to focus on keeping their sobriety long term. Helping your loved one understand and recognize that they need help is the beginning of complete alcohol addiction recovery.

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Inpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient rehabilitation for alcoholism is the best route to take if your family member has had a serious problem over a long period of time. You will need to have your system monitored and the overall state of your health improved before concentrating on why you drink. You can feel confident that medical professionals are on standby 24/7 to make sure you are comfortable and meeting your treatment goals.

Inpatient care does mean that they have to check in to a treatment center and utilize the tools necessary to conquer the problem. This method seems to intimidate some individuals, but is needed when the alcoholism is severe. Trying to break off cold turkey from alcohol as a hardcore alcoholic has very real dangers.

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Outpatient Rehabilitation

If the idea of being locked in a facility is intimidating, or the alcohol use is at moderate levels the solution might be outpatient rehabilitation. Your loved one can work a job, remain with family and come to the treatment center daily to partake in the recovery program.

This method does not meet with complete success since their addiction is only monitored at the time they are working the program. Your family loved one can easily fall to the temptation to drink alcohol at weak moments when they are vulnerable to relapse.

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Which Treatment Method Works?

There are no cut and dried answers to this question. Each person has needs that are most likely not the same as everyone else in the program. A good alcohol rehab program coordinator understands individual needs and will offer the best solution to your loved one’s problem. If the idea of being in a closed setting feels too uncomfortable, inpatient rehabilitation may not work. They may end up discouraged and quitting the program.

Outpatient rehabilitation has an up side for the active person that is trying to keep a job,or has other daily obligations that make staying in a treatment center less than desirable. There is a higher risk of program and sobriety failure with the lack of intense therapy and monitoring that inpatient services offer.

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Costs of Alcoholism Treatment

The cost of intensive alcoholism treatment can literally run into thousands of dollars. Very few people have that kind of extra cash lying around the house or in a bank account. Check with your family member’s health insurance company and see if any portion of treatment is covered. Many policies are generous with this type of coverage. You can also check with the treatment centers of your choice and see if they have scholarships for those that cannot afford to pay for treatment.

 

Contact alcohol addiction professionals like elevationshealth.com to get your loved one started on the road to a full recovery!

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