When Alcohol Consumption Becomes a Problem

By Mary Yohanan –

We use alcohol to relax, celebrate, cook, congratulate, commiserate, gain courage and often to self-medicate due to other underlying medical issues such as depression. People are socially encouraged to drink alcohol – Drinking wine has become sexy in our society, with the image of an affluent woman having a glass of wine at a nice restaurant, or in a beautiful setting relaxing or socializing with a group of friends.

There is evidence that moderate consumption can offer health benefits but unfortunately with regular use it can easily cross over to habitual use, ultimately leading to abuse and illness. The most commonly abused substance is alcohol, not just in the U.S. but all over the world.

The fact that alcohol is a highly addictive substance shouldn’t be ignored, just because it is a legal, and easily accessible. If you believe that you or a loved one may be addicted to alcohol or drugs and need help, don’t look the other way! There are a range of treatments, including residential and outpatient treatments, and support groups such as AA.

Alcohol consumption transforms into alcohol abuse when you drink more than your body can handle or metabolize. That in turn, transforms into alcohol dependence when you continually subject your body to alcohol abuse despite negative emotional and/or physical harm. If you believe that either you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol dependence, don’t just ignore it. Below are some treatment options and places where you can find help:

Residential Treatments

A range of Ambrosia treatment centers offer residential drug rehab programs that last approximately 30 days. Clients experience 24/7 care to ensure that they adjust to the treatment both emotionally and physically. Full assessments are taken by psychiatrists and medical doctors to ensure the program is tailored to meet specific needs. This first phase of treatment is when alcoholics are given the opportunity to bond with a primary therapist. This will be someone they will work with extensively in order to create their individual treatment plan.

Outpatient Treatments

The second stage of drug rehab is often the outpatient program. This phase lasts approximately 6-12 months, although intensive outpatient treatments are also available. Emphasis is based on keeping the strong connection to the treatment center with the attendance of daily meetings and individual therapy sessions. Similarly to being treated for alcoholism as an inpatient, clients will be monitored by the center and will retain contact with their primary therapist. There is also emphasis on the center providing support for those who want to find work or the provision of ‘sober living facilities’ to ease patients back into everyday life.

Family Based Treatments

Families often play a key role in the success of patients overcoming alcoholism. Many people cannot do without the support of loved ones to overcome the barriers of being addicted to alcohol, and so family members are often invited to take part in group sessions. This helps loved ones to learn more about the affliction as well as provide support to the loved one that is suffering. A range of Ambrosia treatment centers offer family based treatments in the third week of inpatient stay. These treatments can continue for as long as necessary.

Community Based Treatments

Additional community based treatments and recovery aids are available including counselling, therapy and Alcoholics Anonymous group meetings where people all suffering from the same addiction can motivate each other to stay sober.

There are multiple programs available for the treatment of alcoholism. From 30-day inpatient stays to intensive outpatient programs followed by community supported methods, programs can be tailored to suit each individual sufferer. Many treatment programs follow logical steps that gradually integrate alcoholics back into society as sober individuals. Whichever method you choose to alleviate an addiction to alcohol, remember that the successful treatment of alcoholism is an ongoing process that may require months or years of focus to achieve.

Mary is a editor and freelance writer. She’s associated with many online communities.