It is very well known that alcohol has a role to play in the society from time immemorial. Besides being a social leveler, alcohol has been synonymous with celebrations, conviviality, and is also known to help people open up. But there are chances when the habit of drinking for societal uses might change over to problem drinking.
Alcohol addiction manifests itself in two forms-alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Alcoholism is a condition characterized by physical dependence on alcohol and becoming addicted to it despite detrimental effects on physical and mental health. Unlike alcoholism, alcohol abuse is not characterized by physical addiction and is rather marked by self destructing use of alcohol, albeit with certain self imposed limits on consumption.
Alcohol addiction is a primarily a condition where alcohol remains in the driver’s seat, domineering the addicts’ relationship and life and having an adverse impact on their social behavior and job responsibilities. It is because of this reason alcohol addiction treatment is of utmost importance.
Key symptoms of alcohol addiction are:
* Loss of weight
* Excess sleep or insomnia
* Nausea and vomiting
* Puffy and red eyes
* Feeling anxious
* Increased incidents of emotional outbursts
* Fatigue and depression
Alcohol addiction treatment :
For some who consider alcohol addiction a medical condition, prescription of medication such as benzodiazepines, valium, Antabuse, temposil, and Librium is a part of alcohol addiction treatment. Alcohol detoxification is also an oft-used process in alcohol addiction treatment. It involves sudden stoppage of consumption of alcohol and substitution with drugs such as diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam(Serax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), having the same effects as that of alcohol in order to reduce alcohol withdrawal. Contrary to what the word “detoxification” means, there is no removal of harmful substances related to alcohol from the body.
Alcoholism rehab is also a very effective way in keeping alcohol addiction at bay. Alcoholism rehab centers such as the alcoholics anonymous have shown impressive performance in doing away with the lone battle of fighting away addiction. Though strong will power and determination are of utmost importance to make the culmination of a rehab experience a success, the fact that one is not alone fighting the battle against alcoholism and has others to share with experiences such as success, failure, and the moments when one had the urge (called weak moments), ensure the success of an alcoholism rehab program.
After initial detox, alcoholism rehab centers offer psychotherapeutic treatment, wherein every patient is under the guidance of a “buddy” who closely monitors the addict’s progress.
Giving up alcohol is a conscientious decision which involves strong grit and determination. Alcoholism can be debilitating leading to forgetting things and ultimately ruining careers and relationships. The fact that one has acknowledged that one needs help in order to kick alcohol out of one’s life, shows that the process of rehab has already initiated!
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