Do you agree that a few drinks after a busy day at work are harmless?
How about sipping on a glass of wine with your evening read?
While these are widely accepted behaviors, which pose no danger to one’s health when being controlled, they could easily become hurtful. Most people do not realize or refuse to accept that alcohol is a highly addictive drug.
Alcohol use disorder is one of the most widely spread modern-age diseases, affecting over 15 million American adults.
No one is immune to alcohol addiction. One of the initial behaviors, which could indicate the formation of the problem is binge drinking.
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Binge Drinking: Explained
To avoid any confusion, let’s clarify one point regarding binge drinking: not everyone who exhibits the behavior is an addict. This does not make it any less harmful, though. It is also often a precursor to developing a more serious dependency on alcohol.
Binge drinking is common and in fact, a deadly pattern of alcohol consumption, which raises one’s blood alcohol levels to 0.08 g/dl or higher. This translates into four or more drinks for women within two hours, while for men – it is five.
The statistics show that one in six American adults has engaged in binge drinking approximately four times per month. To put it into perspective, each binge drinker has consumed over 467 binge drinks within one calendar year.
Treatments For Alcoholism
Once you have realized that you are suffering from alcohol addiction, you may feel lost, ashamed, and unable to seek help. These emotions are common among alcoholics. So is a denial of the problem and endless attempts to hide it.
The only safe and reliable way to cope with your addiction, though, is through professional alcohol treatment. Finding an option, which suits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle will make a difference in your recovery.
If you or someone you know is suffering from alcoholism, you should act promptly and decisively. If you want to remain anonymous, while gathering information, you could start with a Google search for your local area, e.g. “Best alcohol rehab in Brentwood, TN”. Once you have narrowed down the results, you can contact the facilities and request more details. Do not forget to inquire about important aspects of therapy, such as amenities, staff, and rehab insurance.
Alcohol Rehab: 5 Myths Debunked
The stigma around alcoholism and myths regarding its treatment are two of the most common factors which lead to patients never seeking therapy.
Myth # 1: Alcoholics Do Not Require Detox.
One of the popular beliefs is that alcoholics can decide to quit drinking and act upon it. This is wrong. It stems from the fact that many people do not believe that alcohol is a drug. It is legal and regulated, yet a dangerously addictive substance.
Withdrawal symptoms are one of the main reasons why alcoholics should get admitted to a safe rehab facility. Trained personnel can assist them with their pain and help them cope with mental discomfort, too.
Myth # 2: You Have To Quit Cold Turkey.
Quitting cold turkey is not a universal solution to any issue. In fact, patients with alcohol use disorders could jeopardize their health when attempting to do so.
For the more severe cases of addiction, a medically assisted treatment is often recommended. A gradual weaning off is much more effective and sustainable in the long run, as the initial withdrawal symptoms are minimized.
Myth # 3: Only The Rich & Famous Get Into Alcohol Rehab.
Popular media has built the image of rehabs being inaccessible to a broader audience. TV shows and movies often portray the rich and famous as the main characters in combat with alcohol addiction.
The truth is that various types of rehab facilities exist. Some offer premium amenities, which resemble 5-star resorts. Others, though, are affordable and could suit the needs & budget of most middle-class patients. Basic treatment options are also available for the ones who cannot afford any luxuries.
Myth # 4: You Do Not Need Treatment Until You Hit ‘Rock Bottom’.
While this may be true in some areas of life, it is certainly not applicable to alcohol addiction. This harmful mentality is often used by alcoholics as an escape mechanism, which only allows them to prolong their drinking problem.
You do not need to lose everything before you get treatment. The longer you postpone facing your addiction, the more severe it becomes.
Myth # 5: After Alcohol Rehab, You Are Sober For Life.
Alcohol detox is only the first step in your journey to sobriety. It enables your body to get rid of the toxins, so it could be clean & strong for the rest of the process.
Finding suitable treatment options after you have commenced from alcohol detox will decrease the chances of relapse. Once you have completed that step, too, you can look for continuous support in communities or organizations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
The Fear Of Treatment
Many patients admit that before they sought therapy, they were scared. Addiction could bring various fears along, the fear of the unknown, the fear of success, or the fear of change.
Accepting your emotions is the first step to success. Once you begin your search for adequate treatment, you should never feel intimated. The perfect match will incorporate elements of tough love and endless compassion. You should choose wisely because this part of the process will have an immediate impact on the outcomes of your recovery.
Your goals and definition of success should overlap with those of your preferred treatment center. Mutual trust and understanding are the building blocks for your recovery.
Final Thoughts
Alcohol use disorder is the third most preventable disease in the US. It affects the lives of millions of Americans from diverse demographic and cultural backgrounds. Their daily struggles are only intensified by the spread of myths, which often prevent them from seeking timely treatment. Receiving adequate therapy is the most secure and reliable way to ensure successful sobriety.
