If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction help, help is available. Addiction is treatable, and recovery can be much easier than you might think. You can start to see changes even if you’re in the early stages of drinking too much. However, the sooner you seek help, the better your chances of long-term success.
You may feel overwhelmed by your drinking problem and not know where to turn for assistance. This is normal, and you should not feel ashamed or guilty for asking for help. There are many resources available to you, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s national hotline. You can also talk to your doctor or other health care provider, who may be able to refer you to a specialist in the field of alcohol addiction.
Treatment options vary depending on a person’s level of alcohol abuse, how long they’ve been drinking too much, and whether they have any co-occurring medical or psychological conditions. The most effective option for someone with severe drinking problems is often inpatient rehabilitation, which can be provided at a hospital, rehab facility, or detox center. Inpatient programs provide round-the-clock medical care and support during the withdrawal process.
Other treatment options for those with mild to moderate alcohol problems include outpatient rehabilitation, where a therapist or counselor meets with a patient on a regular basis. Individual counseling can help people understand their relationship with alcohol, learn how to recognize triggers that cause them to drink excessively, and develop healthier coping skills. Group therapy, which is led by a therapist or counselor and involves other people who are trying to quit drinking, can be helpful as well. Many people stay involved with a mutual-help group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery after they finish treatment for an alcohol use disorder.
If you find that certain places, people, or activities trigger your urge to drink, avoid them. This may mean changing your social life, limiting contact with friends who drink, or finding new hobbies. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and managing stress more effectively can also improve your quality of life and make it easier to quit drinking.
Relapse is a common part of the recovery process. If you do relapse, don’t give up on your recovery. Many people who have relapsed successfully go on to lead sober, fulfilling lives.
Continuing treatment can be difficult, especially if you’re living with family members who drink too much. Fortunately, there are many treatment centers that specialize in helping families with alcohol abuse issues. Some of these facilities offer in-home treatments that allow patients to remain at home while undergoing treatment. Others provide more intensive residential or outpatient programs that allow patients to live in a treatment facility while working or taking care of other responsibilities.