Alcoholism-Causes and Treatment
Alcoholism is a disease that does not discriminate. Alcohol addiction now became very common in people of all ages walks and groups of life.
As alcoholism has no cure, an effective source of healing can be provided by evidence-based treatment. During treatment, the problems related to alcohol such as chronic health problems may also be addressed. Psychotherapy proved to be a key element in the procedure of curing trauma or any other important problems that occurred former to or equivalent to the ongoing and onset cycle of alcohol addiction.
Driving Forces Behind Alcoholism
Each case of alcohol abuse is unique. The mixture of reasons that brought one patient to alcoholism may be different from others. Some of the most common causes of this disease are shared through a report from the American Psychological Association.
These include:
Genetics:
Being raised as a heavy drinker can play a big part in forming alcohol abuse. Many people begin drinking early in life. More and more are consumed until dependence is formed. The addiction soon follows.
Environmental factors:
If “fun” is shown to involve alcohol while growing up, then chances are that heavy drinking will likely be viewed as normal by such children. What fun looks like to them can be well-defined by them as well. They will expect to turn to it for many explanations. For relaxation, they might run to it. They may use it to escape their problems. It may be their way of overcoming stress.
Co-occurring mental health issues:
Those who are living with significant mental health issues often seek to self-medicate with heavy drinking. Depression is one such illness that’s common. Anxiety disorders are another type. Bipolar disorder continues the list. Unfortunately, such patients’ symptoms can become worse by alcohol. Coinciding mental health issues are now in action. It’s called a dual diagnosis.
Treatment Modes in Caring for Alcoholism
Today several alcohol rehab programs are uniquely treating alcoholism. Though, there are certain essentials found in nearly all alcohol rehabs.
Some of these basic strategies include:
Detox:
This is the process of cleansing the body of toxins. It is generally the first step to regaining. It involves total abstinence from drinking. Doctors and counselors keep watchful eye on this procedure. Their control through the process is vital to success. During this phase of treatment patients typically suffer from extraction symptoms. They need much assistance, forge ahead with treatment and care to not lose hope. They need lots of liability as well since replacements are common.
Individual counseling:
The psychological dependence on alcohol is, in many ways, stronger than the physical addiction to the drug. It is found best to have the patient address the crisis at its source. In this strategy, past issues are met head-on. The patients start to understand the factors that led to alcohol addiction. The patient begins to develop better decision-making skills and life strategies after this. With the help of these factors for recovery, they can overcome stress in a better creative way.
Group counseling:
Group sessions involve meeting with other recovering addicts in the program. They discuss past experiences. They work together to find resolutions to the problems ahead by helping one another.
Aftercare:
Many people often wonder, “What happens when alcohol treatment is over?” Better could be done through 12-step programs and follow-up counseling. The transition back into the “real world” for patients is helped by them. This resource is invaluable for those who have alcohol-abusing friends and family.