What is the First Step Toward Getting Treatment for Alcohol Addiction?
According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 30 million Americans struggle with alcoholism. Many of these people have yet to take the first step in treating their addiction because they don’t know what that first step is.
At Twilight Recovery, we know that alcohol addiction is a complex disease and help people with treating all aspects of addiction.
What’s the First Step Toward Getting Treatment for Alcohol Use?
The initial step in recovering from alcohol addiction is acknowledging that there is a problem. Addiction is a complex condition, and too many people do not recognize the signs of alcohol addiction in themselves.
Even if a person does recognize that they have a problem with their alcohol consumption, they may be in denial about it. A person may notice that they are drinking more, but they may tell themselves that it’s not that much more or that they could stop drinking any time that they wanted to.
Often, it’s on other people to point out to them that they have a problem with their drinking. Even then, they may deny the problem and insist that their drinking habits are nothing out of the ordinary or that they need to drink alcohol because of external factors like stress and that once the external factors resolve themselves, their drinking will go back to normal.
Many people don’t acknowledge the problem until their loved ones stage an intervention, and the impact of alcohol use disorder is shown to them in a way that they can’t ignore or deny. Often, they admit that there’s a problem and consent to taking that first step towards recovery.
When Should Someone Seek Treatment for Alcohol Addiction?
Someone should seek treatment for alcohol addiction when they recognize that their drinking habits are negatively impacting their health, relationships, work, or daily functioning. Warning signs that a person’s alcohol consumption has gotten out of hand include an inability to stop or reduce the amount a person drinks, experiencing withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, tremors, or nausea) when not drinking, developing a tolerance for alcohol and needing to drink more to achieve the same effect, and neglecting responsibilities in favor of drinking.
Furthermore, if a person’s drinking leads them to engage in risky behaviors and face legal issues or interpersonal conflicts, then it’s time for them to seek help.
Physical health problems, like liver disease or frequent injuries, and mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety exacerbated by alcohol use, also signal the need for treatment.
If attempts to quit or cut down on drinking have failed, getting help for alcohol addiction, ideally from professional addiction specialists, is essential.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
There are numerous treatment options available for overcoming alcohol addiction. Those whose addictions are mild to moderate can receive outpatient treatment and go to individual counseling and group therapy to work toward recovery.
Those who have more severe addictions may need residential or inpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment provides recovering addicts with a controlled environment where they won’t have access to any alcohol or drugs other than what a treatment team deems medically necessary.
Medications to Help with AUD
Speaking of drugs that are medically necessary to treat AUD, medications can help manage a patient’s dependence on alcohol. Disulfiram, for example, causes unpleasant reactions when a person consumes alcohol. Naltrexone reduces cravings and dulls the pleasurable effects of drinking. Acamprosate helps manage withdrawal symptoms, which can help a person maintain sobriety.
Behavioral Therapies for AUD
A widely used therapy for treating addiction is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is focused on helping people identify, address, and change the thought patterns that lead to behaviors such as drinking to excess. It can also help people develop healthy coping mechanisms when their cravings are triggered.
The First Step in Alcohol Addiction Treatment
The first step towards getting better is admitting that there’s a problem. However, the first step in the treatment process is often detox. There are two ways that people go about the detox process. Some choose to detox gradually and taper down their consumption until they’re down to zero.
Others do so all at once and detox at a treatment center where the care team will help them purge their bodies of alcohol and other substances. Regardless of how a person chooses to detoxify their bodies, they may struggle with several withdrawal symptoms, which can be incredibly uncomfortable.
However, while withdrawal can be uncomfortable, detox is a crucial step towards recovery from alcohol addiction as it helps a person begin the next phase of their treatment program while being as sober as possible.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
The severity of withdrawal symptoms generally depends on the severity of the addiction. Long-term addiction will often result in more severe withdrawal symptoms. Mild symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include anxiety, tremors, nausea, irritability, sweating, headaches, and insomnia. People with more moderate alcohol addiction may experience high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, fever, confusion, and even seizures.
One withdrawal symptom that is rare but still incredibly concerning is called delirium tremens (DT). DT is a severe and potentially life-threatening form of alcohol withdrawal that is characterized by intense confusion, agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, fever, and tremors.
When DT does happen, it typically occurs 48-96 hours after the last drink. Because of its severity, immediate medical treatment is crucial to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
The Last Step Toward Getting Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
There is no last step. While some may hope that a recovery journey has a set endpoint, the truth of the matter is that maintaining recovery from alcohol addiction, or any addiction, will be a lifelong struggle. Some individuals may find this struggle easier than others will, but the prospect of relapsing is always present and always a possibility.
In fact, the prospect of relapsing is more present with alcohol addiction than with many other substances. Alcohol is far more prevalent in society than illicit drugs and is more easily accessed than prescription medication. Supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor shops, restaurants, and bars sell alcoholic beverages; people only need proof that they’re 21 or older and have money.
So, while there is a first step towards recovering from alcohol addiction, there isn’t a last one. Recovery is a constant, lifelong process.
But at Twilight Recovery, we’ll help you with that process. The journey towards recovery from alcohol addiction may take a lifetime, but we’ll be right there with you every step of the way. Contact us now, and we will begin working towards a healthier life.