Different Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction

Whether people are genetically predisposed to alcohol addiction no one knows for sure, but the fact remains that alcoholism is a disease. Specifically, alcoholism is characterized as a gradual disease with devastating consequences to the person's health and even the emotional well being of the people around the abuser. Alcoholism has four phases: the increased willingness to drink to mask buried unconscious dilemmas, physical dependence, lack of willpower and eventually tolerance. About 14 million people in the US are addicted to alcohol. Health risks include liver and heart disease, damaging effects on the brain and body, and even death. Moreover, treating alcohol addictions is one of the hardest addictions to kick and there is, as of yet, no cure for the disease.

Many people with an alcohol addiction do not seek help - mainly because they don't believe they have a problem. Due to the fact that alcohol is legal and relatively socially accepted, many people with the disease are deeply in denial that their addiction is killing them, and possibly hurting the people around them. Here are some different treatment options for alcohol addiction.
Detoxification is one of the first steps in treating the addiction to alcohol. Many people with a long history of dependency find themselves unable to physically wean themselves from alcohol. Done in many hospitals and in patient programs, withdrawal is done slowly over a number of days using talk and behavioral therapy, combined with sedatives to minimize the symptoms of detoxification.

Group and individual psychotherapy might be necessary for the alcoholic in order for them to understand the underlying causes. Deeply subconscious psychological issues cause most alcohol addictions. Working with a group, with similar addictions, or a specialized psychotherapist, will allow the alcoholic to better understand themselves and why they use alcohol to disguise their problems.

It might also take the admission into an addiction treatment center for the alcoholic to force himself or herself to confront their addiction. Many of treatment centers afford the alcoholic in patient therapy that includes room and board. Here, people can receive help with withdrawal, talk to counselors, and seek solace with other people with similar addictions. Most of these programs are not mandatory, unless ordered by a court or judge as part of a sentence, but it is required that you stay a minimum of 30 to 90 days.

One of the most popular treatments options for people with alcohol dependency is Alcoholics Anonymous. Sometimes people with alcohol addiction might find it easier to kick the habit by sharing with other people your experiences - and also listening to others.

Lastly, you might find peace with yourself, and your addiction, with spirituality. Meditating has been proven to allow people to find themselves and their purpose in life. Regular yoga can help individuals stay more balanced and centered. For people addicted to alcohol, finding some kind of balance and routine in their lives can allow them to drastically lessen their dependency so that they can live a full and happy life.