Stopping Alcohol Addiction

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How does a person go about stopping alcohol addiction?  If you think that you may be addicted to alcohol, realizing that you have a problem is the first step in getting help and stopping your alcohol dependency.

Most Alcoholics Can Not Beat Their Addiction On Their Own

Many individuals think they can kick their alcohol addiction on their own, but according to research studies, this is not a realistic option for most people. 

If you think that you have a drinking problem, try to find someone you trust and discuss the issues with him or her.  

To help you to open up and disclose your situation to someone, it might be a good idea to first talk to a friend or to someone who is close to you in age.  Hopefully such discussions will lead you to discuss your dependency with an understanding and supportive adult.

If you can't talk to your parents, you may want to approach a relative, religious leader, school counselor, doctor, favorite teacher, or an employees assistance program representative at work.

Note that many experts in the field openly state that the first person you should consider discussing your addiction problem with is your family doctor.  

Doctors are trained to be nonjudgmental and objective and have a good general understanding of the effects of chemical dependency on the body.  Such characteristics are important for finding the best way to help you overcome your dependency.

The Need For Openness When Meeting With Your Doctor

Unfortunately, overcoming chemical dependence is not easy.  Remember that it is a sign of strength to realize that you cannot quit drugs or alcohol on your own and might need professional help from a trained drug counselor or therapist. 

Indeed, according to research findings, most individuals who try to quit taking drugs or alcohol need professional treatment if they are to recover successfully.

If you discuss your dependency problem with your doctor, he or she will more than likely set up an appointment for you to see someone who is trained in the field of chemical dependency.  When you visit such a person, he or she will ask you numerous questions about your alcohol or drug use.

In addition, you will probably undergo a complete physical examination.  It is sometimes difficult to understand this, but being as honest and as open as possible during the questioning phase and during the physical exam equips the health care provider with the information he or she needs for an accurate assessment, diagnosis, and eventual treatment plan.

Based on your answers to the health care provider's questions and upon the physical exam, it may be concluded that you are indeed, addicted to either drugs, alcohol, or both.  At this point, your health care professional will discuss your treatment options.  Keep in mind that chemical dependency experts, like all other specialists, will make various recommendations and suggestions regarding your situation.  You, however, will need to be actively involved in the decision-making process if your treatment is to be successful.

Typical treatment options for chemical dependency include detox (to eliminate the toxins in the body), taking prescription medications (to help prevent a relapse once the drug or alcohol use has stopped), and some sort of counseling or psychotherapy (to help the person understand their dependency "triggers" and to learn different responses that are unrelated to drugs or alcohol). 

Such forms of treatment typically take place in a residential treatment facility, in a hospital, or on an outpatient basis.  Due to the impact of the dependent person's behavior on family members, many dependency programs provide family therapy and/or marital counseling as part of the treatment plan. 

If your addiction is to alcohol, part of your treatment may include regular Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings.  The AA recovery program is based on a spiritual framework that, along with support from other alcoholics, has helped millions of individuals attain sobriety. 

On the other hand, the AA approach may not be for everyone.  As a result, other recovery approaches are available, including Jewish, Christian, and more secular programs.  It is interesting to note that people who have gained benefits from AA often times find other programs that, in combination with AA, work best for them.  Some of these programs include medical care and group and individual counseling.

For many, the expense of professional therapy and residential treatment programs makes these options unavailable.  Under these circumstances, the self-help, support-group approach (like AA) may be their only treatment option. 

Stopping Alcohol Addiction:  Conclusion

A number of people seem to think that stopping alcohol addiction is relatively easy.  While many individuals think that they can kick their addiction habit on their own, unfortunately, this is not realistic for most people.  If you face the possibility that you are alcohol dependent, it is important for you to find someone you trust so that you can discuss your alcohol issues with him or her.

Keep in mind that according to many alcoholism experts, the first person you should consider discussing your alcohol problem with is your family doctor.  Why?  Not only because doctors are trained to remain nonjudgmental and objective, but also health care practitioners have a good basic understanding of the effects of alcohol addiction on the body.  And finally, most doctors are also knowledgeable about where to get additional help, if necessary.  Remember:  if you think you are addicted to alcohol, recognizing that you have a problem is the first step in getting help and stopping your alcohol addiction.

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