As the name suggests, alcohol dependence occurs when individuals need alcohol to function, feel pleasure or get through the day. Individuals facing an alcohol addiction may crave alcohol, or they may suffer from withdrawal symptoms when abstaining. Overcoming an alcohol dependence is undoubtedly an uphill battle, but it can be accomplished with the right support, resources and treatment.
Alcoholism is an Illness
Alcoholism isn’t something that just abruptly ends. Both the body and the brain have developed an alcohol dependence.
It’s also important for loved ones to understand that alcoholism isn’t a choice. Individuals can’t simply decide to quit drinking any more than any of us can quit eating or breathing. Alcoholism isn’t about willpower, character defects or a lack of motivation. The American Society of Addiction Medicine classifies it as an illness.
Comprehensive Treatment is Required
In order to beat a dependence on alcohol once and for all, proper professional treatment at a rehab facility is necessary. In rehab, patients will have access to a range of treatments and therapies that can help them learn to resists cravings and prevent relapses from taking hold in the future.
Rehab facilities use many different treatment methods. The 12-step program is widely used and very popular, and many individuals swear by its ability to transform lives. Behavioral therapies, group counseling and even fitness therapies all have their place in rehabilitation. Many levels of treatment available, including:
- Inpatient or inpatient programs
- Outpatient and intensive outpatient programs
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Extended care programs
- Transitional and sober living programs
Relapse Will be an Ongoing Concern
One of the reasons that alcohol addiction is an uphill battle centers around the fact that relapse will be an ongoing concern that never goes away completely. Relapse is when a person who has achieved sobriety begins drinking again, even if for a brief period of time. Unfortunately, relapse rates can be significant, with as many as 40% of those who receive treatment relapsing at some point in the future.
At the best rehab facilities, however, patients will learn to create custom relapse prevention plans. Through physical fitness, ongoing therapy, support systems and more, patients can learn to prevent relapse through a range of effective methods.
Although recovering from alcohol dependence is an uphill battle, it can be accomplished. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery in Scottsdale, Arizona, you can participate in treatment programs to overcome alcoholism once and for all. Call 866-377-4761 to begin your journey to recovery today.
