According to data collected by Project Know, an American addictions resource group, approximately 13.8 million Americans have a drinking problem. And considering the enhanced risk of heart disease and other health issues that are caused by excessive drinking, alcoholism has become a significant public health issue worth tackling.
Rehabilitation centers have already been established across the country and clinics are doing their best to rehabilitate alcoholics and prevent the problem from getting any worse.
There are several tried and safe approaches to use when starting to approach an alcoholic to begin their path to recovery. But just like any other public health issue, intervention by family, friends, and medical practitioners is the most important step to take.
Here are a few things to consider when dealing with chronic alcoholics.
Recognize the problem
Whether or not you’re the one suffering from alcoholism, it’s important that you acknowledge the problem and avoid any attempts at trivializing it. In other words, the onset of alcoholism requires immediate action. It helps if you are able to sit down with friends and family and admit the problem. From there, it becomes more manageable to treat the problem and prevent complications along the way.
Get professional help
If the drinking problem seems more serious than you might expect, it’s important that you bring the sufferer to a clinic where diagnostic tests are administered and treatment options are laid out for the patient. Numerous rehabilitation and treatment centers across the country cater to alcohol abuse and other conditions that complicate the problem.
Attempt at detoxifying
Detoxification is pretty much a straightforward process for ridding the body of harmful toxins that accumulate from a prolonged period of alcoholic consumption. Too much alcohol intake can can weaken the immune system and cause a whole host of other complications. The main detox process involves diminishing the amount of alcohol in their system and surviving the withdrawal period. But is it possible to detox at home? There are risks to consider when you undergo a detox session with a medical professional to help you out. There is always the risk of a relapse or severe withdrawal symptoms that will worsen the condition, so it’s best to have an expert oversee the process.
See a stress therapist
The causes of alcoholism has its roots in psychology. Stress and trauma are just two of the most critical causes of impulsive drinking. Hence, it’s better if you are able to address these problems by seeing a therapist. Often, emotional distress is caused by an unwillingness to share personal struggles outwardly. These struggles also trigger the habit, so it’s important to have a therapist engage these emotional issues and find a way forward to a full recovery.
Join a small group
When push comes to shove, you will need to see a small group of people who are undergoing the same problems. This should help you come to grips with your problems and find no shame in searching for a way out of your alcoholism.
Alcoholism remains an important issue many Americans will need to address. Using the right methods, there will always be hope to escape the mire.
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