Tips to Stop Drinking Now
Alcoholism is an enormous problem for thousands of people globally. According to the CDC, roughly 88 000 adults die from drinking-related causes each year in the US. But alcohol addiction can be conquered. Some individuals manage to overcome their addiction by themselves, whereas others need the structure and support of a rehab center. If you are reconsidering your drinking habits and thinking about quitting, there are some important things you need to consider.
Recognizing the Problem
Maybe you binge drink over the weekends, but never drink during the week. Or perhaps you drink every day but remain ‘functional’ – maintaining your job and relationships despite frequent or heavy drinking. However, there are signs that your drinking is harming you, and often hurting your family and friends, too. Recognizing that you have a drinking problem is the first step to tackling it. Many alcoholics experience doubt, anxiety, and shame during this phase, as they have been in denial about their drinking for so long that finally acknowledging the problem can be daunting. It helps to be honest, set clear goals for yourself, and let family and friends know about your intended commitment to sobriety.
Seeking Help
Asking for help does not mean that you are weak or incapable. In fact, it takes courage to admit that you have a problem and that you want to change. Having a support system will aid your recovery and help prevent relapses. For some, caring family and friends are enough to see them through. However, most recovering alcoholics require professional help. Consult a doctor or healthcare professional who can advise you on the best means of recovering from your addiction. One of the benefits of an alcohol rehab center is that patients have access to medical experts as well as psychological counseling and various types of therapy during their rehabilitation. An individualized treatment program that targets your specific needs is going to be far more effective than trying to figure it all out on your own. At Beachside Rehab, for example, we customize our rehabilitation program and provide dual diagnosis treatment – tackling underlying mental disorders as well as the addiction.
The Dangers of Alcohol Detox
A necessary part of the recovery process is detoxing. Prolonged drinking does incredible damage to the body and the brain, and results in numerous health problems. However, getting clean by detoxing can also be dangerous for heavy drinkers. The withdrawal symptoms of detoxing begin after about six to twelve hours after your last drink, and can last for days. Depending on the severity of your alcohol addiction, these unpleasant symptoms can even become aggravated as the detox continues. For example, what begins as nausea can eventually turn to severe vomiting, which puts you at risk of dehydrating. Alcohol withdrawal can also affect your blood pressure, cause seizures and tremors, and even result in hallucinations. This is why it’s often best to consider in-patient treatment at an accredited alcohol rehab center, at least while you detox. Proper medical supervision ensures that your detox is carried out safely.
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