Overcoming Alcohol Addiction

Why Is It So Hard To Stop Drinking?

Alcohol is both mentally and physically addictive. Even though it is legal for purchase for people over the age of 21, it is one of the most commonly abused substances in the United States. If you have become addicted to alcohol, you’ve likely tried to quit – maybe more than once. And, when you stopped drinking, you probably began experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms. With alcohol being your only coping mechanism, it’s likely that you succumbed to your cravings and began drinking again.

The hostile nature of alcoholism is that it places you in a vicious cycle of trying to feel better. People often start drinking to cope with difficult emotions like anxiety, stress, grief, or loss. People who become dependent on alcohol may have no other coping mechanisms. As a result, when they try overcoming alcohol addiction and all of these negative emotions come flooding back, their first instinct is to reach for a drink.

It isn’t as simple as “just stopping” for many people. Instead, getting sober from alcohol requires medically-assisted detox and integrative addiction treatment.

Alcohol Reduction Benefits

More than 80,000 people in the United States die annually due to alcohol. This shows that while drinking it in moderate amounts is acceptable but consuming large amounts of alcohol can have many negative effects. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol consumed as there are many health benefits associated with it. These include:

• Lower risk of health problems and organ failures
• Fewer chances of getting diseases like liver failure, heart problems, and cancer
• Better performance in everyday life
• Improved relationships with loved ones
• Better mood
• Better quality of sleep
• Weight Loss
• Better Skin
• Improved dental health
• A healthier body
• Saving money and being financially stable
• Increase in energy
• Better mental health
• Prevents dehydration
• Boosts immunity
• Improved memory

It is better to know the benefits of quitting or reducing alcohol as these can act as a source of inspiration if you are planning to quit drinking.

3 Ways to Quit Drinking and Overcome Alcohol Addiction

Step One: Formulate A Plan

If you are thinking of how to quit alcohol addiction or reduce your alcohol intake, the best thing to do is formulate a plan. Once you have a clear idea of how you want to reduce or quit alcohol, it becomes much easier to actually do it.

Once you make a plan, convince yourself to fulfill the goals you have set. These goals depend entirely on your own choices and needs. If you feel like quitting alcohol completely, your plan will be very different from someone who wants to curb or limit alcohol consumption.

Most people plan to quit alcohol completely when they see that consuming alcohol makes them feel out of control. Others want to reduce the amount they consume on a daily or weekly basis in order to prevent health issues. Regardless of the goals, it is important that a person sticks to the plan to be successful in the process.

Step Two: Removing or Keeping Away from Triggers

It is essential for people to know their triggers as this can massively help the person stay focused on his goals. In some cases, a person feels as if they have to consume alcohol because of the people around them; this means the person is giving in to peer pressure. In order to avoid such situations, a person needs to learn how to stand his ground. Some ways around such a situation may be to meet at places that do not serve alcohol or having a conversation about this with friends and family members.

Initially, it is always hard to say no when someone offers you alcohol, but as you learn to be okay with being sober, you will realize that you do not really need alcohol at all. Many people get triggered by external factors like people, objects, activities, and the environment. This can make them consume alcohol or crave for it. A person should recognize these triggers and avoid them to resist the temptation of alcohol.

Step Three: Seeking Help

If you have tried multiple methods to curb your alcohol consumption and are still unable to let go of alcoholism, it is best to seek professional help. There is no harm in getting therapy for alcohol abuse or addiction, as these mechanisms are usually effective and can help you get the help that you require. There are many centers that offer alcohol rehab services; these services can offer inpatient or outpatient treatments depending on your needs. Most rehab centers also provide therapy alongside treatment to help people figure out why they were consuming alcohol in the first place. This helps the patient to understand his own feelings and emotions and work towards staying sober.

The Alcohol Rehab Process

The journey from alcoholism to recovery is not fast, nor is it easy. Recovery is a life-long process for many people, but it all begins with detox and treatment. Detox helps take care of the physical symptoms of addiction while treatment addresses the underlying causes, emotions, and conditions that perpetuate addiction and put you at risk of relapse.

Although individual treatment may vary, most people who complete alcohol rehab in Massachusetts will go through a similar four-step process involving detox, inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare.

DETOX

Detox is the first step in the recovery process because it involves flushing the system of drugs and alcohol. Since alcohol withdrawal can produce potentially life-threatening symptoms, it’s always a good idea to detox in a medical setting with nurses and doctors on-site. Never detox from alcohol on your own – no matter how long you’ve been drinking.

When you first stop drinking, withdrawal symptoms may set in within 6-24 hours after your last drink. These symptoms may get worse over time until your body adjusts to not having alcohol in the system. This can take up to two weeks for some heavy drinkers, and post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) can last for several months. However, your typical alcohol detox stay will last from 7-10 days.

When you first arrive at detox, you will complete a comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluation to help the clinical team develop a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Then, you may be prescribed alcohol detox medications (like benzodiazepines, blood-pressure medications, or beta-blockers) to help prevent severe symptoms.

During detox, you will have access to therapeutic group sessions and holistic healing methods like yoga and meditation to help you relax and cope with your withdrawal symptoms. In the meantime, you will be supervised around the clock by medical professionals who will monitor your symptoms and be prepared to intervene in the event of an emergency.

Once you begin feeling better, you’ll meet with a drug and alcohol counselor to discuss your treatment options. Detox alone is not treatment nor is it sufficient to allow you to stay sober. Instead, you need a comprehensive treatment program that addresses why you drink in the first place and teaches you how to stop drinking. Usually, most patients are encouraged to attend an inpatient rehab program in Massachusetts.

INPATIENT REHAB

Inpatient rehab programs require you to live at the treatment facility for the duration of your stay. They may last 30, 60, or 90 days and offer the highest level of care. The purpose of these programs is to remove patients from their old environment and place them in one that is healthy, sober, and therapeutic. Then, while in this environment, the patient works closely with therapists and their peers to learn how to overcome alcoholism.

Inpatient rehab programs provide 24/7 care and supervision. While staying at an inpatient rehab in Massachusetts, you will participate in a variety of different treatment therapies, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Relapse prevention
• Trauma & PTSD therapy
• Psychodrama
• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Gender-specific therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapies (art, music, recreation, drama, etc)

Beyond the evidence-based therapeutic interventions offered at residential treatment facilities, many also offer luxurious amenities like pools, spas, equine therapy, massage, acupuncture, and gym memberships.

After completing an inpatient rehab program, most patients transition to an outpatient rehab where they continue receiving care.

OUTPATIENT TREATMENT

Outpatient rehab programs offer the same types of therapies and healing methods as inpatient rehabs do, however, they don’t require patients to live at the rehab facility. Instead, you can live at a sober living or in the comfort of your own home while traveling to the treatment facility during the day for therapy sessions.

Outpatient treatment may meet 2-5 days a week for a total of 10-20 hours of therapy per week. This level of care is great for people who have already completed inpatient rehab or those who cannot go to residential treatment due to work, school, family, or finances.

Since outpatient programs do not provide 24/7 care and supervision, patients must have a supportive home environment and motivation to stay sober. These programs also place a heavy focus on relapse prevention rather than underlying issues as they aim to help people stay sober after completing a higher level of care.

Outpatient alcohol treatment may last anywhere from 30 days to several months depending on your individual needs. However, after outpatient, there are still steps you should take to continue your recovery. These steps are often referred to as aftercare.

AFTERCARE

There are many different forms of aftercare available and you may choose to participate in more than one. Aftercare can refer to any type of program or fellowship you participate in that helps you stay sober and continue growing in recovery.

Popular types of aftercare include:

• Sober living homes – these are drug and alcohol-free residences for people in recovery. Here, you will live with other sober people while you navigate your new, sober life. You will have to do chores, pay your rent, take random drug tests, and be home every night for curfew. This is a great way to transition out of rehab and reinforce the skills you learned in treatment.
• Alumni programs – many alcohol rehab centers in Massachusetts have alumni programs where people who have previously completed the rehab program can gather, connect with one another, and support each other. Alumni groups may host their own recovery meetings, volunteer in the community, or attend local events together.
• Individual counseling – there is nothing wrong with continuing to talk to a mental health counselor or substance abuse counselor after leaving treatment. Counseling or therapy can help you through difficult times and allow you to stay on the right track.
• 12-Step programs – 12-Step groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), exist to help people stay sober. These groups hold meetings in various formats where members share with one another their experience, strength, and hope.

Aftercare can last as long as you allow it to or for as long as you stay sober. Any and all of these programs can be great assets in your sobriety.

Alcohol Rehab in Billerica, Massachusetts

At Elevate Recovery Center, we know just how difficult it can be overcoming alcohol addiction, but we also have decades of combined experience in helping people just like you overcome alcoholism. To learn more about our treatment programs or to find help for yourself or a loved one, pick up the phone and call us today.