Curing Alcoholism

Alcoholism, also known as ‘alcohol dependence syndrome’ is a condition that is characterized by a strong craving to consume alcohol, inability to stop drinking once the person has begun, and a state of physical dependence due to which the person cannot quit drinking due to severe withdrawal symptoms.

While some alcoholics succeed in solving the problem themselves, most require external assistance to recover from this disease.

The first step towards treatment of alcoholism is that the individual must realize and acknowledge the fact that he or she is an alcoholic and is completely dependent on its consumption. They must admit to the fact that they need help. Without the voluntary participation and support of the patient alcohol detox or treatment cannot be fruitful and the patient will relapse time and again.

Treatment of alcoholism involves the following steps-

Detoxification- it lasts for a span of 5-10 days during which the patient is kept under surveillance, treated and the severity of his dependence is monitored. The withdrawal symptoms are dealt with under a controlled environment and patients may be sedated in order to temper down their severe withdrawal symptoms and aggressive behavior.

The next step is psychiatric and drug treatment.

This is followed by intensive counseling. This however may start prior, during or after the detox process. This is usually the third step and is extremely significant. While undergoing the rigors of withdrawal symptoms physically, patients tend to suffer intense mental, emotional and psychological symptoms from such withdrawal. At this stage it is important for him or her to accept that he or she is addicted to alcohol.

Finally after completion of the detox process the patient works at the detox center. This is an aftercare program. This helps him to practice refusal skills and to keep himself surrounded by positive people who help with the recovery process.

Alcohol abuse destroys life. People lose their jobs, family and even their life. The steps are never easy but with a strong urge to overcome the problem and sincere love for all that a man holds dear, it is possible to overcome the problem. During the process one may even discover new and positive facets of his own self.