Many people view alcohol differently from other drugs because of its legality and social acceptance. However, alcohol is a drug. In fact, a recent study listed it as the most harmful drug of abuse on the market today. The study ranked drugs based on their potential harm to the person ingesting it and the potential harm to others. Alcohol beat out both crack and heroin to take the top spot.
The first step in seeking drug rehab for alcohol is admitting to yourself that you have a problem and need help. There are several signs that you may need help:
1.) You continue drinking despite negative consequences: These can be legal, moral, interpersonal, financial, spiritual, or physical.
2.) You lie about drinking or hide your drinking or the amount that you drink from others.
3.) You must drink more to produce the same effect: This is called tolerance and it is a sign of physical dependence.
4.) You drink to get rid of a hangover.
5.) You make promises to yourself and others about your drinking that you are unable to keep: An example of this is “I’ll quit drinking during the week” or “After this stressful project is complete, I will cut down on my drinking.”
6.) You begin to surround yourself with people who drink like you do.
7.) You lose interest in things you used to enjoy.
If you recognize one or more of these signs in yourself, you may need drug rehab for alcohol.
An important part of drug rehab for alcohol is a safe, medical detox. When you are physically addicted to alcohol, withdrawal can not only be uncomfortable, it can also be life-threatening. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs to detox from. It is important to detox in a medically supervised setting. Besides the health dangers, alcohol withdrawal can be so uncomfortable that many alcoholics relapse in this phase just to relieve the discomfort. Medically supervised detox in a drug rehab for alcohol can administer medications that will ensure that the process is safe and comfortable.
After detox, you will attend the therapy portion of drug rehab for alcohol. You can attend an outpatient or inpatient program. When you contact the drug rehab for alcohol, addiction experts will help you decide which route is right for you. In therapy, you will examine the things in your life that caused you to drink in the first place. You will also learn skills to help you live a sober, happy, and healthy life.
When you choose a drug rehab for alcohol addiction, it is important to find one that is right for you. Part of this choice will depend on your health insurance coverage. The other part depends on the individual. If you have any past trauma or a co-occurring disorder like depression, anxiety, or anorexia, you want to ensure that the drug rehab for alcohol is equipped to help you deal with these issues as well.
If you or someone you know needs drug rehab for alcohol, call us at (877) 711-HOPE (4673) or visit us online at www.palmpartners.com.