More than 80 percent of adults drink alcohol, which is one reason why spotting alcoholism is so tough. While recognizing the signs of addiction can be challenging, one thing is always true. If you’re concerned about a potential addiction, then it is almost certainly already a problem. Whether or not you have come to terms with it yet, alcohol rehab can and will make all the difference in your life.
Confronting Denial About Alcohol Addiction
It is a normal part of the recovery process to be in denial about an alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, however, that denial might stop you or someone you love from seeking help. Some of the ways to confront denial might be to track drinking habits, think about future goals and be completely honest.
It is pretty easy to be in denial about an alcohol addiction. Most adults drink alcohol at some point, and there can be a very fine line between being a social drinker and having a serious problem. If you’re in denial, that’s okay. Just keep an open mind and consider whether addiction might be a possibility.
Tracking drinking habits is one black and white way to confront the actual amount you’re drinking. Most people, alcoholics included, can only estimate how many drinks they have on a given night or even in a given week. For a single week, write down exactly how much you’re drinking. If you’re telling yourself you only drink a few a night, but a weekly total gets to 30 or 40 drinks, then you have to confront the truth.
Another way to confront denial about the need for alcohol rehab is to think about future goals. Many alcoholics have a hard time thinking about the future in specifics because they know that achieving big goals is tough if you’re drinking heavily.
You might want to start a family, get married, buy a house or advance your career. Now, be honest: Are those things possible for you today? Excessive drinking might make work promotions unlikely, and it can absolutely throw a wrench into relationships and even libido.
Clear Signs of an Alcohol Addiction
It is tough to accept the reality of an alcohol addiction. It can be even tougher to admit a need for alcohol rehab. By learning and recognizing the signs of alcoholism, however, it becomes harder to just ignore the problem altogether.
First, and most visibly, are the physical signs of alcoholism. Others might be able to spot flushed cheeks or red blood vessels on the face. You might find it hard to ignore constant stomach problems or issues getting enough restful sleep.
If you have ever tried to skip a day or two of drinking, you might have felt terrible as a result. Cutting back drastically, or stopping altogether, may have caused nausea, fatigue or shaking. Anyone who has ever experienced feelings of withdrawal is absolutely someone who should head to rehab.
A more personal sign of alcohol addiction is whether you’ve actively tried to cut back before. If you have, and you have failed, then that could be a clear sign of addiction.
Another sign might be an increased tolerance. This means that you’re slowly drinking more at each opportunity. This happens often to alcoholics, and it is a reaction to the body getting used to the amount of alcohol consumed.
Other signs of an alcohol abuse or addiction disorder might include negative changes to any other aspect of life. For example, you might not spend as much time with family and friends anymore. You might also be struggling financially because of missed work or because of high bar tabs. You might even be noticing mental health concerns such as feeling depressed, anxious or paranoid.
What Alcohol Rehab Can Offer
Even if you can admit that there is an alcohol addiction at play, you might wonder whether alcohol rehab is really necessary. It’s a fair question, but the reality is that rehab can offer you a lot.
First and foremost, alcohol rehab can offer medical attention. Healing Springs Ranch partners with a local detox center to get stable before entering rehab. During detox, you will definitely want to have 24/7 medical care at your disposal. Throughout rehab, you might encounter health problems that need immediate attention. Securing help alone is tough, but at rehab you’ll have access to everything you need.
Alcohol rehab, and residential treatment, in particular, can also offer you support and accountability. Dealing with an alcohol addiction is tough, and the more support you have, the better. In rehab, you can communicate with counselors and therapists who understand the nature of addiction. Plus, you can spend time in group sessions surrounded by peers who know exactly what you’re going through.
With the help of compassionate, professional therapists and counselors, you’ll also have the tools necessary to understand the root causes of addiction. This is something that is different for everyone, and it is why a personalized approach to recovery is crucial. Varying factors like mental health, genetics or a history of trauma could contribute to your addiction. No two patients are the same, and the best rehabs will identify and understand that.
The very best rehabs will offer a range of evidence-based therapies for patients. Some of these may include the following:
- 12 Step programming
- Individual behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Educational sessions
- Family program or therapy
- Exercise and nutrition therapy
While an evidence-based approach is a key part of recovery, the best rehabs go one step further. Each individual is unique, which means that each patient needs their own custom plan.
Taking the Next Steps–What to do and What to Expect
Once you have worked past denial and can admit that rehab is a smart idea, you can take the next steps to recovery. First, you’ll want to choose the right rehab program to meet your needs.
When selecting the right rehab location and facility, pay special attention to their approach. Any rehab promoting a one-size-fits-all treatment doesn’t have your best interest at heart. A more personalized approach will always be beneficial to patients.
The road to recovery is challenging, so knowing what to expect can help prepare you for it all. To start, detox is a necessity. Detox initiates withdrawal, and that can be unpleasant. Thankfully, it is often over in about a week for most patients. After detox, you can start making progress in an alcohol rehab program.
At Healing Springs Ranch in Tioga, Texas, our comprehensive Integrated Addiction Model will prepare you for a lifelong sobriety. Along with daily therapies, your day will include chef-inspired, healthy meals shared with peers, fun activities and use of onsite amenities.
Rehab doesn’t have to be unpleasant. In fact, Healing Springs Ranch offers private amenities for our residents, like a golf course, a workout facility and even an outdoor swimming pool. It’s important to heal the whole person and activities with your peer group offer more than simply getting clean and sober. You’ll learn how to enjoy life again.
After rehab is over, there is a risk of relapse. That’s why relapse prevention has to be an ongoing priority. Sobriety will always be a necessity, and it is something you will have to stick with for life.
Healing Springs Ranch offers alumni programs, family weekends and AA meetings so you can always find your way home to Healing Springs and a sober life.
Confronting denial about addiction is no easy feat. Once you can do so, you’re ready for a successful recovery. At Healing Springs Ranch, we use an integrated, custom programs approach to help you from every angle. Call 866-656-8384 to begin your journey to sobriety today.