Stages Of Addiction To Alcohol And Withdrawal
Alcohol addiction is a very serious condition that affects millions of people every single year. Many people believe that alcoholics are predisposed to their addictions. However, it takes a lifetime of drinking to become an alcoholic. If you suspect you know someone that is struggling with an alcohol addiction, you should confront them and implore them to seek medical help as soon as possible. They may need to go through a detox program before checking into rehab. However, symptoms from detox can be very painful, so you should only undergo a detox with the supervision of a medical professional.
Alcoholism
Some view alcohol addiction in three stages. The first stage is known as the early years of alcohol addiction. This is when the drinker is no longer drinking for the same reasons they started drinking. They are drinking purely for the mood changing effects as opposed to social events or pure enjoyment. Stage two is representative of more alcohol more frequently and can lead to risky or dangerous behavior. This is when drinking is uncontrollable and leads to a loss of control regarding physical and mental capacities. This is also a period where the drinker believes that they truly can quit at any time. Stage three is the chronic stage of alcoholism. This is when alcohol has truly taken over the alcoholic’s life, and it’s only a matter of time before internal damage to organs sets in. If help is not sought out at this time, it may be too late to save the addict from the damage that’s been done.
Consequences
It’s never too late for addiction treatment. It’s also important that the individual seeking treatment have an accepting attitude towards the help. Otherwise the recovery efforts will be done in vain as relapse is eminent. Detox is the first step in alcohol rehabilitation. This is when the individual goes through a period of withdrawal from alcohol. It is a physically challenging experience and also takes a toll psychologically. This is why it’s so important to be done in a medically supervised environment. Once detox has been completed, the real rehabilitation can begin. This normally entails a stint in a residential rehab facility or inpatient program. It features intense therapy and counseling in order to help the recovering alcoholic gain the life management skills needed to embark on a life without alcohol. Once rehab is complete relapse prevention services must be sought out and maintained in order to stay on the path of recovery. These services include counseling, therapy, and 12 step meetings.
Shakes To Seizures
One of the most serious side effects of alcohol abuse is called DT, which is short for delirium tremens. Only people with serious addictions to alcohol will experience DT. This usually happens to alcoholics once they stop drinking. Their bodies are so used to getting alcohol that it experiences physical pain when it does not get it. This is one reason why it is so difficult for alcoholics to quit drinking on their own. Also, this is another reason why it is important for anyone who experiences these feelings to undergo a medical detox to get over their alcohol addiction.