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It is treatable with therapy, medication, and continued support from others. Problem drinking has multiple causes, with genetic, physiological, psychological,and social factors all playing a role. For some alcohol abusers, psychological traits such as impulsiveness, https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/why-alcohol-makes-you-feel-hot-and-sweat-after-drinking/ low self-esteem and a need for approval prompt inappropriate drinking. Some individuals drink to cope with or “medicate” emotional problems. Social and environmental factors such as peer pressure and the easy availability of alcohol can play key roles.
Many reputable treatment programs try to include family and friends in the recovery process as much as possible, as having the support of loved ones outside of treatment can be invaluable for the recovering alcoholic. Although your participation in the process can be vitally important, you also need to take care of yourself. Programs such as Al-Anon, which is a support group for friends and family members of alcoholics, may be beneficial as you help support your loved one on the road to recovery. However, just as those with chronic conditions such as asthma or rheumatoid arthritis may have flare-ups of the disease throughout their life, for some alcoholics, relapse is part of the process. If a relapse occurs, it’s important to remember that this is not a sign of failure, but a blip on the road to lifelong sobriety. It may signify that your course of treatment needs to change for the time being, but that is something you should always discuss with your healthcare provider and/or therapist.
We do not receive any compensation or commission for referrals to other treatment facilities. Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available. Doctors who evaluate if alcoholism is a disease often look at the extent of the damage caused by alcohol. Any physical dependency issues that cause withdrawal symptoms contribute to the problem as well.
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can worsen existing conditions such as depression or induce new problems such as serious memory loss, depression or anxiety. For many people, drinking alcohol is nothing more than a pleasant way to relax. People with alcohol use https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/can-alcoholism-be-cured/ disorders, however, drink to excess, endangering both themselves and others. This question-and-answer fact sheet explains alcohol problems and how psychologists can help people recover. You’re likely to start by seeing your primary health care provider.
They may binge drink once or drink for a period of time before getting sober again. It’s important that the person get back on track and resume treatment. For many, the action stage is both physically and mentally taxing — and individuals at this stage face a risk of alcohol relapse. The action stage typically lasts from three to six months and sometimes as long as 18 months, but it does not mark the end of the recovery process.
But the results of not getting help in time can be far more serious. If you think that someone has alcohol poisoning, seek medical care right away. Once people in the contemplation stage shift away from just thinking about their alcohol problem and begin focusing on a solution, they’ll move toward stage three of recovery. Contemplation can be an uncomfortable process, and feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness and desperation are common as people reach this crossroads in their addiction journey.