Long term alcohol addiction is one of the most life-affecting diseases that can befall a person. However, with this guide, addicts and their loved ones can break free from the grip of long term alcoholism and manage the condition in the future.
The Hader Clinic has had documented success treating alcohol addiction. For more information, or to begin your journey to freedom from addiction, get in touch with us for a Free 60-Minute Consultation.
1. Identify the problem
The first step in our guide to treating long term addiction is to confront the problem head-on. It is almost impossible to get help if you do not think that you need it. Here are some ways that problem alcohol addiction can arise in individuals that have been affected by it in the long term:
- Guilt or shame about drinking habits and behaviour
- Lying to others or hiding true drinking habits from loved ones
- Problems at work, home, or school caused by drinking
- Using alcohol as a method to relax work through stress
- Regularly blacking out after drinking lots of alcohol
- Inability to function without alcohol
If you, or a loved one, has experienced some or all of these effects, there's a chance that you, or they, are suffering from long term alcohol addiction. Fortunately, identifying the problem is the first step on the road to recovery.
If you want to be free from the grip of alcohol addiction, get in touch with The Hader Clinic. We can get started with a Free 60-Minute Consultation to understand more about you and your situation.
2. Start with detoxing
Serious alcoholics need to detox from the effects of alcohol. This is often easier said than done. Withdrawal from alcohol can be extremely dangerous to alcoholics, and can lead to a range of complications, including:
- Auditory and visual hallucinations
- Intense cravings for alcohol
- Seizures, coma, and even death
The best and safest way to manage withdrawal and begin detoxing from long term alcohol addiction is under medical supervision. At The Hader Clinic's 28-Day Detox & Withdrawal program, long term alcoholics have 4 full weeks of supervised medical treatment to address all the worst side effects of withdrawal. Proper management in this stage is critical in preventing relapse down the track.
3. Consider inpatient rehab
Detoxing is just the beginning. True success in addiction treatment starts at inpatient rehabilitation, where patients learn to live without alcohol over a period of 60 or 90 days. This safe, fully supervised environment gives them the tools to truly experience a life of sobriety, free from alcoholism.
Inpatient rehabilitation programs are designed to address a range of effects of long term addiction, including:
- Physical cravings and other negative short-term effects
- Psychological detriments like depression and anxiety
- Emotional impacts, like anger and personality changes
- Social effects, like engagement and participation
- Spiritual detractors, like the damaged relationship with self
The Hader Clinic's holistic model of treatment features an effective Inpatient Rehabilitation Program that addresses all facets of alcohol addiction. We use a range of therapies and supports to help addicts discover how they can live without alcohol in the long term. More importantly, we offer a safe space away from the temptations of everyday life.
4. Prevent relapse as an outpatient
Preventing relapse into alcohol addiction is a lifelong trial for many addicts. We are all a part of a society that is fueled by drinking as a part of social interaction. Alcohol is an ever-present temptation for many addicts. Fortunately, relapse prevention programs can:
- Offer transitional housing for those looking to reintegrate into society
- Provide intensive programs for outpatients
- Offer individual and group counselling sessions
- Prevent relapse through aftercare
The Hader Clinic offers all of the above, and more, in our Outpatient Relapse Prevention program. After working with us an inpatient, we want to help you continue to find success outside of our inpatient facilities. Care and attention is the best possible chance you have of preventing relapse as you find freedom from long term alcohol addiction.
5. Share with others if you can
Addiction has a certain stigma attached to it, and this rings true for alcoholism as well. A great way for you to reflect on your journey and demystify the struggle of addiction is to share your story.
There may be people in your professional and personal life that need a safe space of their own to confront their addictions. You can offer this by being open, transparent, and supportive. When you reach this stage, you have found true freedom from long term alcohol addiction.
