Those who feel the need to drink frequently may have an addiction and may have trouble quitting on their own. Once it gets to the point where the person feels like they have to drink, it’s time to get help with the addiction to prevent serious health complications. However, it is important to realize that it can be hard to go through the recovery process, but it can be done and it is possible to be sober.
The Decision to Seek Recovery
Once a person has decided they need help, it’s important to help them find the right rehab. By checking into alcohol rehab, they can get professional assistance as they learn how to quit drinking and live without turning to alcohol. Along with working on sobriety, they can get help with other things, such as therapy to help with any trauma they’ve endured, assistance getting back into school, or help finding a job.
Going Through Withdrawal
The first thing that will happen is the person will go through withdrawal. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from minor to life-threatening, so it is important to make sure this is done under medical supervision. The person will get the help they need to manage their symptoms and prevent potential issues, so they can safely make it through the withdrawal process and start working on their recovery.
Making it Through Recovery
The next step is to go through the recovery process. The person will work with the rehab center to learn how to live their life without alcohol, what to do about potential triggers, and more. They may go through an in-patient rehab program to get the most help in the beginning, then switch to an out-patient program to help them as they get their life back on track. Others may start with an outpatient program so they can continue working while they work on sobriety.
Relapses and the Response
It is important for those going through recovery to note that there is a high chance of relapse. What happens after the relapse can make a difference. If they have a drink and end up going back to drinking every day, they may need to go through the recovery process again. However, messing up one night doesn’t have to derail their recovery. They can make the decision to get back on the path to sobriety and continue working on it, being careful to avoid more relapses.
Learning to Get Back on Track
The cycle between relapse and recovery can continue, but if the person learns to recognize their triggers, they can learn coping mechanisms that may be able to minimize the potential for a relapse. This can help make relapses less frequent, which will help the person stay sober longer. Though it can be hard to do, learning to manage triggers and handle the risk of relapse is essential for those who want to recover from their addiction.
If a loved one is suffering from alcohol addiction, talk to them about getting help. Though they may not be responsive at first, they may decide to get help with their addiction at some point. When they do, they’ll likely go through the recovery cycle as they work on being sober. Understanding the steps makes it easier to support them and encourage them as they work on sobriety.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.