3 Dimensions of Alcoholism Treatment
An important beginning step in recovery from the disease of alcoholism is to stop consuming alcohol. This may seem like a painfully self-evident truth, but many times it presents an immense difficulty for the alcoholic. When confronted with the prospect of abstinence, patients often rebel and go to great lengths to avoid and postpone action indefinitely. For instance, trying to get someone into an alcohol treatment center Austin TX may result in the individual fleeing the state to continue their behaviors. The dynamics of helping an alcoholic find recovery can be confoundingly complicated.
One feature of the disease is denial. The rationalizations and justifications exhibited by sufferers are extraordinary. After overcoming this hurdle, treatment must proceed carefully. Arresting the disease of alcoholism requires attention to multiple aspects or facets of the alcoholic’s life. The progressive nature of alcoholism, when untreated, impacts the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions of each individual. Adjusting the focus of therapies by assessing the stage of advancement is vital to a successful long-term outcome.
Treating the Physical Dimension of Alcoholism
Overconsumption of alcohol mimics a systemic poison attacking organs and their function to sustain life. If physical dependence has developed, medical supervision of tapering is imperative. Sudden withdrawal can result in life-threatening seizures and delirium tremens.
Treating the Mental Dimension of Alcoholism
Halting consumption of alcohol, for an alcoholic, often results in equally destructive psychological anguish. Depression and anxiety may both develop. Remorse and intense feelings of guilt may trigger self-harming thoughts or actions. Consistent encouragement and counseling often help to alleviate this state of mind.
Treating the Spiritual Dimension of Alcoholism
Alcoholics routinely express a sense of loss or emptiness regarding their purpose in life. Some treatments emphasize spirituality as a path to peace of mind in this regard. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous encourage disciplines of meditation and prayer as integral to achieving and maintaining long-term sobriety.
Alcoholism and addiction are serious chronic diseases that require treatment for survival. Recovery is a reality for many who were formerly seriously ill. Recovered alcoholics and addicts have overcome isolation and a sense of hopelessness to lead useful satisfying lives.
