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In our society, the myth prevails that a drinking problem is a sign of moral weakness. As a result, many feel that to seek help is to admit some type of shameful defect in themselves. In fact, alcoholism is a disease that is no more a sign of weakness than is asthma. Moreover, taking steps to identify a possible drinking problem has an enormous payoff in recovery success – the best chance for a healthier, more rewarding life.
Accepting the fact that help is needed for alcohol addiction may not be easy. But keep in mind that the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances are of a successful recovery. Treatment for alcohol abuse and alcoholism at New Life Lodge is cutting edge provided by a caring, respectful, highly qualified and experienced staff that are all commitment to helping you achieve the goal of a clean and healthy life.
The levels of care available at New Life Lodge alcohol rehab treatment center include, 23 hour observations and evaluations, alcohol detoxification, residential alcohol treatment and alcohol rehab treatment aftercare programs.
For many people, the facts about alcoholism are not clear. What is alcoholism, exactly? How does it differ from alcohol abuse? When should a person seek help for a problem related to his or her drinking problem?The following information explains both alcoholism and alcohol abuse, the symptoms of each, when and where to seek help, and treatment choices.
Alcoholism, also known as “alcohol dependence”, is a disease that includes four symptoms:
People who are not alcoholics sometimes do not understand why an alcoholic can’t just “use a little willpower” to stop drinking. However, alcoholism has little to do with willpower. Alcoholics are in the grip of a powerful “craving”, or uncontrollable need, for alcohol that overrides their ability to stop drinking. This need can be as strong as the need for food or water.
Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:
Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism in that it does not include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, or physical dependence.
How can you tell whether you may have a drinking problem? Answering the following four questions can help you find out:
One “yes” answer suggests a possible drinking problem. If you answered “yes” to more than one question, it is highly likely that a problem exists. In either case, it is important that you see your doctor or other health care provider right away to discuss your answers to these questions. He or she can help you determine whether you have a drinking problem and, if so, recommend the best course of action.
Even if you answered “no” to all of the above questions, if you encounter drinking-related problems with your job, relationships, health, or the law, you should seek professional help. The effects of alcohol abuse can be extremely serious, even fatal, both to you and to others.
Although alcoholism can be treated, a cure is not yet available. In other words, even if an alcoholic has been sober for a long time and has regained health, he or she remains susceptible to relapse and must continue to avoid all alcoholic beverages. “Cutting down” on drinking doesn’t work; cutting out alcohol is necessary for a successful alcoholism recovery.
However, even individuals who are determined to stay sober may suffer one or several “slips”, or relapses, before achieving long-term sobriety. Relapses are very common and do not mean that a person has failed or cannot recover from alcoholism. Keep in mind, too, that every day that a recovering alcoholic has stayed sober prior to a relapse is extremely valuable time, both to the individual and to his or her family.
If your health care provider determines that you are not alcohol dependent but are nonetheless involved in a pattern of alcohol abuse, he or she can help you to:
