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How Successful are Alcohol Treatment Programs?

February 26, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Many people scoff at the idea that alcoholism is a disease. The truth is, alcohol can take such control of a person’s life that a conscious effort must be made to overcome it. Some people turn to therapists for help in identifying the source of their addiction. Rehab centers remain the most popular and effective way to battle this problem.

The overall success of any alcohol treatment program cannot be judged based on any one individual. Each person has their own reasons for returning to their dependence on alcohol. It has even been suggested that there may be a genetic factor which causes some to be more susceptible to this and other types of addiction. As such, there are many reasons why an addiction program may yield results for one person and does not for another.

Assessing Alcoholism Treatment

The data on this subject only serves to confound the issue more. Focusing too much on statistics may cause recovering alcoholics to feel that they are doomed to fail. Some studies have suggested that roughly 90 percent of alcoholics have at least one relapse, even after treatment that was considered successful. As worrying as this figure is, it does not give a full sense of what to expect.

Firstly addiction of any kind is tough to beat at one go. A lot will depend on the individual identifying his or personal triggers and earning to avoid them. There must also be a strong support system available to any one recovering from any type of addiction. Some treatment centers have better records than others. This is aided in large part by follow-up sessions and the desire of the recovering addict to remain committed to the program.

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Understanding the Lure of Alcohol

February 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Many people can never understand what it is about alcohol that pulls people in. In many cases, the lure of alcohol is hard to understand unless you or a loved one has had to deal with alcoholism or any other form of substance abuse. It is not easy to grasp why anyone would drink until it takes over their lives.

The first thing is to realize is that alcoholism is not just about having a drinking problem. It is in fact a disease that can wreak havoc on one’s physical health, as well as their emotional and social wellbeing. This addiction, like so many others, has destroyed families in many ways.

For many recovering alcoholic, just the smell or taste of alcohol can undo all their progress. For many, one drink is never enough, they must have just one more which in itself is not enough. Alcoholics have no control over liquor, it controls them. As such they drink because they have to and usually in excess.

Many people drink because they need a means of escaping from something, whether a past experience or difficult existing situations. Sadly, over time the alcoholic will find that they need to drink just to function on a day to day basis. Interestingly, not all alcoholics become so drunk that it is obvious. In fact, many are able to avoid detection for years.

Once someone becomes addicted to alcohol, it is advisable that if they enter rehab and come out successful, they must avoid alcohol like the plague. Only by not drinking can an alcoholic be assured not only of being cured, but also of being able to resist the lure of this seductive mistress.

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Child and Teen Addiction to Alcohol

February 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

As much as we would rather that it was not the case, children sometimes become addicted to drugs and alcohol. While the problem is often discussed regarding teens, even younger children can struggle with addiction. Advertising of alcoholic beverages is sometimes blamed for the rise in teen drinking. Peer pressure and the desire to be cool may also drive some kids and teens to drink.

Many parents may be surprised to learn that their children are drinking. Kids generally find it easy to access alcohol since it’s in many homes. Unlike drugs, which parents generally teach their children about, not many parents have had discussions about the ill-effects of alcohol and alcoholism.

Effects of Alcohol on Children and Teens

While drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can negatively affect adults, it takes far less to affect a child or young teen. The effects of alcohol on children include:

Impaired cognitive and learning abilities. In fact it is believed that alcohol will adversely affect how the brain of children develops.Poor liver functionImpaired judgment and inappropriate emotional responses to situations

Parents should therefore talk to their children about alcohol. It’s really never too early to start talking, especially if there are drinkers in the child’s inner circle. This is even more important as there is belief in some areas that there is a genetic link to alcoholism. Children of parents who abuse alcohol are more likely to become alcoholics.

Helping the Child Who Drinks

Parents need to be firm and seek professional help early. Both parents have to come together to face the fact that their child or teenager has a drinking problem. There are rehab facilities available for teenagers. Parents and caregivers can get someone to come to the home, or consider an ‘outpatient’ type facility for help. They will also need counseling and assistance from addiction rehabilitation specialists for younger kids.

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Regulating Alcohol Advertisements

February 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment

While alcohol is a legally produced product, the issue of promotion has sometimes raised controversy. Some argue for regulation of alcohol and tobacco products due to their addictive nature. Many also point to advertising which they say pushes people to smoke and drink at a young age. Many industries are quick to deny the claims that their promotions are aimed at young people. However, there has been a rise in recent years of cases of addiction among teens.

It is difficult to lay the blame for this trend solely at the feet makers of alcohol and tobacco products. Many children are subject to enormous pressure from friends to drink or smoke. That said, it is difficult to deny the power of a strategically placed billboard on a young, impressionable mind. Many advertisements for alcohol depict young people having fun while drinking and or smoking.

This is worrying when it is noted that many smokers start the habit before turning 18. Statistics also indicate that roughly 70 percent of teens have tried alcohol by the time they leave high school. Adding the hereditary factor of drug and alcohol addiction, it is likely that a large number of them will enter rehab later in life.

Currently alcohol producers are restricted from posting ads near to schools. They are also prevented from airing ads during the hours when children are most likely to be awake. These restrictions apply to makers of tobacco products as well.

Not surprisingly, some groups feel that these restrictions don’t go far enough. Some have pointed out that alcohol producers have been able to work around existing rules. Many use the fact statistics on teens entering rehab to strengthen their case for tighter restrictions.

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Alcohol Addiction Can be Hard to Treat

January 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

If drinking is getting in the way of your life, finding a way to stop should be at the top of your priority list. Also, keep in mind that what you see as interfering and what others see that way could be quite different. You may not think that you have a problem, but the people around you might. Seek out a few people – family, friends, or colleagues – that you really trust, and ask them about it. They already know that you drink, most likely, but ask them if you drink too much or if they see any problem with your behavior as it relates to alcohol. If they really care about you they’ll be honest with you, even if they think they might hurt your feelings in the process.

When you realize that there’s a problem, it’s time to start doing something about it. Some people can conquer these kinds of addictions on their own, but it’s often better and easier if you seek out the right kind of treatment. Find a good program and get into it. Whether you go to meetings every day or you check yourself into a facility for some inpatient treatment, you have to find the program that works properly for you. Not everyone does well with the same type of program, which is why there are so many different options out there.

It can be hard to treat and conquer an addiction to alcohol, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t do it or that you shouldn’t try. It can be done, and there are many success stories out there from people who had severe problems and found a way to get better. They were dedicated and committed to what they were doing, and that’s how they got through it. You need to focus on that kind of dedication, too, and you can see success in your treatment goals.

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