Understanding alcoholism and the available treatments may be the key to finding a path to recovery.
Without treatment, alcoholism can cause every aspect of a person’s life to deteriorate. But often, people do not understand exactly what alcoholism is and how it can be treated.
Beginning the alcohol awareness journey can help you spot the development of alcoholism and facilitate a positive outcome for the continued health of yourself or a loved one.
Identifying the development of alcoholism
Alcoholism tends to develop gradually, making it easy to miss in the earliest stages. As the condition worsens, finding a treatment that works in the long-term can challenge even the most dedicated individuals. As with most medical conditions, early identification and intervention for alcoholism offer the best prognosis.
The symptoms caused by alcohol dependence may include:
- Inability to control alcohol intake
- Increase in daily alcohol consumption
- Weight loss
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Facial redness
A doctor can assess self-reported symptoms and utilize a short CAGE questionnaire to positively diagnose alcoholism. Report all symptoms you experience on a daily basis to give your doctor the full picture of your health situation. Also, you must answer each question on the CAGE questionnaire honestly and completely to help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
Getting quality care and treatment
Medical support through the alcoholism treatment process is a definite necessity. Eliminating alcohol consumption can cause a dangerous stress response and serious withdrawal symptoms, including shaking, sweating, nausea, and anxiety. Therefore, doctors recommend that patients receive ongoing medical observation and care during the detoxification process.
At addiction treatment centers in Arkansas, medical providers offer care and support through the withdrawal process and beyond. After the complete removal of alcohol from your system, you must focus on developing coping skills needed to continue to avoid drinking. You may meet with self-help groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous, to work through the recovery steps with purpose.
You may also need to attend solo therapy sessions or take medications for any mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, that you may have tried to control with alcohol. A multi-faceted approach to the treatment of alcoholism helps ensure you can continue to comfortably abstain from drinking for the long-term.
Scheduling a visit at addiction treatment centers
To overcome dependence on alcohol, ARcare provides addiction treatment centers throughout the state of Arkansas. Contact us today to start on your journey to recovery. Your doctor will help you confirm the diagnosis of alcoholism and suggest a treatment path that will work best for you.