Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol is legal – but the effects of misuse are devastating. Often, people misunderstand the seriousness of the level of their drinking. They describe themselves as ‘moderate’ drinkers, who like to be sociable. Many people mistakenly assume that alcoholism is related to to drinking alcohol at all times of the day and night. This is not the case.

The fact is, a unit of alcohol is much smaller than many people think. One, regular glass of wine (or one pint of beer) can contain the entire maximum recommended consumption for one day.

That’s it.

So, when does drinking become a problem that requires treatment and support? It could be one thing, or a combination of things, but these are some of the reasons that drive people (or their families) to seek help:

1. When the desire to drink exceeds the desire to stop.

2. When drinking causes arguments between families.

3. When someone is concerned about how much you drink – even though you think there is nothing to worry about.

4. When partners give ultimatums, but still the drinking continues.

5. When you define a ‘good night out’ only when it includes alcohol.

6. When you are suffering physical symptoms that are impacting on your family and work life.

7. When you are regularly consuming more than the maximum guidelines – or you are ‘binge’ drinking, say, at weekends.

8. When you can’t remember things you have done or said whilst drinking.

9. When you regret things you have done or said whilst drinking.

10. When the thought of never drinking again fills you with fear or dread.

11. When you find yourself offering excuses for drinking – the need to relax, to wind down or to sleep.

12. When you become aggressive or defensive if someone challenges your drinking.

13. When you hide or lie about the quantity you drink – such as to your family, or to your doctor.

What are the risks?

• Just one more drink can lead to a loss of control. Your words start to slur, balance is lost and you start to vomit.
• Guidelines suggest that men should consume  no more that 3-4 units a day and a woman no more than 2-3 units a day. Drinking at levels higher than this can quickly lead you to a physical and /or psychological addiction. This addiction can develop gradually, the more you drink, the more you need to drink to experience the same state that lower levels once induced. You may fool yourself that you are simply getting better at managing your drink but the simple truth is that you are addicted.
• Alcohol can significantly alter your mood and you have no idea if you are going to become a quiet, depressive drunk or an angry, aggressive and generally unpleasant drunk.
• Drinking above the recommended levels can cause significant physical damage to your liver and also increases risk of stomach cancer, mouth cancer, breast cancer and heart disease. It is estimated that one in five hospital beds are used to treat the physical illnesses associated with alcohol addiction.
• Alcohol is blamed for contributing to all kinds of problems in Britain, from violent crime to domestic violence and to car-related deaths.

Physical Symptoms:

• Mild fever
• Tremors (shaking)
• Cold sweats
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

Psychological Symptoms:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Sudden mood changes
• Nightmares
• Confusion
• Hallucinations

What can I expect when I go into treatment?

Residential treatment will consist of a range of treatment delivery models to treat the physical and psychological addiction. A doctor will see and assess you on admission and will prescribe a medication appropriate to alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal. The doctor may also undertake a physical examination and check weight, blood pressure and temperature. A breath test may be completed to evidence the alcohol level in the patients system and a urine test completed to record drug usage. Routine blood tests may also be undertaken. The doctor will review any current prescribed medication and advise accordingly. Throughout the treatment process the doctor will monitor physical well-being and be called if there are any medical needs identified.

A background history and care plan will be put together by a key worker that has been allocated to you. The client will be completely involved with this process and be expected to make his/her choices and wishes known. The plan of care will address the clients addiction, behavioural issues, physical health needs, psychological well-being and social needs.

The treatment will consist of education and therapy to understand and challenge the addictive illness and to encourage an awareness of the underlying issues behind it, recognising trigger points and altering and affecting behaviours to allow a life free of the harm it creates.

Families

Families are part of the process of recovery, too. It is well recognised that the addiction affects all those who are close to the addicted person – and that family members may be suffering from a range of emotions themselves – including anger, bitterness, shame, sadness, loss.  Most programmes include a family programme (if appropriate) to acknowledge and support the emotional impact to family life, and help with the rebuilding of broken relationships. Families also will be educated in the need to support the person, post-treatment.

We welcome calls from family members, as we realise that you are often in a situation beyond your control, but that which is overshadowing your whole life. You might not know whether or not your situation warrants asking for help – the very fact that you are reading this means that it does.

Some of the reasons why family members call us are (and it could be one or a combination):

1. The drinking habits of a partner, child, sibling or parent is causing you concern.

2. They become aggressive or defensive if you suggest cutting down their consumption.

3. You’ve emptied bottles of alcohol down the sink.

4. You’ve found bottles of alcohol that have been concealed.

5. They purchase alcohol in small, but regular, quantities in an attempt to conceal volume.

6. They make drinking part of other activities – such as cooking – spending hours preparing a meal while they consume alcohol.

7. They would be annoyed at the prospect of a night out where they were required to drive home.

8. They would not contemplate an evening at home or with friends where there was no alcohol.

9. You have made excuses for them – to friends, family or their employers.

10. You believe that buying them alcohol will make them happy.

11. They become concerned or anxious if alcohol stocks are running low.

12. They will make a special journey to the shops to stock up with alcohol.

13. They encourage you (and others) to drink with them – even beyond limits with which you are comfortable.

14. They will pour large measures, as their tolerance increases. They will also prepare similar quantities for others.

15. They see a first drink in the evening as the ‘start’ of their relaxation time.

Whatever the reason, even if you aren’t sure, please call us. We understand – we’re here to help.