Treatment for addiction begins when you make the decision to get help and go into a supervised detox facility. Alcohol addiction treatment centers are available to give you the support you need to remove addictive substances from your body and move forward in your life. When you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, your life can feel out of control. As your life continues to spiral down until you are feeling helpless, reaching out for help is the answer.

The Detox Process in an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center

When you enter a facility for detox, you will be supervised throughout the process. If you are withdrawing from alcohol, you will be watched for serious symptoms such as delirium tremens, seizures, and severe anxiety. You will be kept safe throughout the process and receive medical treatment if necessary. The detox process in alcohol addiction treatment centers can take a few days, up to a week or more depending on how heavily you are addicted to alcohol. Once you complete detox, you can move forward in your recovery to learn more about addiction.

When Alcohol Becomes a Problem

Alcohol addiction treatment centers are full of people who waited a long time before seeking treatment for their addiction. It can be hard to decide that alcohol is a problem in your life. Drinking alcohol is a legal activity and one that many people can enjoy socially. If you are ashamed of your behavior while drinking, or you've done something you regret because of intoxication, it's time to look at your drinking further. Ask yourself the following:

Do I get upset if my plans change and I'm not going to go out drinking? Do I make bad decisions that I regret while I am drinking, only to do it again? Do I promise myself I will quit but can't on my own? Do I think I have a problem but I'm not sure what to do about it? Does my partner get upset because of my drinking?

If you are wondering if alcohol is a problem in your life, chances are high that it probably is. You can overcome your addiction, but you have to be willing to make the step to seek treatment. At an alcohol addiction treatment center you will learn about addiction and be given the tools you need to begin your life as a newly sober person.

What to Expect in Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centers

When you enter a treatment program for alcohol addiction, you may be surprised by the type of people you meet. You will be treated with respect and dignity while receiving the support you need to begin your sobriety. The people within the program will be much like yourself, trying to live a healthier life without alcohol. The environment should be comfortable and a safe space for you to share what is going on in your life.

You will work with a counselor to develop a treatment plan, and you will attend group sessions to learn more about addiction and the recovery process. Throughout your stay, you will be encouraged to be as honest as possible in your interactions, and to share your story when you feel ready.

Your Treatment Plan

When you work with a counselor to develop an individualized treatment plan, you will talk about your comfort level at returning home. You will discuss what your options are when it comes to treatment. You have choices when it comes to alcohol addiction treatment centers. You'll start with time in detox, and can then move on to a short-term rehab program for alcohol addiction to continue your work. Your treatment plan is a guide that allows you to understand what you can expect next out of treatment. While your treatment plan can change, you will have input if that time comes. If you don't agree with your treatment plan at any point, you can talk with a counselor to try to make changes to the plan.

When You Are Tired of Living a Lie

Many people who struggle with alcohol addiction hide their addiction from their friends and family. While it may be easy to pretend you are a social drinker, it is likely that those close to you know that you are struggling with alcohol abuse. Maybe you are friends with a bunch of individuals who could use treatment, surrounding yourself with those who will validate your lifestyle choices. Regardless of who is around you and what their behaviors are, if you are hiding how much you are drinking and want to stop, it's time to seek help.

You don't have to live the life of alcoholic any longer. Remember that you aren't weak for asking for help. You are making a bold move in turning your life around and taking charge of the addiction you have. You can change, but you have to put in the work to make these changes. Alcohol addiction takes time to overcome, and you will learn what each step entails when you begin a stay in an alcohol addiction treatment center.

The Basics of Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous is a strong program of recovery for those who are addicted to alcohol. It is a peer-supported program based on 12 steps. You are encouraged to get a sponsor and attend meetings as often as possible. While the program is highly specific and structured, it begins with letting go and giving your addiction up to a higher power. You are asked to listen to others in the program and you are able to share during meetings if you choose to. The goals are to give each person in the room a reason to stay sober, to make connections with others who struggle with addiction and to learn about relapse prevention strategies while in the community.

Relapse Prevention After an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center

Relapse prevention strategies are activities that help you stay sober and prevent a relapse. They can be just about anything that leaves you feeling calm, connected or supported by others. For many people addicted to alcohol, the way to cope with stressful situations is to have a few drinks. Relapse prevention strategies teach you better coping skills so that you turn to the techniques you have learned instead of alcohol when you are feeling weak. Some solid relapse prevention strategies include:

Calling a friend in recovery. Talk over what is going on in your life and admit that you are feeling the urge to drink. Going out to a movie with a friend you trust. Learning a new hobby to keep yourself busy. Volunteering in your community as a way to make connections and give back to others. Take a walk out in nature and allow yourself to breathe deeply. Practice yoga, meditation or another form of mindfulness.

You can help prevent a relapse when you employ a variety of strategies to help you stay focused. Even when you relapse, you can get your sobriety back. It is common for people with alcohol addiction to relapse, and your best option is to get right back into a program.

When You Feel Like Giving Up

No matter where you are in the recovery process, you may feel like your sobriety doesn't matter anymore. If you feel like giving up, it's time to reach out to someone who will understand. When you are feeling all alone, go to an AA meeting in your community. You can find meetings almost every night. Share with others that you are feeling isolated and reach out to others in the program. If you aren't working with an individual therapist, it's time to find someone who works with people who have addiction issues. When you feel all alone in your addiction or sobriety, you have to make a call to get help. Keeping yourself isolated is only going to make the problem worse.

You Deserve to Get Help for Your Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction treatment centers are waiting to help you get your life back from addiction. You don't have to live life in a downward spiral, wondering where your next drink is going to come from. There is more to life than alcohol, and you deserve to heal from the addiction that has taken over your life. When you are tired of pretending you are someone you are not, help is there for you.

It may never feel like the perfect time to go to an alcohol addiction treatment center. You might have a job you don't want to lose or you have responsibilities at home you can't imagine leaving. The bottom line is that if you continue to abuse alcohol, you aren't going to be any good for anyone in your life. When you get help now, you are more likely to become productive once again. Treatment for alcohol addiction can give you the chance at a happier, alcohol-free life that you deserve. You can learn how to live without alcohol and refuse to give up on the life you want. When you are free from substances, you will discover that the world is easier to navigate.