Alcohol: What You Need To Know
Many people consider only the most extreme alcohol habits to be “abusive” and think that heavy or unhealthy consumption is merely “social drinking”. But overindulging, drinking with high frequency, drinking to escape one’s problems or to self-medicate, and the misuse of alcohol are actually all categorized as alcohol abuse.
Alcohol abuse is unfortunately very common, and many people aren’t aware that their drinking habits are considered abusive. Some would even go as far as to say they believe they drink responsibly.
Alcohol abuse is unsafe for your physical health and puts your relationships, mental health, career, finances, and other areas of your life in jeopardy. Alcohol abuse may quickly lead to an addiction as your tolerance grows and consumption becomes a regular influence and part of your life.
Treating an Alcohol Abuse Disorder
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, recovering from addiction is a highly individual endeavor1. No single pathway to treatment is right for every individual, so look for a high-quality treatment program that offers an individualized recovery plan based on your goals, preferences, culture, and other factors.
A holistic approach to treatment is essential and should include traditional therapies, such as motivational enhancement therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, and complementary therapies like yoga, meditation, acupuncture or biofeedback. This holistic approach ensures that treatment addresses a variety of issues of body, mind, and spirit.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has identified four major areas that support a life in recovery¹:
- Health: Managing any physical or mental health problems, abstaining from substance abuse, and making healthy, informed choices that support a high level of physical and emotional well-being.
- Home: Having a safe and stable place to live.
- Purpose: Engaging in meaningful activities each day, such as working, attending school, caring for the family, or pursuing creative endeavors and having the income, independence, and resources to participate in the community.
- Community: Having healthy, meaningful relationships and a social network that offers support, love, friendship, and hope.
Recovery is Achievable
Hope is the foundation of recovery, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration1. Hope is the belief that a better future is possible and that the challenges of recovery can be met and overcome.
This isn’t to say that recovery isn’t hard work, or that choosing to enter treatment is an easy decision. But treatment will promote improvements in self-esteem, a renewed purpose in life, better physical and mental health, and a higher sense of emotional well-being to vastly increase your quality of life and promote a far brighter future.
If you or someone you love is suffering from the effects of alcohol abuse, substance addiction or any other type of addiction, please call us today. Our addiction treatment counselors can help you deal with physical, emotional and psychological consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.
A substance abuse treatment program is effective, safe and has helped many people reclaim their lives. Destination Hope is a full-service drug, alcohol and dual diagnosis treatment facility in Florida for those suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues.
