Alcohol Addiction – What it is like

It might have started with one drink or a harmless, ‘one more glass’. Gradually, you found yourself drinking more than usual. Gradually, you found a reliable solution in the form of an alcohol bottle. That is where the downward spiral started. Slowly and steadily, you found yourself unable to let go of the alcohol. It wasn’t until you realized you were a heavy drinker that you could no longer do anything about it…to make matters worse, without alcohol, you have withdrawal symptoms.

That is how it feels to be an alcoholic. Whether it is due to overwhelming sorrow or simply to cope with troubling emotions, it can be easy to get addicted to alcohol. The biggest issue is that it is available in many states, and its usage is not restricted. Therefore, alcoholism is quite common, and unfortunately, many people succumb to its addiction.

We have seen families breaking apart, spouses forced to leave their loved ones, and children falling out with their parents because of alcohol addiction. It is important to realize that, like all other forms of addiction, alcohol addiction is something serious and needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

What are the signs and symptoms of Alcohol Addiction?

Whether you have found yourself becoming addicted to alcohol or you are noticing any of your loved one depicting any of these symptoms, then it is time to get help as soon as possible! Some common signs of alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder, can include the following:

• A strong desire or need to drink alcohol (It’s not just a usual craving, it is an irresistible urge without which the addict cannot live)
• Continuing to drink even when it causes problems in relationships or at work
• Inability to control the amount of alcohol consumed
• Spending a significant amount of time drinking or recovering from alcohol
• Giving up activities or hobbies in favor of drinking
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as nausea, sweating, or shaking
• Using alcohol in dangerous situations, such as driving
• Mood swings and intolerance

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it may be a sign of alcohol addiction, and it is important to seek professional help. Alcohol addiction can have serious negative effects on a person’s health, relationships, and overall quality of life, and it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Testimonial

Patient Testimonial – It has been more than my 7^th year of being sober. I love being a non-drinker. I am finally pursuing the degree I want to pursue. Next month, I am also going to propose to my girlfriend. All became possible when I sought treatment for my alcohol addiction from Next Step Medical. It wasn’t easy, but every minute of it has been worth it!

Our Treatment Plan

It is important to note that our treatment plan is customized according to the patient’s history, their reason for the addiction, and how far they have descended into this destructive pattern. There are different parts of our treatment plans. Depending on which plan a patient needs most, we provide the most effective treatment as soon as possible. It is our aim to help you get your life back as soon as possible.

What It Includes

The treatment for alcohol addiction typically involves a combination of medications, therapy, and support from healthcare professionals and loved ones. Some specific components of treatment may include:

• Medications: There are several medications that can be used to help treat alcohol addiction. These may include naltrexone (Vivitrol), which can help to reduce cravings and prevent relapse, and disulfiram, which can cause unpleasant side effects if the individual drinks alcohol while taking it. All our medications are FDA-approved and administered according to the capacity of the patient.
• Therapy: Therapy is one of the most important parts of our treatment plan. Therapy can help individuals with alcohol addiction to understand the underlying causes of their addiction and to develop strategies for coping with cravings and avoiding relapse. Therapy may be conducted on an individual basis or in a group setting and can include different types of approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or motivational interviewing.
• Support groups: We will help you connect to similar patients as well as successful people who completed their treatments. It is our aim to provide you with a supportive community of peers who are also working to overcome their addiction.

• Lifestyle changes: This part of the treatment plan largely depends on you. Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep, can help individuals in recovery to maintain their physical and mental health and to support their recovery. With therapy, support groups, and relevant medications, making positive lifestyle changes becomes easier.

The specific treatment plan for alcohol addiction will vary depending on the individual and the severity of their addiction.