Alcohol problems and treatment

Social drinkers don’t usually like to read articles such as this because they believe one more of life’s pleasures is under attack. Food, gambling, sex, alcohol — what’s next? I understand this reaction, because I’ve rebelled against those who seem to want to control everything we do — however, this is not about alcohol, per se. Treatment professionals deal with alcohol use disorders, not simply drinking alcohol. Anyone who’s a social drinker shouldn’t be offended by talk about alcoholism. Our purpose is to educate and treat those who have a problem with addiction. We might have clients who are in the early stages of a problem and need education, or we might have a client who comes to us because they’re experiencing a major life problem and using alcohol in an unhealthy manner to escape the serious life problem, and we’ll help these clients learn healthy ways to deal with stress and life in general, but we have no interest in labeling every one who drinks as an alcoholic.

Alcoholism treatment professionals are usually agnostic when it comes to drinking, and unless the professional is a recovering alcoholic, they likely drink socially themselves. Alcohol problems and treatment are our concern, and almost every family is affected by an alcohol problem, whether it’s a son, a father, an uncle, a grandmother or an aunt. Alcoholism is prevalent. Approximately 10% of the people who drink alcohol have a problem serious enough to require treatment. Treatment is not always inpatient treatment — alcoholism treatment can take place in an outpatient setting, although if detox is necessary, the person might need some time in a hospital setting to manage withdrawals.

Like other mood-altering drugs used regularly over an extended period of time, alcohol changes the brain, and it takes a long time for the brain to readjust. This initial period after a person stops drinking can be uncomfortable. The recovering person might be irritable, might feel socially awkward, might have a problem with memory, and might be anxious or depressed. This is why recovery from alcoholism is so difficult — however, with proper treatment and support, the person can make it through the difficult period in the beginning of recovery. After the brain, body and emotions have adjusted, the recovering alcoholic can be as mentally healthy and emotionally stable as anyone who’s not an alcoholic.