Alcoholism is an addiction that varies in severity and cause from person to person. For this reason, there are several different types of alcohol treatment programs available. Alcoholism is both a physical and psychological disease, and sometimes a combination of different treatment approaches is necessary. Since every person is different, what works for one may not be effective for another. Some techniques used for treating alcohol addiction are as follows.
Detoxification is the beginning of nearly every alcohol treatment program. This is basically the process of allowing the body to adjust to not having alcohol in it’s system. It is usually done under close medical supervision, since the withdrawal symptoms can be quite severe. Typically, alcohol withdrawals are more dangerous than drug withdrawals. These symptoms will usually last for several days before the body gets used to not having the alcohol.
Behavior Modification
This first group of alcohol treatment programs can be classified as behavioral treatments. The first is Alcoholics Anonymous, which has been a popular treatment method for many years. It’s basically a support system that is based on a twelve-step program. The support comes from attending meetings with other recovering addicts.
Another type of alcohol treatment program is Motivational Enhancement Therapy. This program will address the specific causes of the addiction and formulate a series of reasons to motivate the addict to quit. This is different than guiding a person through a series of steps designed for recovery. This program is designed to cause the patient to come up with reasons to change their behavior.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy is another type of alcohol treatment program that is designed to recognize the risk factors and situations in which a relapse may occur. This is done by role-playing and practicing the possible responses to those situations.
Medication
In many cases, alcohol treatment programs include the use of various medications to assist in the recovery process. These medications can be used to combat withdrawal symptoms, as well as fight cravings. Other medications used for the treatment of alcohol abuse are called aversive medications. These medications will cause unpleasant reaction when alcohol is introduced into the system. Other medications are used to treat the depression and anxiety symptoms that often accompany alcohol addiction.
There are as many different types of alcohol treatment programs and centers as there are alcoholics. Some are done on an outpatient basis, and some require a stay in a treatment center. All of them provide some type of counseling for the patient, and some even offer counseling for their loved ones as well. Many times, a person's alcohol addiction affects their family members as much as themselves. If it's time for you to get serious about living a clean and sober life, talk to your family health care provider to help you determine what kind of alcohol treatment program is best for you.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Mom Dad Your Teen May Need Drug And Alcohol Treatment
Every parent's worst nightmare is finding out that their teenage child has a problem with drugs or alcohol. Even parents that do their best to educate their children about these dangers can find themselves in this situation. If you're a parent, it's just as important to educate yourself about the warning signs of teen drug and alcohol abuse. If you get involved and know what to look for, you can greatly increase your chances of getting your child the drug or alcohol treatment that they need.
What To Look For
There are many signs to look for that may indicate a need for drug or alcohol treatment. Some signs are physical, and others will show up in your child's behavior. We'll begin with a look at some of the physical indicators, since they are usually the easiest to spot.
Strange smells on your child's clothing or breath, as well as bloodshot eyes may indicate that your child has at least been experimenting with drugs and alcohol. You may notice a change in the way your teen dresses as well. Where they were once well dressed and groomed, they now show less interest in how they look. They begin to appear sloppy and unkempt. Sudden weight loss or gain could also indicate a problem with substance abuse.
In addition to the physical signs, there could also be behavioral changes that indicate a need for drug and alcohol treatment. An early indication may be noticing that your teen is suddenly being more secretive. You may find that they've begun locking the door to their bedroom all the time. They'll also begin to be less open about their activities than they used to be. Sudden mood swings are indicative of almost all drug and alcohol abuse. You might find your child going from tired and lethargic one minute, to over active or aggressive the next. Another reason for concern is if your child has a new group of friends that they are reluctant to let you meet.
Some signs may be of a more serious nature. You and your neighbors may begin to notice things missing from around the house. Family and friends are easy targets for people who are looking for money to support their habits. Prolonged substance abuse may also cause your teen to become overly aggressive or violent. Problems will also begin to surface in school if your child is abusing drugs and alcohol. You'll begin to receive reports that your child has been skipping class or not turning in assignments. They may also begin to get into fights with other students or even teachers. Any of these behavioral changes could point toward a need for drug and alcohol treatment.
What Can You Do?
If you haven't already encountered this problem, there are things you can do to prevent it. Start teaching them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol when they're young. Stay involved in their lives and set a good example. Ask your child questions about where they go and who they spend time with. Unfortunately, even taking these precautions does not guarantee that your child will stay drug and alcohol free.
If a drug problem does arise, take action as soon as possible. Sit down with your child and talk about it. Your school officials or doctors can help you determine if drug and alcohol treatment is a suitable option for your teen. Be supportive, and let your child know you'll do whatever it takes to help them.
What To Look For
There are many signs to look for that may indicate a need for drug or alcohol treatment. Some signs are physical, and others will show up in your child's behavior. We'll begin with a look at some of the physical indicators, since they are usually the easiest to spot.
Strange smells on your child's clothing or breath, as well as bloodshot eyes may indicate that your child has at least been experimenting with drugs and alcohol. You may notice a change in the way your teen dresses as well. Where they were once well dressed and groomed, they now show less interest in how they look. They begin to appear sloppy and unkempt. Sudden weight loss or gain could also indicate a problem with substance abuse.
In addition to the physical signs, there could also be behavioral changes that indicate a need for drug and alcohol treatment. An early indication may be noticing that your teen is suddenly being more secretive. You may find that they've begun locking the door to their bedroom all the time. They'll also begin to be less open about their activities than they used to be. Sudden mood swings are indicative of almost all drug and alcohol abuse. You might find your child going from tired and lethargic one minute, to over active or aggressive the next. Another reason for concern is if your child has a new group of friends that they are reluctant to let you meet.
Some signs may be of a more serious nature. You and your neighbors may begin to notice things missing from around the house. Family and friends are easy targets for people who are looking for money to support their habits. Prolonged substance abuse may also cause your teen to become overly aggressive or violent. Problems will also begin to surface in school if your child is abusing drugs and alcohol. You'll begin to receive reports that your child has been skipping class or not turning in assignments. They may also begin to get into fights with other students or even teachers. Any of these behavioral changes could point toward a need for drug and alcohol treatment.
What Can You Do?
If you haven't already encountered this problem, there are things you can do to prevent it. Start teaching them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol when they're young. Stay involved in their lives and set a good example. Ask your child questions about where they go and who they spend time with. Unfortunately, even taking these precautions does not guarantee that your child will stay drug and alcohol free.
If a drug problem does arise, take action as soon as possible. Sit down with your child and talk about it. Your school officials or doctors can help you determine if drug and alcohol treatment is a suitable option for your teen. Be supportive, and let your child know you'll do whatever it takes to help them.
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