Tackling the Giant that is Alcohol Addiction in North Carolina
Alcohol is mostly taken as a social drink in gatherings or just to unwind after a long day. When one takes alcohol, it is absorbed into the body through the small intestines and the stomach. Since the body can not store it, it's broken down by the liver into a substance called acetate which is further converted to carbon dioxide and water. These byproducts are harmless and later removed from the body. Absorption of alcohol takes place quickly, especially if it is consumed on an empty stomach. It takes the body and average one hour to break down one unit of an alcoholic drink. If you take more than one drink per hour, it overwhelms the system.
The sad reality about excessive consumption is that 1 out of every 12 adults in the United States suffers addiction. The statistics get even grimmer; at least 88,000 deaths in a year are attributed to excessive use of alcohol. Other consequences of alcoholism include but are not limited to diseases such as hypertension, dementia, stroke, neuropathy, suicidal thoughts, antisocial behavior and many cirrhosis. Despite the challenges that alcohol dependency brings, there's hope for those caught in this quagmire. As long as one is ready to face their problem and address it, there are many avenues to get help.
Treating alcohol addiction:
There are steps that one needs to take in the addressing this issue;
1. Accept that they have a problem and that they are willing to get help: As with any substance abuse, most people with an addiction to alcohol are in denial of their problem. It's either they do not know that it is a serious situation or they think they are in control of it. It is only when one accepts that they indeed have a problem that they are willing to seek help for, does the journey towards healing begin.
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2. Commitment to the course: After step one, you need to make a serious commitment to quit drinking. This is the time to evaluate the pros and cons of excessive alcohol consumption. Some of the factors that you can look at are: *The cost implication- how much of your budget is spent on drinks? *Time that you deny the people in your life such as family.*The possibility of losing your job.Let these guide you into making your decision whether it's beneficial to keep drinking or whether it is the time to quit.
3. Set realistic goals: What is it that you want to achieve? Write your goals down so that you have a guideline. Some people want to cut back on their alcohol intake while some want to stop taking alcohol altogether. In case you want to cut back, how many drinks do you intend to take in a day? What period of time are you allowing yourself to have hit your target? Plan to have a daily journal of your journey to help you mark every milestone. Note that this option is only available for those people who are not too far gone into addiction. If you are an addict, you might want to stop taking alcohol totally.
4. Get sober: You've already set your goals, now is the time to implement them. Start a day at a time, making baby steps along the way and keep to your planned target. Your body is already used to a certain amount of alcohol and therefore, withdrawal will cause some symptoms, which may range from manageable to severe.
They may include;
*Shaking.*Sweating*Headaches*Nausea*Diarrhea and cramps.*Elevated heart rate.*Lack of concentration and restlessness.The severity of these symptoms may vary from one person to another depending on one's level of addiction. If you experience symptoms that cause severe reactions such as hallucinations and seizures, you could be suffering from a rare condition known as delirium tremens. Seek medical attention immediately as people in this category should only go through detoxification under the watchful eye of a doctor. The effects of withdrawal are felt immediately and are at their peak by the second day. After the fifth, they become more manageable.
Getting sober is one of the most important steps in your journey to recovery. Now, take charge of your new life by; a) Being physically active, eating right and getting enough sleep. These three things will help you reduce the stress levels in your life.b) Seek a group that understands your journey. Join an Alcoholic Anonymous group in your area to find the support that you need from people going through the same. c) Find fun and meaningful ways to occupy your time to avoid idleness. d) Stay on course with the treatment plan. Attend AA meetings without fail and keep in touch with people that are supportive of your treatment. Put your sponsor on speed dial, for those times when you cannot control your urges. Also, rid your house of alcohol.
5. Learn to control your urges: You are doing well at this point. You are building resilience. Get into new social circles of people who understand your addiction and support your journey towards recovery. This may be a good time to ditch those friends that are always dragging you to bars. Associate with people that make you want to get better. At social gatherings, opt for non-alcoholic drinks as it takes only one drink to be drawn back into darkness.
6. Seek psychological help for underlying issues: Most people who become dependent on alcohol are masking some underlying issues in their lives. It could be a failed relationship, stress at work or low self-esteem. If you are going to conquer your addiction successfully, you'll need to address those issues too.
The journey towards recovery does not end. Every day is a milestone to be celebrated. All that is required of you is commitment to the process. Along the way, you will experience set-backs. A relapse does not make you a failure; what does is your inability to get back up. As long you do not give up, you are going to be okay. Remember you are not alone. There is a whole community of people out there with a similar problem. Seek their support and conquer your addiction.
The sad reality about excessive consumption is that 1 out of every 12 adults in the United States suffers addiction. The statistics get even grimmer; at least 88,000 deaths in a year are attributed to excessive use of alcohol. Other consequences of alcoholism include but are not limited to diseases such as hypertension, dementia, stroke, neuropathy, suicidal thoughts, antisocial behavior and many cirrhosis. Despite the challenges that alcohol dependency brings, there's hope for those caught in this quagmire. As long as one is ready to face their problem and address it, there are many avenues to get help.
Treating alcohol addiction:
There are steps that one needs to take in the addressing this issue;
1. Accept that they have a problem and that they are willing to get help: As with any substance abuse, most people with an addiction to alcohol are in denial of their problem. It's either they do not know that it is a serious situation or they think they are in control of it. It is only when one accepts that they indeed have a problem that they are willing to seek help for, does the journey towards healing begin.
Alcohol Addiction Charlotte NC
Alcohol Addiction Raleigh NC
Alcohol Addiction Greensboro NC
Drug and Alcohol Center in North Carolina
Drug and Alcohol Facility in North Carolina
2. Commitment to the course: After step one, you need to make a serious commitment to quit drinking. This is the time to evaluate the pros and cons of excessive alcohol consumption. Some of the factors that you can look at are: *The cost implication- how much of your budget is spent on drinks? *Time that you deny the people in your life such as family.*The possibility of losing your job.Let these guide you into making your decision whether it's beneficial to keep drinking or whether it is the time to quit.
3. Set realistic goals: What is it that you want to achieve? Write your goals down so that you have a guideline. Some people want to cut back on their alcohol intake while some want to stop taking alcohol altogether. In case you want to cut back, how many drinks do you intend to take in a day? What period of time are you allowing yourself to have hit your target? Plan to have a daily journal of your journey to help you mark every milestone. Note that this option is only available for those people who are not too far gone into addiction. If you are an addict, you might want to stop taking alcohol totally.
4. Get sober: You've already set your goals, now is the time to implement them. Start a day at a time, making baby steps along the way and keep to your planned target. Your body is already used to a certain amount of alcohol and therefore, withdrawal will cause some symptoms, which may range from manageable to severe.
They may include;
*Shaking.*Sweating*Headaches*Nausea*Diarrhea and cramps.*Elevated heart rate.*Lack of concentration and restlessness.The severity of these symptoms may vary from one person to another depending on one's level of addiction. If you experience symptoms that cause severe reactions such as hallucinations and seizures, you could be suffering from a rare condition known as delirium tremens. Seek medical attention immediately as people in this category should only go through detoxification under the watchful eye of a doctor. The effects of withdrawal are felt immediately and are at their peak by the second day. After the fifth, they become more manageable.
Getting sober is one of the most important steps in your journey to recovery. Now, take charge of your new life by; a) Being physically active, eating right and getting enough sleep. These three things will help you reduce the stress levels in your life.b) Seek a group that understands your journey. Join an Alcoholic Anonymous group in your area to find the support that you need from people going through the same. c) Find fun and meaningful ways to occupy your time to avoid idleness. d) Stay on course with the treatment plan. Attend AA meetings without fail and keep in touch with people that are supportive of your treatment. Put your sponsor on speed dial, for those times when you cannot control your urges. Also, rid your house of alcohol.
5. Learn to control your urges: You are doing well at this point. You are building resilience. Get into new social circles of people who understand your addiction and support your journey towards recovery. This may be a good time to ditch those friends that are always dragging you to bars. Associate with people that make you want to get better. At social gatherings, opt for non-alcoholic drinks as it takes only one drink to be drawn back into darkness.
6. Seek psychological help for underlying issues: Most people who become dependent on alcohol are masking some underlying issues in their lives. It could be a failed relationship, stress at work or low self-esteem. If you are going to conquer your addiction successfully, you'll need to address those issues too.
The journey towards recovery does not end. Every day is a milestone to be celebrated. All that is required of you is commitment to the process. Along the way, you will experience set-backs. A relapse does not make you a failure; what does is your inability to get back up. As long you do not give up, you are going to be okay. Remember you are not alone. There is a whole community of people out there with a similar problem. Seek their support and conquer your addiction.