What starts out as a pleasurable diversion soon turns into an obsession, specially for those who have a inclination for it. The reason could be social circle, difficult situations or just for fun. While a drink or two occasionally may not significantly impair bodily functions, a chronic alcoholic who consumes an excess of alcohol, neglects food and work, soon exhibits signs of physical and mental deterioration.
Drinking to excess will certainly lead to complications such as heart diseases, cirrhosis of Liver, fatty liver, pancreatitis, cancer and possible renal failure. Prolonged drinking can damage nearly every organ of the body; induce general weakness, an inability to absorb nutrients from food, lead to emaciation and debility of both body and mind. The mind especially is affected. Chronic drinking can lead to depression, panic disorders, phobias, anxiety disorders, suicidal tendencies, impaired memory, decision powers, control over limbs and movements. More details of each of these dangers can be found elsewhere and it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss each one at length.
The sum total of it all is that the chronic drunk turns into a physical and mental wreck who is practically useless for his own self, his family and to society and has a short lifespan. A pregnant woman who drinks to excess puts herself and her unborn child to great danger. The child so born can be physically or mentally challenged.
There comes a point when the alcoholic realizes the condition he is in, tries to stop, but withdrawal symptoms are too intolerable for him to do it on his own so he relapses. He is not in control and in no condition to handle this problem on his own. Should he be lucky enough to have friends and family who care enough to gently persuade and should he have enough good sense left to understand he will waste no time in seeking treatment at a suitable alcoholism treatment center which is fully equipped and capable of dealing with his problem.
Over the decades various types of alcoholism treatment centers have sprung up. Each offers its own unique treatment program. However they usually follow a general pattern of treatment which would be something like this :
Diagnosis of problem and extent of damage; physical and mental condition of the patient, recommended treatment schedule and program
Treatment starts with detox and counseling to handle withdrawal symptoms. It is in these initial stages that it is the hardest for an alcoholic to stay away from drink and these withdrawal symptoms can be so painful and unbearable that the chronic alcoholic will reach for a drink, if available. These centers know the importance of this aspect of the treatment and have processes in place which will prevent the addict from reaching for a drink and enable him to resist his craing;
Physiotherapy, psychotherapy, general group sessions, meditations, physical activity and being kept engaged mentally and physically;
Counseling and post treatment skill building
Guidance and support once the person leaves the center, declared fully cured.
Some may view the staff at the alcoholism treatment centers as grim and relentless in the way they handle such chronic cases. But such cases need firm handling and the professionally qualified staff have to be firm at times. They are sympathetic, understanding and supportive. Their aim is to reform you, give you your life back and you need to be equally cooperative. And looking back you will be glad you opted for treatment at this center and the happy times you have had since then.
