Going through alcohol rehab is a tough time, where one has to be tough, but also realize that toughness is not everything. It is okay to realize that you can not do everything on your own. This is where friends and family, as well as counselors, come into the picture, providing love and understanding during such a trying time.
The alcoholism disease infects millions in the world, many of whom do not even realize they are alcoholics. A lot of physical and mental productivity never comes to pass because of the detrimental effects of addiction.
Alcoholic addiction happens over a long period of time and so gradually that if one is accused of being an alcoholic, the natural response would be to deny such a thing. Indeed, it is not always easy to realize the truth. The quick response may be, “I can stop anytime,” even though this may not be true.
As much as those around an addict would want to help him or her, it is ultimately the addict’s choice whether they will go through an addiction recovery program and subject themselves to various addiction treatments.
It is undoubtedly an unpleasant experience, and support must be provided every step of the way. An addict has to constantly feel that people care and are praying for him or her, and that these people will be there when the addict leaves rehabilitation and goes back to everyday life.
An important factor in getting better is to be in a homey atmosphere during the time of rehabilitation. This means having a relaxing environment, with no external pressures weighing in. This may very well require one to put off work for the weeks and months it takes to get better. As with any disease or illness, alcoholism must be dealt with adequately before one is able to go back to one’s normal life.
One needs to get a feeling of peace, without those substances that one has gotten so attached to. It has to be realized that the only way to get rid of a bad habit, is to get another habit – bad or good, preferably good of course. This means that instead of the impulse to drink tequila or brandy, one drinks something such as chamomile tea, which incidentally helps one de-stress and detoxify.
The lowering of one’s blood alcohol content may be a harrowing process, especially if one is experiencing withdrawal symptoms. But by replacing one’s impulse to drink alcohol with the drinking of something healthier, or perhaps physical activity such as jogging or working out, one is less susceptible to an alcohol relapse.
There are a number of free alcohol treatment centers, and this is an option for those who have nowhere else to go or who simply do not have the funds to get better. Ideally, however, one must be in an environment that is conducive to meditation and serenity.
Undergoing alcohol rehab is one of the hardest things one may have to go through, but with the assistance of the right professionals and a loving group of people, addiction can be overcome.
