Chronic alcohol consumption can have adverse effects on your health. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant with effects anywhere from mild euphoria to loss of muscle coordination. Long term abuse can cause cirrhosis of the liver, enlarged heart and heightened risk of cancer. If you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism, here are the steps you need to follow in order to recover.
STEP 1 – DESIRE TO QUIT
If you realize that you are suffering from alcoholism, the first step is the desire to change. You may notice that alcohol abuse is affecting your health, relationships, work or school or social life adversely. Since it is not easy to overcome alcohol abuse on your own, the best thing to do is seek help at an excellent rehab. Good rehabs, such as Pacific Bay Recovery in San Diego, offer compassionate, customized treatment and rehabilitation for individuals struggling from alcoholism.
STEP 2 – MEDICAL DETOX
The first thing you do once you reach a rehab is detox from alcohol. When you detox, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, pain and hallucinations, because your body is used to alcohol intake. Medical detox is carried out under the supervision of doctors and de-addiction specialists at an inpatient facility.
There are 3 FDA-approved medications for treating alcohol addiction
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors that are involved in the rewarding effects of drinking and in the craving for alcohol.
Acamprosate (Campral®) may reduce symptoms of long-lasting withdrawal, such as insomnia, anxiety and restlessness.
Disulfiram (Antabuse®) interferes with the breakdown of alcohol.
STEP 3 – INPATIENT REHAB
Once medical detox rids the body of alcohol and its physiological effects, the person moves to inpatient rehab to work towards mental and psychological recovery. You learn life skills to cope with the triggers and stress of day to day life. Individual and group therapy is used to help the person break away from harmful habits and modify his/her behavior.
STEP 4 – INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT REHAB
Once the person is out of the rehab and back to his/her normal life, outpatient rehab programs provide ongoing support and prevent relapse. This ensures long term recovery to a healthy, happy life.
To understand more about recovery from alcoholism, call one of the best alcohol rehabs in San Diego, Pacific Bay Recovery at 858-263-9700 or visit pacificbayrecovery.com.
