Alcoholism – background and overview
Alcoholism is also known as alcohol addiction or alcohol dependency. One way or the other, it is one of the most addictive, crippling disorders known to man. It not only leads to emotional and mental consequences as well as physical damage, it leaves a lengthy trail of destroyed families, friendships, and other relationships in its wake. Alcoholism is most commonly characterized by the compulsive and uncontrollable drinking of alcoholic beverages even though the individual knows that it is damaging their health.
The disorder negatively impacts the individual emotionally, mentally, physically, and even spiritually. Additionally, there can be negative consequences at the financial, legal, and social level as well. Some medical professionals have defined alcoholism as a treatable disease, just like drug addiction. Magnus Huss, Swedish physician, originated the term “alcoholism” in 1849, but the original terminology has been replaced by alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence.
Lending your support is important
For many individuals, moderate consumption of alcohol does not lead to dependency. But for others, the situation oftentimes turns hopeless as their lives spin out of control until they can get professional help. Once they have gone through the detox stage of an addiction rehab program, they set foot on the road to recovery. This road is filled with many obstacles such as cravings, temptations, and those events, people, or places that are the triggers of addictive behavior.
This is why the aftercare stage and the many support networks play such a significant role in the individual’s recovery. Understanding how you can help a recovering alcoholic is a matter of helping them create a safer environment for themselves and developing healthier relationships in the process. Here are 5 suggestions for how to support alcohol recovery:
- allow the individual to accept responsibility for their actions of the past, present, and the future
- expect the individual to be accountable
- get them into a sober living facility or a support network
- encourage them to continually participate in treatment and recovery
- provide them with a supportive environment that is alcohol and drug free
Finally, don’t expect recovery to happen overnight. In fact, there is the main school of thought that feels the recovery stage never ends and that the recovering alcoholic will be in that stage for the rest of their lives.
Let our referral service help you
The Rehab Advisor is an addiction rehab referral website. We have listings of the most successful addiction treatment and recovery programs throughout the US, and we can refer you into a program in your local vicinity or out of state if you prefer. For more information about our referral site and our addiction recovery programs, fill out the e-mail form above or call the toll-free phone number at the top of the e-mail form.