Is Alcoholism An Illness?

To many, alcoholism isn’t perceived as an illness. Onlookers will usually categorise all individuals with drinking problems into the same box; mostly associating crime, homelessness and negative behaviour with addicts. However, in actual fact, alcoholism is a behavioural illness, triggered by many differing influences.

Now although alcoholism is classed as a chronic habitual disease, there are treatment options that can help to reduce and even cure substance abuse. With the right help, a chronic alcohol use disorder can be minimised over time, with the steps in place to work towards long-term recovery.

If you are struggling with alcoholism, it is important that you acknowledge that an illness is present, along with seeking the support of medical professionals. From outpatient, support groups, to residential alcohol detoxes, there are substantial methods in place for treating alcoholism.

Here at Rehab Clinics Group, we are proud of our industry-leading addiction treatments, suitable for helping those with alcohol problems. Our team of addiction specialists, our high standard facilities and our evidence-based addiction treatment options work together to overcome this illness. Reach out for our support before alcohol has a greater impact on your life.

 

The Triggers and Symptoms of Alcoholism

As touched on above, alcoholism can affect anyone. No matter your background, career or current health, any form of addiction can advance.

There are many common triggers acknowledged to induce alcoholism, and there are a number of ways alcoholism can start. One of the key triggers includes underlying mental health issues or previous traumatic scenarios, where alcohol is abused as a coping mechanism. A further influence can be linked to environmental factors and peer pressure, making alcohol consumption a regular, normal activity.

From drinking heavily to unwinding from a stressful working week to picking up the bottle daily in the early hours, alcoholics are all different, have different triggers and lead different lives.

However, a common theme experienced by all is the negative withdrawal symptoms associated with high, regular alcohol consumption. The main symptoms include consistent withdrawal symptoms, influencing greater measures of alcohol, along the inability to stop drinking.

 

The Effects of Heavy Alcohol Consumption

If you are struggling with the illness of alcoholism, we’re sure that negative effects have already crept in. However, if your alcohol consumption has only just started, it is important to view alcoholism as a disease, causing similar side effects as further life-threatening illnesses.

As tolerances develop and alcohol consumption advances, both psychological and physically connected illnesses are probable. The likes of paranoia, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts are common, along with substantial deterioration in overall health and well-being. Many of our clients have previously lived with issues with their organ and brain functionality, malnourishment and further habitual addictions.

Without an element of control, alcohol dependency carries many risk factors, with the probability of influencing life-altering effects. If you’ve spotted any warning signs or believe that alcoholism could be on the horizon for yourself or a loved one, reaching out sooner rather than later for support will be advised.

 

Is Alcoholism An Illness Which Can Be Cured?

The model of alcoholism differs a little from other addictions. As substance abuse is present, medical intervention alone will not fully cure alcoholism. However, with a mix of effective, evidence-based addiction treatments, a drinking problem can be subsidised, and overcome long-term.

Now although the steps required to recover long-term may be difficult initially, once a treatment programme and an initial detox have been completed, with the right support, and determination from the client, the illness of alcoholism can be cured.

Our addiction treatments here at Rehab Clinics Group have been designed with lasting recovery in mind. Therefore, if you are struggling with alcoholism, consider our rehab facilities and treatments available, all carrying high success rates when considering alcoholism recovery.

 

Methods To Treat The Illness of Alcoholism

By selecting a reputable alcohol rehab centre, a personalised addiction treatment programme will be provided. This will ensure that your initial trigger an underlying issue causing alcohol consumption, along with its ongoing effects has been overcome.

As every client and their addiction differs, it is important for our team to consider alternative treatment options to ensure a holistic approach has been promoted. With this in mind, you will complete a number of social, psychological and medical treatment methods. Each will help you slowly reduce your alcohol intake while working on positive, healthy coping mechanisms moving forward.

For many individuals struggling with alcoholism, it is common that pre-existing mental health issues are present. For some, the likes of depression or anxiety are the key triggers of their consumption, leading to their habitual behaviours. With this in mind, along with tackling your alcoholism, our team of professional psychologists will help you work on your mental health state.

You’ll experience treatment options such as alcohol detoxes, cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational therapy, family counselling and group sessions. Alongside our residential treatment plans, outpatient treatments will also be recommended post-rehab to prolong and ensure recovery is likely. With the combination of treatments and the commitment to continue working on alcoholism as an illness, a sober future can be probable.

 

Reach Out To Our Team

If you are struggling to reduce or stop your alcohol intake, it is important to reach out for support before dangers and damage enter your life. Alcohol, if abused can cause similar side effects to drugs. Therefore, it is important that the perception of alcoholism as an illness is followed, along with the urgency to fully complete treatment.

With the right ongoing support and personalised treatment programmes, over time, alcohol addiction can be diminished. Start your journey to a sober future by contacting our compassionate team.

Support can be acquired immediately, with the aim of offering an efficient yet effective treatment process. Find out more information today or begin the admissions process.

Take alcoholism as seriously as other illnesses by reaching out for support before connected psychological and physical disorders develop. The longer you wait, the harder rehabilitation will be. Yet please be reassured that we can help…