Though some people struggle with alcohol addiction more than others, it is never an easy condition to overcome. Luckily, those with an addiction have many options to help in their recovery.
There are different levels of severity when it comes to alcohol addiction. For minor cases, willpower alone may do the trick. But most sufferers require treatment and support. This article outlines some of the most reliable treatment options to overcome an alcohol addiction, as well as prevent relapses.Â
It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive. There are numerous theories and practices designed to help people with their addictions that have not been included – e.g. hypnotherapy. This article focuses on conventional, evidence-based treatments that usually form the core of a successful recovery.
It should further be noted that the treatment options outlined below are not mutually exclusive. In many cases, utilizing all or some of these options create a person’s best chance at recovery.
Seeing a Counsellor
Counsellors can be tremendously helpful to people with an alcohol addiction. They may have overcome addiction themselves, or simply be trained in dealing with addiction or trauma. They give people someone to talk openly with about their troubles, and help them reflect on the causes and effects of their addiction.
Attending Group Support
Group support, like Alcoholics Anonymous, offers similar benefits. In addition to presenting a forum for someone to talk through their problems, addiction groups create a sense of community that helps dispel the shame and loneliness of dealing with alcohol addiction. It also makes people feel accountable to others throughout the recovery process.
Seeing a Psychotherapist Specializing in Addiction
Though therapists often fill a similar role to a counsellor, there’s more of a difference than just the job title. Therapists possess specialized education in psychology and offer individual addiction counselling in Toronto, helping them to understand human behaviour in a way counsellors are not trained to do.Â
This makes therapists incredibly valuable for identifying causes of addiction, as well as methods for overcoming them. And while this is invariably the case, it is especially true when someone with an alcohol addiction also has a mental health issue.Â
Detoxing
Detoxing can theoretically be done at home – all that it requires is for someone to completely cut out alcohol – but sticking to it is incredibly challenging. Because many addicts are dependent on alcohol, they go through withdrawal when detoxing. Withdrawal symptoms can vary, but are usually quite unpleasant.Â
Detoxing at a Toronto rehab centre is almost always more successful. Not only do you have support, you also have people watching to make sure you stick to the program. And when it comes to addiction, the honour system is rarely your best bet.Â
Lean on Support Networks
Shame and isolation are common side effects of addiction, and unfortunately, both tend to make recovery more difficult. When you can rely on those close to you for support, rather than hide your addiction from them, the people close to you become a tremendously valuable resource in aiding your recovery.Â
This is why we incorporate family addiction therapy and partner support sessions into our Toronto alcohol addiction programs. So often alcohol addiction can open fissures among relationships, whereas openness and honesty can play a critical role in the healing process.
Physical Exercise and Maintenance
Physical activity is invaluable for recovering from addiction for two reasons. First, it functions as a distraction. Secondly, it delivers endorphins that bolster mood, which can lessen the intensity of withdrawal and generally impact a person’s outlook on recovery.Â
Physically activity is doubly effective when channel through an outdoor venue, which lets a patient get fresh air.
MindfulnessÂ
Mindfulness is a broad term that encompasses many coping techniques. But basically, it boils down to mentally addressing your condition and your feelings towards it. It’s about being aware and open with yourself to ensure you understand the importance of recovery.
A popular form of mindfulness is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT involves altering your thought patterns while taking a goal-oriented approach to incremental improvements. It is useful for all kinds of mental health issues, as well as addiction.Â
Continual Monitoring
Recovery might feel like the last step to overcoming alcohol addiction, but it’s not. Many who are able to stop drinking eventually relapse.
Continuing with the techniques that help you overcome alcohol addiction – e.g. CBT, seeing a therapist, etc. – is a good method for fending off relapse. It’s why Trafalgar provides aftercare programs for the clients that stay at our treatment centres.
Rehab Treatment Centres
Going to a Toronto treatment centre for alcohol addiction encompasses many or all of the treatments described in this article. While there, a person follows a program that includes things like therapy sessions, exercise, mindfulness training, etc.
This holistic approach is why alcohol rehab centres tend to be the most effective way to overcome addiction.Â
