Dealing with an alcohol addiction is a struggle, and sadly, many people think they can cure themselves at home.
Constant headaches, feelings of guilt and shame, and uncertainty about what your future holds can have a negative impact on every aspect of your life.
As difficult as dealing with alcohol addiction is, going through the steps to treat it can be equally challenging. The phases of withdrawal can be scary and dangerous. This is why you shouldn’t treat addiction at home.
What Qualifies as Alcohol Addiction?
Identifying an addiction can be tricky. Many people convince themselves that they aren’t actually addicted to alcohol because facing the truth can be difficult and even embarrassing. An alcohol addiction is also identified as alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder.
Examining the following behaviors can help identify an addiction to alcohol:
- Drinking more than intended on a regular basis
- Alcohol use is getting in the way of work or family responsibilities
- Frequent memory black-outs
- Needing to drink more and more to get the desired effect
- Not enjoying activities that used to bring pleasure
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of those behaviors or other symptoms of addiction, it’s recommended that you seek professional help.
At-Home Detoxing Risks
The decision to become sober comes with many emotions. Many people in this situation feel the desire to isolate and deal with the detox and recovery on their own at home. While any attempt to become sober is well-intentioned, there are many risks that come with treating addiction at home. Here are some of those risks:
- Withdrawal symptoms can be serious, and even life-threatening. These symptoms may include insomnia, muscle tremors, anxiety, hallucinations, panic attacks, seizures, relapse, and more. It’s important to detox in a place where you can receive any needed medical attention and intervention.
- Alcohol detox can be complicated by underlying medical issues like bipolar disorder, anxiety, high blood pressure, asthma, and more.
- Detoxing at home only deals with the addiction itself without treating the underlying issues. When the trauma and issues behind the addiction are left untreated, you’re more likely to start drinking again.
- At-home treatments often lack the support network that’s necessary for complete recovery. Obtaining treatment at a recovery center allows access to medical professionals and therapists that can treat the whole addiction safely and effectively.
How to Treat Alcohol Addiction Safely
The risks of treating addiction at home are significant, but there’s another option. A medical detox or addiction recovery center can provide a safe, monitored environment that will empower you to overcome your addiction completely.
Safe treatment of alcoholism involves a holistic approach. Therapists can help you understand the root of the addiction so you can conquer the psychological struggle while medical professionals can help you deal with the physical addiction. This approach can help you free your body, mind, and spirit from the effects of alcoholism.
In addition to treating alcohol addiction, treatment centers can help to work with families and other loved ones. The benefit of working with the entire support systems is that these individuals can grasp the root of the addiction and learn to empathize with their loved ones and what they are experiencing.
Contact Steps Recovery Center
An alcohol addiction can have a significant impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones. The most important step you can take is to seek the proper help for recovery. Steps Recovery Center offers a range of treatment options for those dealing with addiction to alcohol. Our centers are located across the state of Utah, from Salt Lake City all the way down to St. George. Our well-trained and experienced staff are ready to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for more information.
