Effective Drug Rehab - Alcoholism FAQs

Narconon Arrowhead drug rehab center for drug addiction and alcoholism

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can alcoholism be treated with drug rehab ?

women considering drug rehab Yes, alcoholism can be treated successfully, depending on the type of drug rehab program and how it fits to the individual's needs. With support and treatment, many people are able to stop drinking and rebuild their lives.

Q: What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, includes the following four symptoms:

Craving: A strong need, or urge, to drink.
Loss of control: Not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun.
Physical dependence:
Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking.
Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get “high.”

Q: How can you tell if someone has a problem?

Answering the following four questions can help you find out if you or a loved one has a drinking problem:

One “yes” answer suggests a possible alcohol problem.
More than one “yes” answer means it is highly likely that a problem exists.
If you think that you or someone you know might have an alcohol problem, it is important to see a doctor or other health care provider right away. They can help you determine if a drinking problem exists and plan the best course of action.

Q: If an alcoholic is unwilling to get help, what can you do about it?

This can be a challenge. An alcoholic can't be forced to go to a drug rehab center except under certain circumstances, such as a violent incident that results in court-ordered treatment or medical emergency. But you don't have to wait for someone to "hit rock bottom" to act. Many alcoholism treatment specialists suggest the following steps to help an alcoholic get treatment:

Stop all "cover ups." Family members often make excuses to others or try to protect the alcoholic from the results of his or her drinking. It is important to stop covering for the alcoholic so that he or she experiences the full consequences of drinking.

Time your intervention. The best time to talk to the drinker is shortly after an alcohol-related problem has occurred-like a serious family argument or an accident. Choose a time when he or she is sober, both of you are fairly calm, and you have a chance to talk in private.

State the results. Explain to the drinker what you will do if he or she doesn't go for help-not to punish the drinker, but to protect yourself from his or her problems. What you say may range from refusing to go with the person to any social activity where alcohol will be served, to moving out of the house. Do not make any threats you are not prepared to carry out.

Get help. Gather information in advance about drug rehab options and have a plan of action prepared. If the person is willing to get help, call immediately for an appointment with a treatment counselor.

Call on a friend. If the family member still refuses to get help, ask a friend to talk with him or her using the steps just described. A friend who used to be addicted to or abuse alcohol may be particularly persuasive, but any person who is caring and nonjudgmental may help. The intervention of more than one person, more than one time, is often necessary to coax an alcoholic to seek help.

Find strength in numbers. With the help of a health care professional, some families join with other relatives and friends to confront an alcoholic as a group. This approach should only be tried under the guidance of a health care professional who is experienced in this kind of group intervention.