4 Steps Of Alcohol Rehabilitation Counseling
Alcohol addiction is nothing to be ashamed of. It's a condition that can affect people of all ages. Alcohol addiction can be hard to beat because it has both physical and psychological components. Fortunately, there are services that can help you get sober so you can start building a better and healthier life. Here are four steps you will take when you decide to undergo alcohol rehabilitation counseling.
1. Participate in an evaluation.
In order to get the help you need, you will first need to be evaluated by a professional. During your alcohol evaluation, a counselor will determine the extent of your alcohol problem. This process is conducted through self-reporting, so you will need to be as honest as possible when answering your counselor's questions. They'll ask you basic questions about the frequency and amount of your drinking. They may also ask questions whose purpose is to determine the extent of alcohol's impact on your life.
2. Follow up with any recommended steps.
Depending on the results of your alcohol evaluation, your counselor may recommend a few different steps. They may recommend that you continue to see them for ongoing treatment, or they may refer you to a specialist who they feel is better equipped to help you. An alcohol rehabilitation counselor has a lot of experience helping people break free from alcoholism. They can help, but you need to take the initial steps. Make sure you follow through by attending any appointments that are scheduled for you.
3. Detox in a safe, supportive environment.
Alcohol is psychologically habit-forming, but it has physical effects as well. If you have been drinking heavily for a long time, your body has learned to accommodate the alcohol in your system. When your body becomes reliant on alcohol, you will feel withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop drinking. Depending on the severity of your drinking problem, these withdrawal symptoms can even be fatal. Your alcohol rehab counselor may recommend that you detox in a special facility designed for this purpose if they feel that detoxing alone would be dangerous for you.
4. Treat any underlying mental or physical conditions.
Some people turn to alcohol as a way to self-medicate. When deciding to discontinue your use of alcohol, you will need to find a way to treat the underlying problems that caused you to begin drinking in the first place. Alcohol rehab counselors are trained mental health professionals. They can screen for depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental illnesses that are often comorbid with alcoholism. By diagnosing and treating these disorders, they can give you healthier alternatives that you can rely on instead of drinking.
Find a provider of alcohol rehab counseling services near you today to get started.