We cannot answer that question, nor can any “quiz” or “self test” you find on Facebook or Google. The truth about alcoholism or alcohol addiction is that it comes in many forms, and is highly personalized to the individual. It is possible, however, to inform yourself of the common signs and symptoms of alcoholism. If you are reading this on behalf of someone you love or care for, and are concerned they may be an alcoholic or have an addiction to alcohol, this short guide can help you as well. It should be noted, however, that the only way to determine if problematic drinking has escalated to an addiction to alcohol is to seek professional medical help in the form of a physician or psychiatrist. Only someone who is qualified to diagnosis medical or psychiatric conditions can make a truly accurate assessment, and the purposes of this guide is simply to provide basic information for someone who may be suffering from alcoholism and to provide information for those closest to them.
A Few Drinks Here and There
There is nothing wrong with consuming the odd alcoholic beverage from time to time, unless of course you practice a religion or have cultural restrictions where alcohol is not permitted or the consumption of alcohol is frowned upon. For most, though, a drink at a party or social event is no big deal and is usually not seen as bad or out of place. Weddings, birthdays, dinners out, dates and vacations are all places where people of the age of majority can enjoy a drink, so long as they don’t go overboard.
Alcohol Abuse & Binge Drinking
Although quantities vary based on where we live, for instance Canada compared to Western Europe, it is generally considered that consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time, such as a few hours, is considered unhealthy. The term for drinking too much very quickly is binge drinking, and for men it is approximately five or more drinks within two hours, and for women four or more drinks in roughly the same amount of time. Unfortunately, many people who see binge drinking in those around them, or a pattern of unhealthy drinking in a friend or family member, are quick to label that person an alcoholic.
The Alcoholic
The truth is, an alcoholic is someone who has a psychological or physical addiction to alcohol. Sometimes it’s both. Put more simply, an alcoholic is someone who literally depends upon alcohol in some way. Perhaps as a friend or family member, you notice that the person close to you shakes or gets unbelievably nervous if they haven’t had a drink for a little while. There are plenty of other signs, of course, but the point is it’s important to learn the differences between an alcohol abuser and an alcoholic.
An alcoholic often seems to “enjoy” drinking alone, instead of with their friends or family. They can lose interest in work, school or any activity really where drinking isn’t appropriate. In fact, they often seem to make alcohol their top priority and will avoid things that prevent them from getting a few drinks in them. Aside from the physical signs, such as sweating and shaking, an alcoholic may have mood swings and opt to drink at unusual times like first thing in the morning. Replacing the morning coffee with a morning scotch is indeed very alarming to those around the alcoholic, and such behavior is often continued despite the wishes of family members or friends. In fact, the inability to stop drinking is one of the most noticeable signs of alcoholism, and is perhaps the most important warning to look out for if you’re concerned about someone else’s potential addiction to alcohol. An alcoholic will often continue to drink despite money problems, potential loss of their job or career, a spouse threatening to leave because of the drinking, health related issues and even if they risk losing their children.
Alcoholism is nasty, debilitating, life threatening, parasitic even. It warps, twists and distorts the reality of those who suffer from it and can completely destroy their lives, as well as severely damage the lives of those around them. Seeking help from a medical professional and enrolling in a treatment program that specializes in alcoholism and alcohol addiction is often the only way to regain control of one’s life, but the good news is it really can work. Rehab, despite being either demonized or glorified in a twisted way, can truly change an alcoholic’s life and provide them with the treatment and continued support they need to both recover and prosper in life. Freeing oneself from the grip of alcohol addiction is not easy, but unbelievably liberating and can lead to a much healthier, happier future.
Alcohol Rehab & Recovery
Alcohol rehab recovery programs are offered in a variety of facilities across the globe to help individuals overcome their alcohol addiction. Although the basic structure of each program may vary, each rehab program puts addicts through a similar process in order to help them to conquer their addiction.
Inclusive, Personalized Alcohol Treatment
Is the addict seeking help for his/her self, or is it their family that recognizes they have a problem? If initial contact is made by a family member, an alcohol rehab recovery program may begin by staging an intervention.
An alcoholic that is admitted to a treatment program undergoes a complete evaluation by medical professionals and treatment coordinators. This assessment is used to develop a treatment plan that addresses an alcohol abuser’s precise needs because for each addict the root causes of their problem and personal circumstances vary. It also takes into consideration any other health needs they may have, the appropriate detox method, and what psychological counselling is needed. Family members may also be interviewed to determine what role they have played in hindering an addict’s recovery so that the alcohol treatment program can address this.
It is for this reason that after an individualized treatment plan is developed; care is constantly managed and evaluated. Further intervention may include family assistance if needed.
Lifestyle Rehabilitation after Alcoholism Recovery
The use of medication as required to control alcohol withdrawal symptoms is another element included in treatment to set patients up for success. Alcohol recovery programs reward recovering alcoholics for their successes and they apply consequences for those who neglect to follow the established rules and guidelines.
Rehab recovery for alcohol addiction helps to prepare patients for reintegration into society and is designed to help them improve their social skills and establish better coping mechanisms so that they don’t have to return to old habits of alcohol abuse when stressful situations arise. A continuing care program is an additional element usually included for alcohol recovery after the conclusion of a typical rehab program. This may include helping recovering alcoholics find sober living homes and patients may be asked to check back in to ensure that they are successful with their progress.
Alcohol rehab recovery programs can help address all aspects of alcohol abuse using a series of successful techniques to ensure that the addiction can be triumphed over and that recovery is also sustainable.
Understanding if Someone Needs Alcohol Rehab
All across Canada and internationally, alcohol addiction has plagued men and women of all ages and from all socio-economic backgrounds. Alcoholism is one of the leading causes of death where millions die each year from the complications of alcohol abuse.
Being able to identify that someone needs alcohol rehab means identifying what an alcohol addiction is. The definition of alcohol addiction is compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol despite its negative effects on their health, relationships, and social standing. Among these problems are:
Tolerance – Over time, the individual needs to consume more alcohol in order to become inebriated.
Relationship problems – Individuals who drink excessively have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. They may fight or have disagreements with loved ones, friends or colleagues.
Changes in behaviour – Alcoholics’ behaviours may change dramatically as their drinking problem becomes worse. This can make fun, outgoing people to become depressed, miserable or mean-spirited.
Drinking at non-socially acceptable times – Alcoholics may begin once they wake up in the morning, drink on the job or while in school. They may continue drinking when out with friends, even if they stopped drinking for the evening.
Legal or criminal problems – When a person has an alcohol addiction, they may lack a sense of personal responsibility and have run-ins with the law, bad finances, lose their job, etc.
Health-related issues – Heavy drinking can take a physical toll on the individual, with hangovers, blackouts, bruises, injuries and other problems all occurring as a result. In addition, alcohol consumption may cause long-term damage to the heart or liver.
Alcohol Addiction and Withdrawal
Another important sign about an alcohol addiction is whether or not the individual exhibits any withdrawal symptoms when they are not drinking or have tried to stop.
Some of the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings, irritability
- Nervousness or restlessness
- Alcohol cravings
The duration of withdrawal symptoms varies and most alcoholics will drink once they experience them. During alcohol detox, these withdrawal symptoms last anywhere between a few days and up to two weeks.
Sobriety.ca Foundation is a drug rehab and alcohol rehab treatment center offering 12 private rooms with private bath, and provides individualized professional addiction treatment in a serene comfortable environment awarding clients privacy and confidentiality. Call us at 1-888-999-8101.
Aren’t Private Treatment Centres for The Rich and Famous?
This is a common misconception, albeit a very understandable one. Years ago rehab was glorified in all the wrong ways through popular media, and it was considered “cool” or glamorous to attend rehab for drugs or alcohol. The truth is, while there should be absolutely no shame or humiliation in seeking treatment for an addiction to alcohol, perverting the process is unhelpful and just leads to many people to have a warped view of what rehab is and who needs it.
Private treatment centres are often more expensive than public or provincial options, but that doesn’t mean they have to be out of reach for the working woman or man in need of a fantastic recovery option. In fact, many Canadians opt for a private option when considering rehab because it offers them amenities, shorter wait times, alternative therapies, privacy and many other benefits without breaking the bank.
Alright, A Private Treatment Option Sounds Good, But What Makes it Different?
Alcoholism or alcohol addiction rates are on the rise in Canada, and this means that there are often very long wait times for treatment. If someone considers their options, they may look at a provincial rehab centre and see that the wait list can be as long as six months. Looking into it further, they may also find a treatment centre nearer to them that is private, and that the wait list may be only a week or two or there isn’t one at all. The delay in seeking treatment due to wait times for public treatment options is a real problem faced by many, and a terrific reason on it’s own to consider a private option.
The sensitive nature of someone’s unhealthy relationship to alcohol can make private options a very attractive option. Trained medical staff at a private rehab centre will never release any information concerning a client, and given that the size of a private residential rehab facility is much smaller than a public option, there is often less stress involved for the client. Less stress about who might find out about a drinking problem has a very positive impact on recovery, as it allows the client to focus on their well-being and sobriety instead of worrying needlessly.
On top of privacy and drastically reduced wait times, a private treatment centre can offer many other benefits to it’s clients including but not limited to:
- Healthy, delicious and nutritious meals prepared by excellent cooks and chefs
- High end exercise equipment and trainers, as exercise has been proven to assist in the recovery process
- Private rooms
- A relaxing environment with lounges and recreational areas
- Alternative treatment options that include yoga, holistic approaches, spirituality focused counselling, meditation sessions, kayaking, hiking and more outdoors time in gorgeous settings
These benefits may seem gratuitous or even over the top, but the truth is making someone’s stay more comfortable is scientifically proven to have an enormous impact on their success in ending their addiction to alcohol. Attending rehab is not a punishment, nor should it feel like one is staying in a jail or monastery. Providing a private, safe, comfortable and stimulating environment for clients to succeed in recovery is highly beneficial to clients, and through financing options or insurance, is very attainable for many Canadians, not just the affluent members of our community.
Getting Someone You Know Into a Luxury Alcohol Rehab
Getting somebody you know into a luxury alcohol rehab is a goal and your loved one refuses to talk about it, an intervention is may be your best option. An intervention is an organized event where family and close friends gather together to express their concerns and fears about alcoholism taking over their life. They do so in a non-judgemental manner and try to convey their feelings about the necessity of alcohol detox and addiction treatment services because they do not want to see their loved one continue ruining their life or yours.
At Sobriety.ca Foundation, we recognize alcohol addiction that affects your loved one and the entire family. We can provide you with the necessary resources to get your loved one into our luxury alcohol rehab center. Call us today at 1-888-999-8101 for more information.
Luxury Alcohol Rehab: How Interventions Help
Interventions are not there to emotionally sabotage or catch the addict off guard or trick them into treatment. The interventionist’s responsibility is to be serious and professional and organize this important event with loved ones. They encourage the addict to simply listen to them describe how their actions are killing themselves and breaking the family apart.
The idea behind an intervention is not to blame the addict. The objective is not to make the alcoholic feel guilty and bad for what they have done to themselves or others around them. The main intent is to give them hope in spite of all that has happened and no matter how severe their alcohol addiction may be, that luxury alcohol rehab and addiction treatment can help.
Luxury Alcohol Rehab: Finding and Hiring a Professional Interventionist
If you are not sure about planning or facilitating an intervention on your own, it may be in your best interests to hire a qualified interventionist. An interventionist can organize all the necessary planning with your assistance and other loved ones that want to get involved. The interventionist can be responsible leading the meeting. In many cases, the interventionist accompanies your loved one to the chosen luxury alcohol rehab. This way it can be less stressful on the family and they are assured that they will arrive safely.
The Benefits of Intervention to a Luxury Alcohol Rehab
One of the benefits of sending someone to a luxury alcohol rehab is that it is a very comfortable setting. Many luxury alcohol rehabs feel more like they are at therapeutic retreat than a hospital. Also sending someone you love and care about to a luxury alcohol rehab that is a pleasant setting helps them feel loved and cared for and not some ?prison sentence.? This can help them accept alcohol addiction treatment and mend broken relationships with family members by working on their issues that created the alcoholism.
In addition to the medical care and cognitive behavioural based therapies, your loved one will have access to interesting outdoor and leisure activities like a pool, Jacuzzi, yoga classes, massage and acupuncture, a gym, healthy cuisine and private rooms.
Luxury Alcohol Rehab at Sobriety.ca Foundation
It is not your responsibility getting your loved one into a luxury alcohol rehab and you are also not responsible for whether or not he or she chooses recovery. Giving your loved one an intervention simply shows that you love and care about what happens to them. If they choose not to accept, is not your fault.
If you would like additional information about what is included in a luxury alcohol rehab program, call Sobriety Home at 1-888-999-8101 today and ask how we can help you and your loved one.
