Alcoholism is for many taken as a focus of jokes, laughter or, at the other extreme, a reason for rejection. However, those who suffer from it suffer for themselves and because out of the corner of their eye they know that it is a problem that also affects those in their emotional environment: family and loved ones, work, society, among others.
It is not a minor problem. However, identifying it as a problem, accepting it as an addiction and looking for ways to overcome it is the first step towards a healthy life. It is often minimized and avoided because alcohol consumption is an active part of our society, of our idiosyncrasy, and is linked to our social gatherings, celebrations, meetings, among others. Understanding the need, to detect and draw it as an addiction problem, in this article, from the hand of Brújula Salud Mental IPS, we will explore the signs of alcoholism, its effects, and the best ways to deal with it.
Early symptoms of alcoholism and how to identify them
Alcoholism, like any other addiction problem, does not have a straight line to identify it as an addiction. However, there are some behaviors that can be recognized in a person who is presenting this problem.
Therefore, it is important to learn to recognize the early symptoms of alcoholism, and how these can help to intervene in time to prevent the situation from worsening.
Here are some of the signs:
Increased alcohol consumption: drink more frequently or in larger quantities than usual.
Loss of control: you find it difficult to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Denial and concealment: lying about how much you drink or hiding drinks.
Impact on responsibilities: neglects work, studies or relationships because of alcohol consumption.
Withdrawal symptoms: irritability, anxiety, insomnia or tremors when trying to stop drinking.
Of course, these signs do not always appear together! However, if any of these are detected, it is appropriate to start turning on the alarms. Do not hesitate to seek professional help to start in time to recover the mental and physical health of the sufferer.
Remember that alcohol addiction is a disease that can seriously affect the quality of life. Do not wait for the situation to worsen; seek support and treatment as soon as possible. Yes, there is a solution!
Detoxification in a controlled environment
Detoxification is the crucial first step in overcoming alcoholism. Attempting to do so without medical supervision can be dangerous due to withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, it is very important to seek professional help.
Medical supervision: a health care team monitors withdrawal symptoms and administers medication to alleviate them.
Safe environment: mental health or rehabilitation centers provide a space free from temptation.
Emotional support: psychologists and therapists work with the patient to address the causes of drinking.
Detox is just the beginning; ongoing treatment and support are critical to maintaining long-term sobriety. It is important to follow a personalized recovery plan with a multimodal approach, where the person is accompanied from different areas for special and comprehensive coverage and thus strengthen recovery.
Alcoholism treatment myths and realities
There are many misconceptions about alcoholism treatment that can make it difficult for people to seek help. We clarify some common myths:
Myth: “Alcoholism is a lack of willpower.”
Reality: It is a disease that affects the brain and organic balance, so beyond seeing it as a lack of desire to change the person is seen as a physical or organic need, it is a necessity for the person who does it. It is not just a matter of “deciding to quit.”
Myth: “If you relapse, it means the treatment failed.”
Reality: Relapses are common and part of the process. The important thing is to keep seeking support.
Myth: “Treatments are too expensive.”
Fact: There are free or low-cost options, such as support groups and community programs. According to resolution 1566 of 2012, addiction treatment is included in the POS and the EPS contracts with IPS to provide services, so this indicates that people can get addiction treatment covered by their EPS
Knowing the truth helps reduce stigma and encourages those in need to seek help without fear of judgment.
How to avoid relapses after treatment
Avoiding relapse is an ongoing challenge, but with professional and emotional support, it is possible to stay on the road to recovery! Because we are witnesses of that, here at Brujula Salud Mental IPS, we teach you that to achieve it you will need:
Attendance to support groups: programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer a space to share experiences and receive support. But it is also possible to access internal support groups in rehabilitation centers, which are an integral part of the entire recovery process.
Identifying triggers: recognizing situations, emotions or people that may lead to drinking and learning how to deal with them.
Building a support network: friends and family who understand the process and are willing to help.
Healthy lifestyle: incorporate exercise, balanced diet and practices such as meditation to reduce stress.
Ongoing therapy: work with a therapist to strengthen coping skills and resolve emotional issues.
The key is to remain proactive and seek help when difficulties arise.
Conclusion
Overcoming alcoholism is a process that takes time, effort and support. Recognizing the signs, seeking professional help and staying committed to treatment are very important steps to take. But each in its own time.
If you or someone close to you is facing this challenge, remember that you are not alone! There are resources, people and professionals ready to accompany you every step of the way to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
If you have any questions, we’re here!
