Alcohol Addiction

Reasons why people might drink

There’s a plethora of reasons someone might pick up and consume alcohol regularly. For example:

To relieve stress: Many people turn to alcohol to reduce the daily stress they experience in their life. While it may produce feelings of pleasure, the drug is actually considered a depressant.

To feel good: For many, drinking feels good. And in moderation, there’s little to no harmful effects that alcohol has on the body or the mind. Using alcohol to consistently ‘escape reality’ and feel better, however, is considered an issue that needs addressing.

Shame: Yes, shame is a big factor as to why some people drink. We’ve all done things we’re not proud of, and many people use alcohol as an excuse for brash, more erratic behaviour, thus making them feel shameful the next morning when they’re sober. This cycle is self-perpetuating.

Trauma: For many, alcoholism is a way of avoiding a bad memory or situation that occurred. ‘Trauma drinking’ is one of the most common reasons someone might drink, but it is a painful way to forget past experiences. Often when trying to overcome an alcohol addiction, these past events must be addressed and overcome first.

Treatment for alcoholism

Deciding to seek help for alcoholism is a great first step to overcoming an addiction. It takes courage to step forward and accept help, but it is in that courage that a person can begin to move forward and overcome those barriers in the way of sobriety.

There are many types of treatment options available for alcohol addiction, each one serving a different level of frequency and severity. Some treatment options include:

Detoxification

The initial and crucial stage in programs for addiction recovery is to undergo detoxification from the substance. In severe cases, this will require the assistance of medical professionals to ensure that the detoxification process is performed safely. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can be severe, and medication may be needed to alleviate the painful side effects of detoxifying.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation (whether it’s group or individual), 12-step programs, and other more holistic approaches like wellness programs, are all effective ways to overcome initial addiction to alcohol. In an addiction rehab environment, you’re surrounded by others going through similar experiences to you, and also by professional staff who are on hand to guide you every step of the way. You’re also in an environment detached from your everyday life and the negative triggers that fuel your addiction.

Overcoming alcohol addiction alone is tricky. At Salt recovery with expert guidance, professional treatment and a safe, tranquil and secluded environment at your disposal, conquering an alcohol addiction once and for all is a lot more likely.

Don’t fall victim to your addiction. We encourage you to seek professional help as soon as you can and to take back control of your life so that your future can return to being happy, fulfilled and sober, for the rest of your days.

To find out more about how Salt Recovery can help you or your loved one with alcohol addiction, contact us today.

Signs and symptoms

01

Temporary blackouts or short-term memory loss

02

Irritability and severe fluctuations in mood

03

Making excuses for drinking such as to relax, deal with stress or feel normal

04

Becoming socially reclusive and isolated from friends and family

05

Drinking alone, or hiding the habit from those around you

06

Failure to control the consumption of alcohol

07

A craving for alcohol when not drinking

08

Failing to stop drinking at an appropriate time and wanting more

09

Getting into financial risk because of alcoholism