Choosing to begin a rehab program is one of the best decisions you could ever make. However, you may have reservations about checking into a treatment program due to the fact you are still in the early stages of your addiction. You may be wondering if the rehab can even treat you properly since you haven’t been an addict for long. If this is the question you have, read on to find out more concerning alcohol rehab centers.
Addiction Symptoms
You may think that it is too early to go into rehab. You haven’t hit “rock bottom” yet, you aren’t stealing to support your habit, and you are easily holding down a job. While these factors may be true, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you aren’t in the early stages of your addiction. Here’s a list of some of the more common symptoms of alcohol abuse:
• Giving excuses as to why you need a drink
• Needing a drink to relax or decompress
• Experiencing short-term memory loss
• Having mood swings
• Irritability
• Drinking alone
• Distancing yourself from family members and friends who don’t drink
• Changing who you hang around
• Becoming isolated from your family and friends
• Choosing to drink instead of facing responsibilities
You may feel as if your drinking is still just a minor problem. However, any alcohol abuse symptoms need to be addressed as soon as possible. Even during the early stages of addiction, a reputable treatment center can help. Don’t feel as if you need to be even worse than you already are to accept treatment for your problem.
Detoxing From Alcohol
When you are still in the early stages of addiction, you may believe that you don’t need professional help to go through the withdrawal stage. It’s very important to be aware of just how severe alcohol withdrawal can be. In the most severe cases, withdrawal can be life-threatening.
You may feel the following symptoms as you withdraw from alcohol:
• Headaches
• Tremors
• Nausea
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Upset stomach
• Anxiousness
• Sweating
• Confusing
• Difficult breathing
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
When you check into a treatment center, you’ll be closely monitored by medical staff who will make sure you are taken care of. Don’t try to detox on your own, even if you are in the early stages of addiction. You may be given medication that will help you deal with the more severe symptoms of withdrawal when you check into a clinic.
What to Expect in Rehab
Detox will be the first step when it comes to rehab, even if you are experiencing light symptoms. It’s important to tell your doctors exactly how you are feeling during this time so they can provide you with the best treatment possible.
Once you are feeling well enough, various therapy sessions will begin. Rehab typically consists of the following: private, group, and family therapy. During your one-on-one sessions, you’ll have the chance to discuss not only your addiction but any underlying mental health issues that may have contributed to your need to drink. This is called a dual diagnosis and can help you come to terms with your need for alcohol.
During group therapy, you’ll be given the opportunity to speak with others about your addiction. Being with other like-minded individuals is a great way to see that you are not alone. You’ll gain valuable insight into your addiction if you open up and tell others your struggles.
Depending on the individual, family therapy may be offered. Addicts very often hurt the people who are closest to them, so it is important to include them in the healing process. There will likely be days that family can visit with you unsupervised, but you may also have the chance to have therapy sessions with a counselor.
What Happens Next?
Your alcohol addiction is not going to end just because you finish the program. This is just the first, and most important, step in the beginning of a long journey. You will want to look into continued treatment after you leave the program in the form of support groups and additional therapy. You may also want to have a sponsor who will be there for you when you are struggling with the urge to drink. Remember, you can do this. We can help!
When you decide the time is right, let us help you overcome your addiction to alcohol. Reach us at 833-846-5669 to ask how we can assist you the most. Remember, you do not have to hit rock bottom to ask for help with addiction!