Dealing with an alcohol addiction is difficult, and is perpetuated by negative emotions and experiences. However, the disease is treatable, and the first step to recovery is simple, albeit often hard to face.
The first step in 12-step programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous, is admitting there is a problem. Honestly admitting that you’ve become powerless over alcohol will begin your road to recovery. For some alcoholics, this is an incredibly difficult step to take because they’ve spent years denying anything was wrong. Alcoholism comes with many obvious signs, including hangovers, blackouts, and humiliating behavior. Depending on their lifestyle, it’s possible they’ve been surrounded by similar behavior, so they’ve thought nothing of it.
Addressing the issue of alcoholism does not mean you’re a failure. In fact, it can give you strength. By opening up and admitting you are powerless, you let go, and believing you are unable to control your drinking may mean you’re open to change.
Making the decision to seek professional help is probably the most difficult part of recovery. Many alcoholics will attempt to control their drinking so it doesn’t get out of hand, by limiting alcohol use to weekends or a specific type of alcohol—but that never works. The only way to truly get away from the problem is to face it, treat it, and let it go.
Try out these things for help with alcoholism:
- If you think you have a drinking problem, chances are you do. Take this self-test from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
- Join a support group. Programs like AA, SMART Recovery, or Rational Recovery are great options.
- Seek personal, professional help. Look for a counselor, therapist, or psychologist who can help treat the addiction in a safe, one-on-one environment.
- Search for treatment centers that focus on alcoholism. Inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities are available, so make sure to do research on which type of rehab would work best in your situation.
- Consider the family. Loved ones can be greatly affected by addiction, so make sure they know about AA meetings they can attend that could help them understand alcoholism.
Keep in mind if you’re suffering from alcoholism, you’re not alone. Once you’ve taken the step of admitting you have a problem, your work has begun. There are plenty of resources out there that can provide support, so take action now.
Contact LEAD Recovery for further help with treating alcoholism. Call today at 800-380-0012.
