Alcohol abuse and finding the right treatment.

Alcohol Abuse and finding the treatment

Alcohol abuse affect thousands of Irish people every day. Findings from research on alcohol consumption in Ireland show that, among those who drink, the majority are doing so in a harmful manner, with younger drinkers most likely to do so.

Left untreated, alcohol abuse can lead to many short and long-term physical and emotional issues. The sooner alcohol abuse can be identified and treated, the better chance an individual will have of becoming (and staying) sober. Learn how fully integrative alcohol rehab can prevent progression of Alcohol abuse and lead to lasting recovery.

Alcohol Rehab

Based on the figures in the Health Research Board’s  World Health Organisation , more than 150,000 Irish people are dependent drinkers, more than a 1.35 million are harmful drinkers, and 30% of people interviewed say that they experienced some form of harm as a result of their own drinking.  The report also reveals that 75% of alcohol consumed in Ireland is done so as part of binge drinking and we underestimate what we drink by about 60%.

The result of alcohol abuse is costly: €1.5 billion in national costs, emotional devastation to families and loved ones, and a host of potential short and long-term effects to those who struggle with alcohol abuse

Among the possible short and long-term consequences of alcohol abuse, some of the most common include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Drowsiness
• Slurred Speech
• Blackouts
• Coma
• Headaches
• Difficulty breathing
• Anaemia
• Alcohol poisoning
• Liver disease
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Nerve damage
• Ulcers
• Brain damage
• Malnutrition
• Cancer of the mouth and throat
• Depression

Are There Different Types of Alcohol Abuse?

As with many other conditions that affect the mind and body, alcohol abuse can manifest in varying degrees. For example, according to the Ask About Alcohol, Alcohol abuse is identified in terms of mild, moderate and severe based on the responses to the following questions:

• Has more alcohol than intended been consumed, and/or for longer durations?
• Have attempts to stop drinking been continuously unsuccessful?
• Do abrupt attempts to stop drinking result in negative physical, emotional and/or mental consequences such as hangovers, DUI’s, nausea, depression?
• Are cravings overpowering?
• Has alcohol overshadowed or taken precedence over responsibilities such as family, friends, work and other commitments?
• Has drinking become a priority over activities and interests?
• Do dangerous situations, places and actions increase or become more common in association with drinking (causing physical, emotional harm)?
• Are more quantities of alcohol required to achieve a “buzz” or desired effect?

The more symptoms listed above that an individual identifies with, the greater the severity of alcohol abuse, and the greater the need for help for lasting recovery.

Binge drinking is a particularly dangerous type of Alcohol abuse that is defined as consuming 4 or more drinks for women and 5 or more drinks for men within a 2-hour time block. Sadly, binge drinking can be dismissed as simply a “phase” or temporary condition.

Although for some this may be true, binge drinking can lead to serious health conditions and dangerous side effects, including:

• Alcohol poisoning
• Careless sexual behavior (STDs, unwanted pregnancy, potential harm to unborn child)
• Increase of injury and other types of physical harm
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Brain damage
• Liver damage and/or failure and disease

If you or someone you know has an issue with alcohol, we can help. Tabor Group specialises in alcohol addiction treatment — call us now at 021 488 7110

 Alcohol Treatment Options

Alcohol abuse is an equal opportunity offender – alcoholism crosses ethnic and socioeconomic barriers and affects individuals of all ages. Alcohol abuse destroy the lives of individuals struggling with addiction and of those who love them. Treatment Centres, like Tabor Group, that offer a multidisciplinary approach to addressing addiction can be instrumental in helping those with an Alcohol disorders find lasting recovery.

There are two alcohol rehab options that are most common: residential (inpatient), and outpatient

Residential, inpatient treatment is typically the best treatment option for individuals suffering from alcohol addiction. In addition to the safety and security that residential alcohol rehab provides patients, additional support such as individual and group therapy, family therapy and motivational therapy is offered. It should be noted that inpatient treatment is not the same as hospitalisation. Rather, that treatment takes place in a comfortable, residential setting where the individual can be safe and free from outside influences and the environment that may trigger their disorder.

Outpatient treatment, is another option for individuals experiencing issues with alcohol. This treatment service often provides many of the same rehab methods as residential – individual, group and behavioural therapy – but with less stringent structures. Outpatient treatment require a certain number of hours per day/week, but offers needed flexibility for individuals that have other time commitments. Outpatient treatment is not suggested for individuals with advanced alcohol disorders, or who may require detox.

It’s always advisable to seek professional guidance to determine what alcohol rehab pathway is best. Our counsellors can help — call 021 488 7110 Complete our enquiry form for more information

More About How Alcohol Rehab Works

As previously mentioned, there are indicators that demonstrate the reputable and healthy qualities of a good alcohol rehab program. In addition to offering multidisciplinary approaches to treatment and flexible options that address the specific needs of each individual, additional signs of a well-structured alcohol rehab program include:

• 100% patient confidentiality.
  • A safe environment, which may include a shared room, but in some cases, there may be an option for a private room.
  • A minimum of 28 days of treatment, with additional options as needed.
• A thorough admissions process, consisting of an initial evaluation of past and current personal and medical history, as well as an assessment to indicate specific required levels of care and course of treatment.
• Meal Planning and Support – Proper diet and nutrition are essential in repairing both the mind and body of an individual during the initial and ongoing stages of recovery of an alcohol abuse. Often individuals have neglected diet, nutrition and rest — all of which are essential in helping to heal and ward off potential relapse triggers.
• Relapse Prevention – Although relapse is a real and common threat associated with alcohol-related disorders, the risk can be reduced. Helping individuals to identify and work through relapse triggers and scenarios can prepare them with the necessary tools to keep from returning to unhealthy behaviours.
• Homely Feel – Where clients feel comfortable and relaxed.

Finding the Right Fit: Which Alcohol Rehab is Best?

At Tabor Group, we don’t simply treat an Alcohol Abuse. We treat each person as an individual by addressing his/her specific and unique needs. This includes making sure a full recovery plan is in place, with a strong relapse prevention component attached.

We understand that it may be difficult to reach out for help, but no one in need of help for an alcohol disorder should ever feel like he/she has to do it alone. Our process is easy and confidential. Call us now to begin the first steps toward healthy and lasting recovery — 021 488 7110

Treatment is a first big step toward sobriety. Individuals who are able to go through treatment successfully, adhere to a stringent recovery plan, practice active relapse prevention and remain positive and purposeful in taking advantage of ongoing support, often find not simply a sober life, but LIVE a fulfilling and fruitful life without having to ever pick up a drink again.