Treatment for Alcoholism and Drug Rehab may have two separate names

The decision to enter Alcohol Rehab or Drug Rehab can be a difficult one for all of those involved. One common stressor at this juncture is the struggle that often exists convincing the alcoholic that they are in need of help.  Many times the alcoholic has a developed sense of denial regarding their alcohol abuse and respective effects. Fortunately for many families and loved ones in this position they now have the aid / support of interventionists as well as 12-step support groups to help them through this time and to encourage the active alcoholic to accept treatment.

While an alcoholic may have started out as a casual drinker, having 1 maybe 2 drinks a night to “Take the edge off” after a long days work or at social events, they could unknowingly cross a line that for most is very dangerous. When tolerance begins to build up, the 1 or 2 drinks can turn into 2 or 3, 3 or 4 and so on. After tolerance builds up to a certain level there is a sudden change in the body where tolerance becomes dependence. This is when the alcoholic is no longer in control of their intake of alcohol, the body needs and demands it at this point. Without alcohol the alcoholic will experience serious withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms are:

• A state of confusion and hallucinations (visual) -- known as delirium tremens
• Agitation
• Fever
• Convulsions
• "Black outs" -- when the person forgets what happened during the drinking episode

Admittedly most alcoholics do not know the exact moment that their drinking turned in to a problem. They primary reason for that is, having those few drinks a day loosens your inhibitions and dulls your decision making capability.  Here is where it gets a little tricky, there are alcoholics out there who appear to function normally without any consequences, all the while drinking alcoholically. Theses are called high functioning alcoholics. They are no different than any of the other alcoholics, but sometimes harder to distinguish from people who do not suffer from chronic alcoholism, as they are able to perform daily tasks and able to blend in more successfully. Denial is very common an attribute in these individuals, and therefore they can be more difficult to reach without the help of professionals.

Many people who suffer from chronic alcoholism sadly and often suddenly find themselves in jeopardy or having already lost their job, family, marriage, friends and often resort to drinking alone until unconsciousness or “blackout”. There is also the risk of prison. If an alcoholic ever finds them self behind the wheel of a car either during a blackout or conscious and aware of where they are there is always the risk of getting in to an accident or hitting a pedestrian. This is why it is crucial to be more proactive if you know someone suffering with alcoholism. There are several ways to get help. If the person is willing to enter an Alcohol Detox Facility this is a step in the right direction. Sometimes the services of a professional Interventionist are required. A professional Interventionist can assist the alcoholic see how their problem is affecting others as well as keep a delicate situation under control. The goal is for the interventionist to facilitate the individual entering an alcoholism treatment facility.  If you are unsure of what to do please give us a call and we will be glad to help you and answer any questions you may have. We can be reached at 800-762-5433, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

For more information on alcoholism and its’ effects on people and their families, please visit our website at http://www.mountainside.org

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center has been helping people recover from alcoholism for over 12 years.

It's licensed and credentialed counselors and clinical staff includes an Advanced Nurse Practitioner who is specialists in drug addiction and alcoholism treatment. The highly capable drug addiction treatment team is dedicated to providing compassionate and quality alcohol and drug treatment. In these hard economic times - Mountainside Drug Rehab is there to help. Please contact the below number or visit it's Treatment Center website at Drug Rehab Center (www.mountainside.org/drug-rehab).

If you or someone you love is in need of treatment please contact us at:

800-762-5433