Factors That Make An Alcoholism Recovery Program More Effective
Alcoholism recovery or remission is considered to be the ultimate goal of alcoholism treatment programs. This is defined as that condition wherein an alcohol dependent is no longer exhibiting signs of alcohol addiction. Other groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, define alcoholism recovery as the total cessation of alcohol consumption.
For an alcoholism recovery plan to be successful, a problem drinker needs to acknowledge his inability to control his alcohol use. Contrary to common expectations, the end of an alcoholism treatment program does not always mean that the patient has already been healed from his addiction. In most cases, he may have to undergo follow-up sessions especially if the treatment program he chose lasted less than ninety days. Post-treatment care may take the form of group meetings and counseling. At this particular stage in a recovery process, it would greatly benefit a patient to join a support group that he is most comfortable in joining. Aside from Alcoholics Anonymous, there are also other support groups such as SmartRecovery and RationalRecovery.
Prevention of a relapse is one of the most important considerations of an alcoholism recovery program. A recovering alcoholic should be made aware of strategies or ways to stop himself from consuming alcohol again. Studies on post-treatment care of alcoholics reveal that there are four kinds of community intervention that may be instrumental in relapse prevention. The first intervention is an external community supervision that may be practiced in the workplace of a recovering alcoholic. The second intervention involves any new interest that could substitute alcohol addiction. The third intervention takes the form of communities and relationships. Lastly, the fourth intervention involves commitment to the faith or philosophy that the recovering alcoholic subscribes to. Alcoholics Anonymous is an example of both the third and fourth type of community intervention. In cases of alcoholism relapse, a patient should disclose it as soon as possible so that it can be remedied. He should be discouraged from keeping it a secret as one little drink can lead to a full-scale relapse. He should also be constantly reminded that the recovery process takes a long time so, a relapse should not be considered as a sign that the treatment program is not a success. In fact, most alcoholics encounter at least one relapse before they are able to successfully maintain a long-term remission.
Another alternative for an alcoholism recovery program is the use of sober living homes. These places provide recovering alcoholics an ideal venue to be able to recuperate emotionally, psychologically and physically. Regular counseling and tailor-made recovery plans can be arranged in sober living homes too. Some medications may also be prescribed as part of the recovery program. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States have approved the inclusion of three medications as part of alcoholism treatment plan for alcoholism recovery. These are Antabuse (disulfiram), Naltrexone, and Acamprosate. Antabuse works by making a person experience a very uncomfortable hangover after consuming alcoholic drinks. Naltrexone, on the other hand, acts on the brain to diminish craving for alcohol. Lastly, Acamprosate works by relieving the pain caused by alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
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