Alcoholism and Treatment in Joliet, IL

Alcohol use is a common feature of American life. However, in some cases, social drinking can turn to alcohol abuse and an addiction that undermines all aspects of the individual’s life. Joliet Drug Rehab Centers offers effective treatment for alcoholism in a relaxed atmosphere of healing and inclusion in north-central Illinois. If you have a problem with alcohol, you can find the counseling and therapies you need to restore your life to sanity via Joliet Drug Rehab Centers.

Understanding Alcoholism

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that 7.2 percent of the American population over the age of 18 abused alcohol in 2012. Joliet Drug Rehab Centers understands that many people who have an alcohol abuse problem are reluctant to admit it. They may continue their addiction until some serious event, like a divorce or DUI, makes it clear that their drinking is out of control. In the meantime, they may experience time lost from work because of getting over a binge or having a blackout after drinking. These events may then cause them to seek treatment via Joliet Drug Rehab Centers to restore their lives to sanity and sobriety.  

When Alcohol Abuse Turns To Addiction

Addiction is said to happen when certain changes in brain chemistry occur. These changes cause certain effects and behaviors:

  • Increased tolerance, drinking more alcohol to maintain the same level of high
  • Desire to stop, but can’t
  • Withdrawal symptoms of headache, nausea, vomiting, tremors when trying to stop drinking
  • Continuing to drink even when negative consequences occur because of the drinking

Professional Treatment Helps Rebuild Lives

The first step in treatment is detoxification to remove the alcohol from the body. Detox can be an unpleasant process, but medical detox provided drugs to reduce symptoms of depression, sleeplessness or seizures. After detox, individual and group counseling can begin to help individuals learn the reasons behind their alcohol use. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps them recognize the negative thought patterns that can lead to drinking and learn the positive behaviors they can implement to achieve better results in life. Aftercare training sets up a strategy to help maintain sobriety after the program is over.

Treating the Whole Person

Treatment is a complex process in which individuals must look at their entire lives through the lens of their addiction. If the home environment cannot support sobriety, individuals must find another living arrangement. If a disruption in their employment has occurred, individuals must re-learn how to acquire and keep a job. If underlying mental health issues contribute to the alcohol abuse, they must be properly diagnosed and treated to be able to function in normal life. Alcohol can also have a severe impact on physical health, and these problems must be treated to allow normal function in life. All of these aspects of life must be taken into account to ensure that individuals are able to sustain an alcohol-free life after treatment.

Maintaining Sobriety With Relapse Prevention

Relapses can occur even after a treatment program has been completed. The physical dependence and habits of addiction are difficult to eliminate completely in a short period of time. In many cases, individuals must continue to learn about their addiction and what they must do to sustain sobriety. Relapse prevention training helps individuals learn the “triggers” that can drive them back to drinking and what measures they can take to prevent relapse. Techniques to prevent relapse include attending counseling sessions or going to support group meetings to receive support and practical tips for managing cravings.

If you have a problem with alcohol and are ready to get help to regain control over your life in a quiet atmosphere of healing and compassion, contact Joliet Drug Rehab Centers at (779) 333-0829 discuss your options for treatment. More information is available at www.jolietdregrehabcenters.com.