Alcohol consumption is neither new or unusual. It has been around for ages but alcohol intake has been rising over time. Humans seem to have a special relationship with alcohol. Many are using the drink in happy and sad moments. Nonetheless, responsible consumption has a single and crucial rule. Moderation!  Even though it is hard to quantify what a ‘moderate’ amount is, sipping only small amounts may prevent potential health problems.

Frequent consumption is harmful as it exposes the brain to new environments and triggers adaptation thus making the consumers dependent on alcohol. Alcohol becomes a trusted companion and the new norm. Instead of feeling good and for long, it affects concentration, multi-tasking, and eventually productivity.

How does one become an alcoholic?

In many countries, the legal minimum age to be able to drink alcohol is being at least eighteen years old. This means alcoholism can start at any age and can affect any gender if not moderated. In some communities, the dependence starts early if there is easy access to drinks, minimal parental guidance, poor behavioral guidance, and sometimes, unresolved problems.

An alcoholic is anyone who is unable to control how much or how often he or she consumes alcohol.  This condition may manifest itself as dependence, inappropriate, or excessive consumption.

Facts about alcoholism

• Even though manufacturers and vendors talk about moderate consumption, note that ‘moderation’ with ‘getting drunk once in a while are potentially harmful.
• Wine and beer are as bad as hard liquor. Note that all alcoholic drinks have the same alcohol ingredient and depending on the frequency of drinking and genetic factors, alcohol dependence can develop.
• Not experiencing the after-drinking effects does not mean you are safe. After drinking for a while, some mention not experiencing hangovers, which is a sign of alcohol intolerance. That means that for you to get the same ‘feel good’ effect from drinking, you will have to consume more.
• It is partially-genetic. Although some people have a genetic makeup that makes them more susceptible to alcoholism, most people develop the habit due to personal behavior.

Dependence takes months or years to develop but there are treatment options for anyone who wants to stop drinking. Please note that the different treatments can be used in isolation or combined with others. However, their effectiveness will depend on the level of your commitment.

Counseling

Some people turn to alcohol when the slightest inconvenience occurs or when feeling overwhelmed. Instead of addressing the matter, most of us prefer to postpone the issue, leading to an accumulation of tasks that demand attention. When you seek counseling services, you learn to identify the reasons for any escapism and you learn how to tackle challenges. Counseling helps you to remain resilient and develop problem resolution skills instead of seeking escape mechanisms.

Group support

Unwinding a path that one has walked on for years is not easy but is doable. Fighting alcoholism can be a lonely journey and if you do not know the steps to take each day, you may set unrealistic goals, become overwhelmed or discouraged, and eventually give in to destructive tendencies when minor setbacks strike. By interacting with other alcoholics in seeking recovery, you gather insights on how to set goals, appropriate habits, and most importantly, how to reach your ultimate goal in spite of temporary setbacks. If you are looking for some form of support to help you get through this tough period, Agaptec offers a family program that can help you lean on your loved ones for comfort and strength.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

This is a comprehensive therapy that helps you become conscious of your surroundings. You learn to identify the people, situations, and impulses that lead you to drink. Identifying is the first and main step of fighting addiction and it will help you to stay away from your triggers.

Sinclair Method Alcohol Treatment

The Sinclair Method Alcohol Treatment (TSM) is one of the only alcoholism intervention methods that permit people to keep drinking while it removes addictive urges. Alcoholics get craving-suppressing medication that sends signals to the brain that alcohol to not create the ‘feel-good’ effect. This evidence-based, approved, safe and cheap method has reported high success rates. As the drinking desire decreases, patients consume less alcohol. The medication keeps the brain in a pre-addiction state leading to unlearning of drinking tendencies.

How The Sinclair Method works

The prescribed Sinclair alcohol treatment drugs have different modes of action. Naltrexone reduces the feeling good effect by blocking the production of endorphins and disulfiram induces unpleasant feelings such as nausea, headache, vomiting, and fatigue. Alcoholics who have healthy livers and are determined to stop drinking should consider TSM as a permanent solution.

The uniqueness of this method is that the changes happen so gradually that you do not feel like you are missing anything; it is an effortless and irreversible departure from drinking. After some time of a suppressed desire or experiencing unpleasant effects, you begin to realize that alcohol does not make you feel good anymore and you’ll eventually stop.

In a Nutshell

It is important to understand that addiction does not happen overnight. If the triggering factors to want to drink are not dealt with or an addict is not continually counseled, there is a possibility of relapse. Consider multiple treatment methods to reduce the recovery period and in the end you will live an alcohol-free lifestyle!