The Road To Recovery From Alcoholism

If you or someone you know has an addiction to alcohol, life is probably quite difficult. Making the decision to become sober is rarely done alone. Once you or your loved one does decide to quit alcohol, the path forward is riddled with turbulence and hardship. Though this is true, getting clean is possible. Here’s how the process works.

1. Commit
   The first step to fighting an alcohol addiction is admitting you have a problem. Once you do that, you can make a commitment to yourself, your family, and your friends that you are going to get clean. Unless you are committed to working the process, you will likely not see the results you desperately need.
2. Detox
   This is one of the hardest parts. Detoxing from alcohol can start as soon as six hours after you’ve had your last drink. You will know you are detoxing when the following symptoms occur.
   • Anxiety
   • Depression
   • Shaky Hands
   • Problems Sleeping
   • Delirium Tremens (DTs)

   DTs is a life-threatening medical condition that involves severe and sudden nervous system changes. Typically, DTs present between 48 and 96 hours since your final drink, and if not supervised by medical professionals, it could result in death. This is why alcohol detox centers are important for anyone attempting to kick an alcohol addiction.

3. Recovery
   The road to recovery is one that never fully ends. The path you walk for here on out in life will involve making decisions that will not place you in a position to drink. There are common triggers amongst recovering alcoholics, but only you (or your loved one) will know what personally triggers the need to drink. Being aware of these triggers and cultivating temptation resistance skills will be among top priorities in any alcoholism treatment program.

It will be difficult. It will be scary. It will mean biting off more than you can chew. But it will be worth it.

Overcoming an alcohol addiction is no small accomplishment. Luckily, we have a more sophisticated support infrastructure nationwide than we have ever had before. Having friends or family to help you through this trying time is a must. The truth is, you can do it. It’s just a matter of committing, detoxing, and recovering.