What Are the Various Stages of Alcoholism?
Alcoholism progresses in stages into a use disorder. The stages are as follows:
1. At-risk stage.
You are at risk when you drink socially, to relieve stress, or to feel better. There’s a chance that you’ll develop an alcohol tolerance.
2. Early alcoholic stage.
Drinking in secret, having blackouts, and thinking obsessively about alcohol are all symptoms of this stage of alcohol abuse.
3. Mid alcoholic stage.
There are problems in your life (work, family, financial, physical and mental health) as a result of excessive drinking. Laboratory and imaging tests can reveal that your organs have been damaged.
4. End alcoholic stage.
The primary focus of your life has shifted from food, intimacy, health, and happiness to drinking. Death, complications related to organ damage, and despair are all possibilities.
Alcoholism Treatment Options
1. 12-Step Program
Participants in a 12-Step Program are free to talk about their drugs and alcohol addictions. The most well-known 12-Step Program is Alcoholics Anonymous, but there are also programs for those addicted to cocaine, marijuana, gambling, and heroin. A 12-Step Program member feels important, connected, and responsible to the group for staying sober. The Twelve-Step Program is used to supplement other forms of therapy and give patients something to discuss with their psychologists. Studies have shown that 12-Step programs help people maintain long-term recovery.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
People with alcohol problems can usually overcome their problems with CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Positive thoughts and behaviors are the basis of CBT, as well as recognizing and changing negative ones. The patient and the psychologist will engage in a dialogue during the CBT session. It is a solution-oriented addiction treatment technique that emphasizes constructive action instead of diagnosis, such as questioning harmful ideas, and developing strategies to stop drinking or abusing substances. CBT can be quite beneficial after just five sessions.
3. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a traditional method for having a discussion. Psychotherapy involves discussing a patient’s concerns and experiences with a skilled psychologist. A one-on-one, group, or family talk therapy session is available. Psychologists and patients may discuss daily struggles, long-term problems, and past traumas. Psychotherapy allows psychologists to construct mental health diagnoses using psychoanalysis. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication following psychotherapy.Psychotherapy can assist alcoholics in managing their urges, as well as remaining motivated to achieve their sobriety goals. Depending on the type of therapy, it may take several weeks or months. Psychotherapy is characterized by openness, trust, and confidentiality between the patient and psychologist.Psychotherapy can also be used as a guide by clinicians. By taking this therapy, they can gain a deeper understanding of their clients’ needs and respond accordingly. Psychotherapy may include psychoanalysis, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and holistic therapy.
Now Is the Time to Get the Right Alcoholism Treatment for You.
There is hope for anyone suffering from an addiction because there are so many treatment alternatives. At the Taylor Recovery Center, people suffering from alcohol and other substance addictions can find healing and hope. Give us a call today.
