Only a variable percentage of subjects with problems related to alcohol consumption
In many cases they refuse to recognize the existence of the problem and do not ask for help until forced by family and / or friends; however, research suggests that denial is not necessarily the primary reason for refusing help, it is often a question of shame or fear of social judgment, or even
- the belief that the problem is not serious enough to warrant treatment,
privacy concerns. - If you are worried about your friend or relative, ask an expert for advice on how to deal with the alcohol problem with the patient.
To help those who have problems with alcohol, there are different types of therapy, tailored to the individual patient and the extent of any addiction; the specialist (or the attending physician) first of all needs to understand whether the patient is already physically dependent or not, because the objectives could be different depending on the case: in general, however, there is a tendency to aim at the complete interruption of the consumption of alcohol, because often a single decrease is not feasible in the long term (especially in cases of addiction).
There are many possible approaches to achieve this goal, including working on lifestyle and social support, in order to prevent any relapses.
The first step is generally detoxification, which involves an abrupt stop of alcohol consumption supported by drugs that allow the patient to tolerate the inevitable withdrawal symptoms. It may be necessary to rely on special facilities in the case of patients believed to be at risk of elevated symptoms.
The next step is generally the beginning of a path that allows the patient to acquire the strength and the will to overcome the psychological problems associated with addiction; it can be psychological counseling (according to various schools, for example through cognitive behavioral support or other) or it can be group self-help support (for example through Alcoholics Anonymous or similar projects). At this stage, family help can also represent an important aspect of the healing process.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is a self-help group made up of people who are trying to recover from alcoholism. The people who are part of it must be sober and offer a model of total abstinence from alcohol.
The therapeutic program is divided into 12 phases, or twelve direct suggestions for those who choose to give up alcohol.
- The twelve stages offer a guide towards recovery and help alcoholics to understand their powerlessness towards alcohol.
- They also emphasize the importance of honesty on the past and on the present.
- Within Alcoholics Anonymous, healing is based on accepting the uniqueness of each person’s experience.
By listening to others’ stories and sharing their own, alcohol abusers, or addicts, learn that they are not alone. You don’t have to pay anything to join the group and follow the 12 steps, nor are there any special requirements other than a willingness to stay sober.