Recovery from alcoholism is a long-term process.
W.H.O, THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, AND THE AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION HAVE DEFINED ALCOHOLISM AS A DISEASE.
The disease affects the Body, the Mind, the Emotions, the Value systems and Relationships of an alcoholic. For an alcoholic to stay sober, all these areas of his personality need to be treated. It is a complex treatment procedure.
The treatment has to follow certain stages to be successful :
First Stage : Treatment of the Withdrawal Symptoms :
When an alcoholic stops drinking, his body craves for the drink, he will have sweating, shaking and lack of sleep, irritation and restlessness. There are certain drugs which can help him to cope with these withdrawal symptoms.
Second Stage : Maintenance treatment :
Once out of the withdrawal symptoms, the alcoholic is helped to stay off alcohol over the long term. He follows a routine; he disciplines himself to do things necessary to maintain his sobriety. He does introspection, he starts taking corrective actions to repair the mistakes of the past, he starts to reintegrate himself with his family and the society. Eventually, he starts becoming a productive and responsible member of the society.
Third Stage : Relapse prevention :
Alcoholics have to try several times before they succeed. Relapses are common with any habit. Certain techniques are helpful in avoiding a relapse. The alcoholic inculcates these methods and techniques to stay away from the first drink. He understands that it is the first drink that does the damage.
Treatment Plan
The treatment will be an inpatient program for 30 days.
- The program will include detoxification, individual and family counseling.
- Yoga, Group therapy, relaxation training, physical exercise.
- Educational talks, seminars on personality development, stress and Anxiety management.
- Introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12-step recovery program will be initiated.
- Regular attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step meetings will also be encouraged.