The Common Treatment for Chronic Alcoholism
Chronic alcoholism treatment is typically defined within the medical industry as the most severe of alcohol addictions needing medical detox and rehabilitation intervention. In its earliest stages it can make itself known in the form of shakes, the discolouration of skin and the incessant need for the victim to consume an alcoholic substance. Later on, it can result in a variety of potentially fatal medical conditions – many of which can be treated if caught early enough. Some can be fatal though, and these contribute to a huge volume of deaths in Australia every year.
Treatment for Chronic Alcoholism
The best way to treat this type of condition is with medical supervision in a facility that’s equipped to deal with the processes associated with rehabilitation. By the time that chronic symptoms can be identified the victim may already be suffering with failing organs, as well as a dependency – the likes of which can rival even the most addictive of narcotics.
In most instances the person will be admitted to an alcohol rehabilitation centre. Once there, they will be exposed to a variety of therapies that will address each of the four symptoms:
- Physical dependence
- Bodily tolerance
- Loss of self control
In the case of cravings, the patient will be exposed to a host of alternate medicines that will act to replace the need for alcohol by the body, in favour of less harmful substances. Over time, this process can help to wean the person off of the alcohol and allow their body enough time to recover from its exposure.
The need to turn to any source of alcohol will then be addressed and this is why many sufferers will be subjected to courses that take several months to complete. During this time their physical dependence will be addressed – and as they are weaned off of the addictive substances present within ethyl alcohol, they will be able to learn to cope without it.
The tolerance of the human body has amazed scientists and researchers for years and this is why many people can consume huge volumes of alcohol, seemingly without being affected. As the body learns to cope without the substances it can be prone to reacting adversely, and this is when specialists will focus on helping the patient to cope by utilising water as a healthier substitute.
Finally, the loss of self control will be addressed and this is typically done in the form of advanced psychotherapy sessions (and group meetings). During this stage a victim will be able to talk about their addiction with others in their position; or if they’d prefer, on a one on one basis with a trained professional whose aim will be to help their patient to come to terms with their addiction and put in steps to overcome it.