Recovering from alcohol addiction may be a long journey for some people. However, they can learn how to stop drinking and manage their addiction through detox and therapy. Even if they relapse, they can return to sobriety with the help of a strong support system.
Understand How to Stop Drinking Safely
Although some people are able to stop drinking without help, this isn’t the safest way to recover from alcohol addiction. Most people need medical attention during the initial stages because the withdrawal symptoms are so uncomfortable and, frankly, dangerous. Since the body becomes used to having alcohol in its system, it has to adjust when drinkers stop consuming it. This is why withdrawal symptoms arise, such as:
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea
- Fast heart rate
- Headache
- Nausea and stomach cramps
- Restlessness
- Shaking
These symptoms usually arise within hours after people stop drinking. They peak and become more intense during the second or third day of withdrawal. It typically takes five to seven days for the symptoms to improve. However, some people experience more life-threatening symptoms such as:
- Confusion
- Extreme agitation
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Severe vomiting
Although these more serious symptoms are rare, they can occur in severe cases of alcohol addiction. Since everyone is different, however, alcohol can cause various side effects. This is why having medical attention during alcohol detox program is the safest way to stop drinking.
Go to Therapy to Learn How to Stop Drinking
Undergoing detox is only the first step toward recovery from alcohol addiction. The next step is checking into a rehab center for further treatment to address the underlying cause of addiction. No single treatment works for everyone. Alcoholics who want to recover need to choose a rehab center that offers many types of therapy.
The rehab center that they choose must also treat more than alcohol abuse. It should help them repair relationships and educate them about healthy living and relapse prevention. Rehab should treat any other mental health problems that they have as well. When struggling with mental health disorders and addiction, we provide dual diagnosis treatment to ensure all disorders are properly treated.
Get Help From Others to Stay Sober
After following the basics of how to stop drinking, it is time to build a strong support system. The support can come from family, friends or therapists. A lot of recovering alcoholics get support from special groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
The members of support groups share stories and give each other encouragement. Meetings are also a good place for those recovering to find sponsors–mentors to get them through the rough spots. These are individuals who help them complete the 12 Steps and get through tough situations so that they do not relapse. Sponsors can help them return to sobriety when they slip up as well.
Serenity House Detox & Recovery Can Help You Stop Drinking
If you or a loved one want to stop drinking, get the help that you need at Serenity House Detox & Recovery center in Houston, Texas. Our comfortable and welcoming detox center is the safest place to begin the journey to alcohol recovery. We use therapeutic, evidence-based methods in our detox programs. During treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery, you have access to:
- Chiropractic care program
- Individual therapy program
- Meditation therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Art therapy program
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
Do not let addiction control your life. Help is available for anyone looking to get treatment and start a new chapter in life. Take the first step toward living a healthier, sober life starting with medical alcohol detox. Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery today at 866.516.8356 to stop drinking safely.
