Even among people who acknowledge and want to put an end to their alcohol addiction, it isn’t enough just to want to stop drinking. Lasting sobriety needs the appropriate aid like tools and resources to comprehend the root causes of addiction as well as strategies to deal with cravings and avoid relapse. Rehabilitation for addiction is not the only way to stop drinking, but it is by far the most effective.
The Dangers of Quitting Cold Turkey
Anyone who wants to stop drinking, but who also wants to do so on their own, should be aware of the many risks of quitting cold turkey. Withdrawal from alcohol is a very challenging process, and the side effects can be very painful (or worse) if not overseen by medical professionals.
A few of the most common side effects of an alcohol withdrawal, which can begin just hours or days after a person stops drinking, include the following:
- Shaking
- Restlessness
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
- Extreme sweating
Along with the more common side effects, withdrawing from alcohol can also lead to DT, or delirium tremens. DT is a more severe form of withdrawal, and it can lead to scary and dangerous things like visual hallucinations, an irregular heartbeat and even seizures. DT is just one of the reasons it’s so important for individuals never to try to quit cold turkey on their own.
Understanding the Reality of Relapse
Even if individuals can handle the intense side effects of withdrawal without a medically supervised detox, they still run the risk of relapse. Unfortunately, relapse is possible, but it’s more common among those who don’t complete a full rehabilitation program.
The higher relapse rates for self-treated patients is likely because they don’t get to the root of their alcoholism. Addiction is a complex issue, and for many patients it’s also tied to trauma, anxiety or self-doubt and needs dual-diagnosis therapy for lasting results. At rehab facilities, patients will be able to increase their chance for lasting sobriety and decrease the potential for relapse in the future.
Benefits of Addiction Rehab for Alcoholism
To stop drinking and break ties with addiction once and for all, attending addiction rehab is absolutely the best course of action. In rehab, patients have access to group therapy and family therapy to better understand themselves and their addictions.
In addition, rehab is a place where patients can relearn life skills, which will set them up for greater success in the future. Rehab is also where patients gain valuable coping strategies and develop plans to resists temptation, relieve stress in healthy ways and continue with a life free from alcohol.
To stop drinking for good, addiction rehab is certainly the best possible option for those with an alcohol addiction. Call (866) 418-1070 today to speak with someone at Recovery in Motion in Tucson, Arizona, and learn more about what steps you can take to break free from addiction forever.
