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According to statistics provided by the National Health Service (NHS), two-percent of women and six-percent of men in the United Kingdom are alcoholics. These are people who have a known alcohol dependence and does not take in to account a person who has a problem with alcohol, such as binge drinking. Alcoholism is often misunderstood, with many people failing to realise it is a disease. Just like any other disease, alcoholism has symptoms and side effects which can greatly affect the person's quality of life. These symptoms include, nausea, stomach cramps, blurred vision and an increased tolerance to alcohol. This means an alcoholic will need to be treated for the physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.
Despite popular opinion an alcoholic does not have to stay in a hospital or rehabilitation centre in order to receive the treatment they need. In fact, many people are now treated for alcoholism under their doctor's supervision. If the person's alcoholism is serious it is recommended they stay in a facility, this is so they have access to the best replacement drugs and quality health care. Safe-substitute drugs are often prescribed to alcoholics, these are designed to wean an individual off alcohol slowly and with as little discomfort as possible. These drugs can be taken at a doctor's office or pharmacy. If an individual is prescribed benzodiazepine they will need to attend a hospital as it is against the law to take this drug anywhere else. When an alcoholic takes these safe-substitute drugs it is referred to as a medically-supervised detoxification. However, while the detox is an effective solution to an alcoholic's physical withdrawal symptoms it is always recommended they also receive psychological therapy to help deal with the psychological dependency.
Alcoholism therapy includes one-on-one sessions with a therapist. The individual may be given the chance to involve their family in their sessions at a later date, as well as join in with group sessions. A professional therapist will work with the alcoholic, teaching them how to gain new coping skills. This leaves them better equipped to deal with things that may have otherwise turned them to drink. It is also important the therapist addresses the subject of alcohol triggers. These are situations that may produce a memory and encourage the person to drink. Triggers can range but nearly always include the environment, people and smell. Once the individual is aware of what is most likely to make them drink, they can work on avoiding these triggers effectively.
The road to being alcohol-free is not an easy one and it is common for a person to relapse several times in the first 12-months. However, with the right sort of treatment, psychotherapy and attitude, there is no reason why an alcoholic can not go on to lead a happy, healthy, alcohol-free life.
