Alcohol Rehab: What Should You Expect as Someone Who is Going In
Alcohol rehab is an excellent way to kick alcoholism. That said, rehab doesn’t always work; in fact many people fail the first or even second time. The key to success when it comes to rehab is commitment to quitting the habit. Many people go into alcohol rehab not because they want to or are looking to kick the habit but because someone who is close to them is making them do it. If this is the reason that you are going in you should know that your chances of failure are very high. If you want this treatment to work you have to want it yourself.
You have to be ready to stop drinking
In fact, you have to be desperate to stop drinking. To be successful you have to be so desperate that you are at rock bottom. It is only when you get there – when you realize that alcohol is ruining your life you will be desperate enough to do whatever it takes to quit. Remember, alcohol is a drug and it changes the way your brain functions; it stimulates the pathways in the brain that lead to addiction. That is why quitting is so hard. You have to be prepared for a fight.
Detox
The first step to getting rid of alcoholism when you are in rehab is detox. This is when your body will be ridding itself of the toxins that it has accumulated from over-consumption of alcohol. This stage lasts anything from a few days to a few weeks and it is painful. Although the symptoms vary they commonly include muscular aches, nausea, vomiting, headaches and other symptoms. The doctors in your rehab facility will give you drugs to help with the pain and vomiting but you can expect to experience it to a reasonable degree.
How Long Does Rehab Take?
It is quite likely that you will be in rehab for 30 days. During this time you will regularly visit with an addiction counselor with whom you can discuss the reasons behind your alcoholism. They will give you advice and tips on how to stay sober. You will also have group sessions with other alcoholics where through sharing experiences you can understand that you are not alone and that there are other with similar problems. Group sessions can be very therapeutic. The clinic may even bring in alcoholics who are in recovery so that they can share with you ideas that helped them stay sober. Take these opportunities seriously.
Getting Out of Rehab
Once your rehab is over you will go back home. The urge to drink will likely be quite strong especially when you feel stressed. That is why you must look for Alcoholics Anonymous near you. There are AA meetings taking place all the time, all over Louisiana. In the initial days after rehab you should attend every day – in a few months you can reduce it down to once or twice a week. Keep away from gatherings or situations that involve alcohol – just one drink can send you down the addiction rabbit hole.
Remember, it is very hard to quit drinking if you don’t have a support system. Seek out friends and family and even colleagues who are willing to do what it takes to help you stay sober.