Non Fiction

from Ian Koch

Any kind of addiction is and has always been difficult to treat. This is true also for alcohol addiction. Alcoholism is today, the most common form of addiction one of the most common forms of addiction. According to recent statistics, more than 18 million Americans are addicted to alcohol, but sadly, only a small percentage of them accept this fact and seek alcoholism addiction treatment. Successful alcohol treatment requires the analysis of different aspects of the addiction and treating each aspect on the basis of its merit.

There are various kinds of treatment available for alcoholism addiction. Some of these like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have been practiced for years while others are comparatively new and developing. According to a study conducted by NIAA, self help programs like AA, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are the most effective ones, either alone or in combination, in reducing the use of alcohol.

In the AA alcohol treatment program, participants engage in a series of mental, written and verbal activities that lead to recovery and abstinence. The basis behind AA is to provide a new social network to the alcoholic from his usual group of drinking buddies and a fellowship that inspires motivation and lends support to push them towards reaching and maintaining abstinence. It also provides certain constructive steps to the alcoholic to help his turn his mind away from alcohol when under stress.

Several other alcoholism treatments have shown promising results and are currently being actively developed. These include Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET); couples therapy; Brief Intervention Therapy; dual-addiction treatment; and pharmacotherapy.

While all of the above methods do help, alcoholism addiction treatment can only be successful when a number of factors are investigated and brought under control. The first and perhaps the most important step is to get the alcoholic to admit he/she has a problem with alcohol. Unless and until this is recognized, the desire to recover from the addiction will never really take root.

Another important factor for alcoholism addiction treatment to be successful is the full and undivided attention and willpower of the patient. There are multiple factors at play with alcoholism but willpower and support from those around the patient including family and friends have a great impact on the overall results of the chosen alcoholism addiction treatment.

Using proven methods of evaluating medical therapies, research has revealed many effective treatments that help people stop drinking and maintain abstinence. But the first step must always come from the patient.

from Ian Koch


If you find yourself with an alcohol abuse problem there are options out there for you to seek help. A number of alcoholism addiction treatment programs across the country can offer you the assistance, help and support you need to help get your life back on track and end your dependence on the bottle. We all know what alcohol is and that it can contribute to joy and a good life if used right. For some unfortunate reason some people are likely to develop addiction to alcohol.

Actually, this addiction is a habitual intoxication that is prolonged. If this excessive intake of alcoholic drinks continues over a period of time the consequences will be a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol such that abrupt deprivation leads to severe withdrawal symptoms. Of the two thirds of the North American population who consume alcohol, 10% are alcoholics, and 6% consume more than half of all alcohol.

It has been seen that alcohol addiction or dependence can be harder to break and even more damaging than dependence on most other addictive substances. The physical symptoms when withdrawing from alcohol are seen to be equal in severity to those experienced during withdrawal from heroin. However, modern treatment programs are innovative in their methodology and most are anonymous so that nobody other than yourself and those you tell will ever know you are seeking help.

Many treatment programs are sponsored by employers and community civic organizations so that the availability of alcohol abuse treatment is open to all, regardless of ability to pay. Many such programs deal heavily with peer support groups and focus on the individual. They bring out the strengths of the person and show them that how a life without alcohol can make them achieve their goals both professionally and in their family life. Through peer groups others who are facing some of the same stresses and hardships you are share their stories as other members of the group brainstorm ideas to help them through it without turning to alcohol.

Many programs also include an opportunity for a period of time at camps or other getaways so that the person has a chance to relax and unwind and face his or her fears one-on-one. Many of these getaways are done at places like ranches and farms far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Treatment options abound out there for those who are ready to come face-to-face with their problems. Are you ready to take the first step?