Breaking Free From Alcohol Addiction: Get Help at Vista Taos Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Learn how to break free from alcohol addiction and live the life you deserve in this comprehensive article.
What Is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide.
It is a chronic disease characterized by the compulsive and excessive consumption of alcohol despite its negative consequences.1
Prevalence of Alcohol Addiction
AUD is a widespread problem that affects millions of people globally. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption accounts for 7.7% of all deaths worldwide. It is a leading cause of premature death and disability.2
In the United States, AUD is also a significant public health concern. An estimated 14.5 million adults aged eighteen and older had alcohol use disorder in 2019. This represents approximately 5.8% of the population.3
Impact of AUD
Alcohol addiction can significantly impact various aspects of life, including:
- Physical health
- Psychological health
- Emotional well-being
- Personal and professional relationships
Additional Consequences of AUD
It can also lead to the following:
- Job loss
- Financial difficulties
- Legal trouble
- Domestic violence and other forms of violence
How Is Alcohol Addiction Diagnosed?
Alcohol addiction is typically diagnosed based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
These criteria include:4
- Cravings or a strong desire to drink
- Difficulty controlling the amount of alcohol consumed
- Physical withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped
- Tolerance, or the need to drink more alcohol to achieve the desired effects
- Continued use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, such as relationship problems, health issues, or legal trouble
Effective AUD Treatments
Fortunately, effective treatments for alcohol addiction are available. Some of them include:
- Behavioral therapies
- Support groups
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
With proper treatment and support, you can overcome alcohol addiction.
What Are the Benefits of Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Addiction?
There are numerous benefits to seeking treatment for alcohol addiction, including:
Improved Physical Health
Alcohol addiction can cause many health problems, such as:
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Neurological damage
Seeking treatment can help improve your physical health and reduce the adverse effects of alcohol on your body.
Better Mental Health
Alcohol addiction can also significantly impact mental health. It could lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
Seeking treatment can help address mental health issues and improve psychological and emotional well-being.
Improved Relationships
Alcohol addiction can strain personal and professional relationships, which can lead to the following:
- Social withdrawal
- Loneliness
- Lack of support
Seeking treatment can help repair damaged relationships. As a result, you can build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Increased Self-Esteem
Addiction to alcohol can harm self-esteem and confidence. Seeking treatment can help you regain your self-esteem and develop a sense of pride in your recovery.
Reduced Risk of Relapse
Seeking treatment can provide you with the support you need to manage your addiction and prevent relapse.
Treatment can also help develop healthy coping mechanisms and stress management strategies.
Increased Quality of Life
By addressing alcohol addiction, you can improve your overall quality of life. You will experience the following:
- Increased satisfaction in your personal and professional relationships
- Improved health
- Greater sense of purpose
How Can the Risks of Alcohol Addiction Be Reduced?
Risks can predispose you to alcohol addiction. There are several ways to reduce the risks of alcohol addiction. These include:
Limiting Alcohol Consumption
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of alcohol addiction is limiting alcohol consumption. This means avoiding excessive drinking. Practice sticking to the recommended guidelines for moderate drinking. This is one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.5
Avoiding Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is defined as consuming a large amount of alcohol quickly. It can increase the risk of alcohol addiction.
To reduce this risk, limit your alcohol consumption to a moderate amount and avoid drinking large sums of alcohol in a short amount of time.
Avoiding Triggers
Triggers can include:
- Stressful situations
- Environments that encourage or remind you of drinking
- Anxiety
- Social pressure
They can increase the risk of alcohol addiction. To reduce this risk, avoid triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage them.
Seeking Support
Support from friends, family, or a professional can be an effective way to reduce the risk of alcohol addiction.
They can provide tools and resources to manage alcohol use and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Seeking Treatment
Seeking treatment can be an effective way to reduce the risk of further harm. Treatment offers the following to reduce the risk of alcohol addiction:
- Individual and group therapy
- Medication management
- Support groups
- Skills building
- Coping mechanisms
Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Healthy habits can reduce the risk of alcohol addiction by:
- Helping you manage stress and anxiety
- Reducing the risk of coming across triggers
- Improving overall health and well-being
What Strategies Can Help With Alcohol Addiction Recovery?
Recovering from alcohol addiction can be challenging. Still, several strategies can help. These include:
- Seeking Professional Help: Professional help involves working with a therapist, counselor, or addiction specialist. They can provide support, guidance, and resources for recovery.6
- Participating in Support Groups: Participating in support groups is adequate to connect with others who are also in recovery. They help you to receive support and encouragement.
- Developing Healthy Habits: Healthy habits can help manage AUD and reduce the risk of relapse.
- Building a Support System: Building a support system of friends can provide the support and encouragement you need to continue your recovery journey.
- Identifying and Avoiding Triggers: Identify triggers and develop strategies to avoid or manage them. It can significantly help you reduce the risk of relapse.
- Creating a Relapse Prevention Plan: A relapse prevention plan should include coping strategies, triggers to avoid, and a support system to help you stay on track with your recovery.
- Practicing Mindfulness and Self-Care: Examples include meditation, journaling, or taking time for yourself. Mindfulness and self-care can help manage stress and anxiety and improve overall mental and emotional health.
Utilizing these strategies can increase your chances of long-term recovery and improve your health and well-being.
How Can Family and Friends Best Support Someone in Recovery?
Supporting someone in recovery from addiction can be crucial in their journey toward sustained sobriety. Here are some ways family and friends can provide effective support:
Educating Themselves on Addiction and the Recovery Process
It is important for family and friends to educate themselves about the nature of addiction, the recovery process, and any specific challenges the person may face.
This understanding will help them provide empathetic support and avoid misconceptions.
Maintaining Open and Non-Judgmental Communication
Creating a safe and non-judgmental space for the person to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions is key. This can be accomplished by:
- Encouraging open and honest conversations
- Actively listening without interrupting
- Validating their feelings
Providing Unconditional Support
Family and friends should make it clear to the person that they are there for them no matter what. Expressing love, care, and willingness to support their recovery journey is important.
Avoiding enabling behaviors or rescuing them from the consequences of their actions is crucial.
Respecting Boundaries
Understanding and respecting the person’s boundaries and needs is vital. Recovery is a personal process, and individuals may require space or specific conditions to maintain sobriety.
Family and loved ones can do this by being supportive without being overbearing or intrusive.
Attending Supportive Activities
Accompanying the person to support group meetings, therapy sessions, or other recovery-oriented activities (if they feel comfortable with it) can provide encouragement and reinforce their commitment.
Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Promoting healthy habits can greatly benefit individuals in recovery. This can include:
- Regular exercise
- Balanced diet
- Adequate sleep
- Interests and hobbies
Healthy lifestyle choices can bring them joy, provide a sense of purpose, and distract them from cravings.
Avoiding Triggers
Loved ones should be mindful of the person’s triggers, including people, places, or situations that may increase the risk of relapse.
Helping them create an environment that minimizes exposure to these triggers and supporting them in finding healthy alternatives is important.
Celebrating Milestones
Acknowledging and celebrating the person’s achievements, no matter how small, is essential. Notable milestones may include:
- Reaching milestones in recovery
- Attending support meetings consistently
- Making positive life changes
Encouraging Professional Help
Encouraging the person to seek professional assistance, such as therapy, counseling, or attending addiction treatment programs, is important.
Loved ones can help by offering to assist in researching and finding suitable resources.
Practicing Self-Care
Supporting someone in recovery can be emotionally and mentally challenging. Family and friends can practice self-care by:
- Seeking support from professionals
- Attending support groups for families of individuals in recovery
- Engaging in self-care activities
Common Obstacles and Challenges Faced in Breaking Free From Alcohol Addiction
Breaking free from alcohol addiction can be a challenging process. You may face several obstacles and challenges along the way. Here are some of the most common obstacles and challenges faced;
Physical Dependence
Prolonged and heavy alcohol use can lead to physical dependence. This can make it difficult to stop drinking without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Mild Withdrawal Symptoms
Mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Mild tremors
- Restlessness
- Night sweats
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
Severe withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens
Psychological Dependence
Individuals with alcohol addiction may also experience psychological dependence. This can make it difficult to break the habit of drinking.
Psychological dependence may involve:
- Intense cravings for alcohol
- Sense of loss without alcohol
- Difficulty coping with stress
Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders
Individuals with alcohol addiction may also struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders. They may have depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder simultaneously with alcohol use disorder.
These disorders can make it more challenging to recover from alcohol addiction. They may require additional treatment and support.
Social and Environmental Triggers
Social and environmental triggers can make it difficult to maintain sobriety. Some include:
- Stressful situations
- Social events
- Specific places that may trigger the urge to drink
Lack of Support
Breaking free from alcohol addiction can be challenging. There are often strained relationships involved.
Individuals may struggle to maintain sobriety without support from family, friends, or a professional treatment team.
Stigma and Shame
Stigma and shame surrounding addiction can make it difficult for individuals to seek treatment and support. This may lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
How Does Vista Taos Offer Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Vista Taos is a residential addiction treatment center that offers comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment. We provide a comfortable and supportive environment to promote healing and recovery.
The facility is situated in the beautiful Taos Mountains of New Mexico, offering a serene setting for individuals to concentrate on their recovery.
At Vista Taos, our focus is on treating the whole person. We address not only the addiction but also the underlying mental health issues and other factors contributing to the addiction.
Primary Treatment Options
Vista Taos offers a range of evidence-based treatment modalities, including:
- Medically supervised detoxification
- 12-Step curriculum and meetings
- Individual and group therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Trauma-informed care
- Grief and loss therapy
- Mindfulness-based relapse prevention
These therapies are designed to help individuals understand. It changes their thought patterns and behaviors related to alcohol addiction.
Holistic Treatment Options
Vista Taos offers a variety of holistic treatments, including:
- Massage therapy
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Art therapy
Extended Care
We also provide personalized aftercare planning and ongoing support. The goal is to help individuals maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse after primary care.
Our extended care program includes the following:
- Safe, structured living environment
- Work, volunteer, and education opportunities
- Ongoing individual and group therapy
- Educational groups
- Therapeutic activities and outings
- 12-Step meetings
- Family involvement
Take the First Step Toward Recovery Today
Discover the transformative power of our holistic addiction treatment programs, meticulously crafted with cutting-edge research and industry best practices. With an unwavering focus on the mind, body, and spirit, we provide the comprehensive support you need to embark on a journey of recovery.
Our dedicated team of experts will guide you through individually tailored, evidence-based treatment plans that address your specific needs. From detoxification to primary care and extended care programming, our holistic approach ensures that every aspect of your well-being is nurtured.
Take the first step towards a brighter future. Contact Vista Taos today, and let us help you reclaim your life.
Resources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31478502/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30167705/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22330211/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33245581/
