Alcohol Abuse Treatment - Alcohol Rehab Directory

In South Dakota, the phrase 'alcohol abuse' is often considered synonymous with 'alcoholism'. It's an inaccurate and dangerous misconception that causes people to overlook important signs of a preventable addiction. Webster's defines alcoholism as 'a chronic disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction.' The key part of this definition is the phrase 'dependence or addiction'; it is the primary difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

The actions of a person with an alcohol abuse problem and an alcoholic in South Dakota may look very similar. Both may drink to calm their nerves. Both will drink to excess, or binge. Both are likely to have legal, vocational or relational issues caused by their drinking. But an alcoholic has such strong cravings that he feels like he can't control himself. An alcoholic will also experience withdrawal symptoms if he stops drinking. Knowing these differences is important. A person in South Dakota who has an alcohol abuse problem can get help before they develop alcohol dependence and find themselves battling a life-long addiction.

Here are some of the other warning signs which indicate someone has an alcohol abuse problem in South Dakota but may not have developed an addiction.

• Using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, depression, anxiety or other emotional issues.
• Using alcohol as an 'escape', so the person doesn't have to deal with a difficult situation.
• Choosing social events based on whether alcohol will be available.
• Hiding, downplaying, or lying about the amount of alcohol he drinks.
• Getting defensive when questioned or confronted about her drinking.

These are not all of the signs, but are common ones that can help determine if someone has an alcohol abuse problem in South Dakota. Intervention at this stage is crucial. By intervening now, you can prevent a loved one's abuse from becoming an addiction, and help them avoid a life-long battle of recovery.

People often think that South Dakota alcohol abuse treatment is only for alcoholics. But those who abuse alcohol need some form of treatment program as well. In fact, treatment at this stage is vital for preventing alcohol abuse from becoming a life-long addiction.

Not all alcohol abuse treatment programs are the same, so it's important to ask questions and get as much information as possible before choosing one. South Dakota alcohol abuse treatment centers can have significantly different philosophies, program options, credentials, and costs. Staff qualifications vary greatly as well. Someone who's trying to choose an alcohol abuse treatment program may need help sifting through all of the facts and figures.

If you are trying to find a South Dakota alcohol abuse treatment center where you can get help with alcohol abuse, first let us commend you on your courage. Admitting you need help is a brave, difficult step to take. Let us also encourage you, as you begin this process, to not go through it alone. Include your loved ones. Have them accompany you on visits to alcohol abuse treatment centers. Not only can they help you process all of the information, but they can offer great moral support as well.

Once you enter a South Dakota alcohol abuse treatment center you will begin your alcohol detox process. Because alcohol detox withdrawal effects can range from mild to severe and dangerous, it is usually in the recovering addict's best interest to be in an alcohol detox center or other medical facility and watched by professionals during alcohol detox to ensure the recovering addict's safety and comfort.

Following discharge from the South Dakota alcohol rehab, the person with the alcohol abuse problem begins a new phase of recovery. It is the goal of the of the alcohol rehab process to provide the recovering person with the tools that will be necessary to maintain long-term sobriety. Part of the alcohol rehab process is to help the individual learn how to make use of the resources available to them and to effectively take responsibility for maintaining their sobriety. Unlike before they began the recovery process, they will now have the knowledge, experience, and strength to take the right steps in treating their problem drinking.