Alcohol Abuse Treatment - Alcohol Rehab Directory

Alcohol abuse, why can't I stop on my own? The problem with alcohol abuse in Tennessee and across the United States is that problem drinkers believe "I can stop whenever I want." It's almost cliche, but this is the phrase most addicts say to themselves at some point. They begin with the belief that they can stop using alcohol on their own, without help from anyone. Unfortunately most attempts at sobriety fail without outside support or alcohol abuse treatment.

Why those in Tennessee who have alcohol abuse problems can't just quit? Researchers have discovered that long-term alcohol abuse actually changes the way the brain works. These changes, which can last long after the addict stops the alcohol abuse, creates the compulsion to use alcohol, regardless of negative consequences such as poor health, relationship problems, legal/professional problems etc.

So if you accept the argument that addiction is the result of actual change in brain function, you can begin to understand what profound effort is required to overcome these changes. A professional alcohol abuse treatment program and ongoing support from other recovering addicts is the key to achieving and maintaining sobriety. Without entering a Tennessee alcohol abuse treatment center and removing oneself from the stimuli which encourages alcohol use (friends, stress, family, etc.) the brain doesn't have sufficient time to create new, healthy neuropathways and relapse is more likely.

Here are some suggested questions that will help you get the information you need when looking at Tennessee alcohol abuse treatment programs.

• Do you treat alcohol abuse differently than addiction?
• What alcohol abuse treatment programs do you offer?
• How much do your programs cost, and on what is that cost based?
• How much is covered by health insurance?
• What types of health insurance do you accept?
• How long is the alcohol abuse treatment program? (It's important to note that the actual length of treatment depends on the individual's response and will, therefore, vary from person to person.)
• Is there family, as well as individual, counseling?
• Do you offer an aftercare program?

If you're considering a residential alcohol rehab, find out how the transition from residential treatment to normal life is structured as well. Finding the right alcohol rehab program takes time, patience and perseverance. Don't be shy. Ask as many questions as you need to get the information that will help you make the best-informed decision possible.

Completing alcohol detox is first component of alcohol abuse recovery. Because the alcohol detox process can be fatal if not done properly, it should always be completed under careful medical management. The alcohol detox process can involve any or all of four possible withdrawal phases. One group of symptoms includes tremors, insomnia, and anxiety, which would begin within 24 hours of ceasing alcohol consumption. At any point within the first day, the problem drinker may also experience hallucinations. These hallucinations can either be tactile (some addicts describe feeling like bugs are crawling on them) or visual. The third possible phase of alcohol detox, which peaks within two days, may result in seizures. Finally, the person with alcohol abuse problems may experience delirium tremens, which is characterized by waxing and waning of consciousness, and dangerously high blood pressure and heart rate. The recovering person may also become violent during the alcohol detox and withdrawal process.

Following alcohol detox, as part of alcohol rehab in Tennessee, the problem drinker will begin counseling to help them adjust to the behaviors that will be necessary to help them avoid returning to alcohol in the future. After alcohol detox and alcohol rehab, the recovering person will be aided in making use of community resources and support groups which may include Alcoholics Anonymous, psychotherapy, or other types of support depending upon what is best for them.