Treating Alcohol Addiction During And After The Coronavirus Pandemic
A world in lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in drug and alcohol abuse. While living in close quarters, many families are coming to grips with the highly functional alcoholic. A happy social drinker, he or she drank on his lunch hour, after work with friends, and while watching the football game at home in the evenings. Now he or she is at home 24/7, and the family can no longer ignore that his or her problematic behavior is alcohol addiction.
Whether the happy drunk is you or your loved one, the extraordinary events in your life–self-isolation, work displacement, sickness and death of loved ones, lower exposure to sunshine—may be serving as a cover for the symptoms of alcoholism.
Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse
If for a week or more, you are experiencing:
- irritability and mood swings when not drinking,
- deep depressions,
- blackouts and memory loss,
- shakiness, and/or,
- increases in heart rate and blood pressure,
you could benefit from an alcohol addiction recovery program.
Types of Alcohol Recovery Programs
Weekly meetings -- The first step for many alcoholics on their journey to recovery is telephone hotline support. The counselor will assist you in finding a local alcohol recovery program. Designed for mild-to-moderate alcoholism, weekly sessions (typically in the evening) provide a part-time treatment program that integrates into your work and family life. The most well-known outpatient treatment program is the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program.
Long-term residential treatment programs -- Inpatient alcohol addiction recovery programs take place at hospitals and rehab centers. Many are in spa-like environments with all the amenities — pools, saunas, fitness facilities, and wellness programs. The holistic approach to alcohol recovery is an opportunity for personal growth and rejuvenation. These rehabs provide both medical and psychiatric support.
Weekend detox and rehabs -- The many different types of therapeutic weekend alcohol treatment programs enable you to choose a customized treatment plan. Programs range from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to meditation and yoga getaways and equine (horse) therapy. Counseling support is typically provided during weekend recovery programs.
Especially during isolating times, staying connected with your support group is key to ensuring you continue to progress through the stages of alcohol addiction recovery. If you are isolated because of the pandemic or for other reasons, ask your treatment provider for virtual counseling resources. Video calling makes it easy to keep weekly support sessions going with counselors or buddy up with other sufferers of alcohol addiction on the road to recovery.
To learn more, reach out to alcohol addiction recovery programs in your area.
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