It’s estimated that across the world 3 million deaths every year are linked directly to alcohol. This alarming statistic helps explain why so many people are seeking to cut the substance out of their lives.
Unfortunately, depending on your level of addiction to alcohol this can be easier said than done. However, it’s important to remember that alcohol addiction recovery in California isn’t impossible.
Everyone’s recovery journey will look different. But there are steps you can take to maximize your chances of overcoming alcohol addiction.
1. Admit That You Have a Problem
Many people with AUD are in denial about their alcohol abuse. They might admit that drinking causes some negative things in their life, but they’ll deny there’s a problem. There are multiple reasons for this.
For one admitting there’s a problem will require the individual to seek change which can be challenging. However, there’s also a myth in our culture that seeking help for a problem is a weakness.
This simply isn’t true. That’s why it’s so important to not only admit to yourself that you have a drinking problem but also to your loved ones.
While this step might seem small, it’s the most important factor when you choose to overcome addiction. If you can’t acknowledge the problem, there’s no moving forward.
2. Find Support Right Away
Facing your alcohol addiction isn’t something that should be done alone. You need a support network that you can rely on when things get difficult. For starters, this can involve family and friends.
These people are invaluable for helping you through the most difficult stages of recovery. However, if you don’t have family or friends to support you, don’t panic.
There are plenty of anonymous support groups out there that can introduce you to a community of people going through similar circumstances as you. What’s more, there are also mental health and treatment experts you can turn to for support during dark times.
A support system helps remind you that you’re never truly alone during recovery. That’s why it’s important to begin establishing it the first day you plan on seeking recovery.
3. Begin the Detox Process
When you’ve been drinking for a long time, your brain chemistry and body adapt to the substance. That’s why you often need more alcohol to experience the same effects as when you first started drinking.
When you quit alcohol, your body is going to rebel against you through withdrawal symptoms. As this resource notes, these symptoms can be quite serious and painful.
The good news is that these symptoms aren’t permanent. They’re a normal part of the detox process. For most people, the withdrawal symptoms associated with alcoholism tend to last less than a week.
However, ultimately it depends on the severity of your alcohol use disorder. While some people with minor alcohol addiction might be able to detox by themselves cold turkey, this isn’t recommended.
Alcohol detox can come with serious medical repercussions that demand immediate medical attention. That’s why we recommend an inpatient facility during the detox phase.
For one thing, this completely cuts you off from the temptation of alcohol. On top of that, it also gives you access to a staff who can provide immediate medical attention if you require it.
4. Find Treatment
Many people think that detox is the main stage of the alcohol addiction recovery journey. However, the reality is that it’s only the first part. Once your withdrawal symptoms die down, you will need to begin behavioral therapy to help maintain your sobriety.
There are many different evidence-based therapies for alcohol addiction. Some of them include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Contingency management therapy
- Support groups
- Family therapy
You can seek these treatments at an inpatient facility where you’ll live until your treatment is complete. For example, here at Oasis Detox, a nurturing residential program is an important part of our five-step process.
Alternatively, you can also seek these types of treatments through outpatient programs. With these types of programs, you can attend treatment from the comfort of your own home.
5. Establish a Daily Routine
One of the best parts of residential treatment is that it helps you establish a daily schedule. These types of routines can work wonders when leading you to a successful recovery.
Maybe there’s a certain time of the day when you’re more prone to want a drink. A new routine, like exercise, cooking, or reading, can help distract you when these times of day roll around.
6. Know the Tools for Preventing Relapse
Relapse is always a threat to sober individuals recovering from addiction. That’s why it’s important to implement tools that can prevent relapse. One way is to identify potential triggers that can lead to drinking.
You should also acknowledge the thoughts and behavior that lead to drinking. Support groups are another great tool for preventing relapse.
This is especially true for ones that provide you with a sponsor. When you feel a potential relapse coming on, you can reach out to your sponsor to talk you down.
7. Accept the Past
During the lows of your alcohol addiction, it’s likely that you hurt other people. Once your recovery journey is underway, you’ll likely deal with a lot of negative emotions surrounding your past.
However, it’s important to embrace these emotions. If you push them down, you’ll be more likely to drink to deal with them. Instead, come to terms with your past self. Accept that you can’t change the past, but you can change the future.
Need Alcohol Addiction Recovery in California? Contact Oasis Detox Today
We hope this guide helped you learn more about alcohol addiction recovery in California. Here at Oasis Detox, we know that there’s no one-size-fits-all model for treating alcohol addiction.
That’s why we never implement any broad-sweeping alcohol or drug treatment plans. Instead, we treat every person on a case-by-case basis for our California programs.
We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses your body, mind, and soul. So if you’re ready for the addiction recovery service you need, contact us today.
