Alcohol addiction often results in financial issues, legal problems, damaged relationships, and health concerns. It can also lead to poor work performance and a lack of energy.
The first step toward recovery is becoming aware of the negative impact drinking has on your life. This stage is known as contemplation.
Stage 1: Pre-Contemplation
The contemplation stage is a time when someone begins to recognize that they have a serious problem with alcohol. However, they’re often still in denial and may waffle back and forth between wanting to change and not. They may try to generate periods of abstinence but are often unable to do so. This is because the prefrontal cortex of the brain (responsible for executive functions such as planning, organizing tasks, prioritizing, and making decisions) is compromised by addiction. celebrity net worth
They weigh the positive and negative ramifications of changing their behavior at this stage. Many people in this stage will begin attending support groups or 12-step programs.
When people reach the action phase in an alcohol rehab Louisville, they’ve committed to changing their behavior and are preparing to do so within the next 30 days. They’ve also begun to develop new coping strategies. The goal of this phase is to prevent a relapse and maintain the new behavior change. Many in this stage attend an outpatient treatment program, which offers more flexibility than inpatient rehab and can help reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Stage 2: Contemplation
In this stage, individuals recognize that their drinking is causing negative consequences and that they could benefit from changing their behavior. However, they are not yet ready to take action. They are often defensive about their alcohol use and may resist efforts from others to encourage them to change their ways.
Individuals in the contemplation stage are on a teeter-totter, weighing the pros and cons of changing their behavior. They want to stop drinking but are still determining if they can succeed. They need to be reminded of the positive effects that stopping their bad habit will have in their lives, including improved health, strengthened relationships, and increased self-confidence.
In this stage, an individual is open to discussing strategies for overcoming their addiction and can be encouraged to research the subject. They might even consider attending a support group for alcoholics. However, they are still ambivalent about actually making a change, and this stage can last a long time usa news.
Stage 3: Action
Once you enter this stage of alcohol recovery, it’s time to act. You start to attend a residential treatment program with a safe and alcohol-free environment, medical detox, psychotherapy, group and individual counseling, wellness and fitness activities, experiential workshops, and training on proper nutrition and health.
This is the point at which you start to apply your new skills and coping mechanisms to your life, such as finding alternative ways to have fun without drinking and avoiding triggers that could lead to relapse. You may also start to repair damaged relationships with friends and family members who facilitated or encouraged your alcohol abuse. Usa People Stories
Some people find it helpful to join a support group at this stage to receive and give support from other recovering alcoholics. Lastly, it would help if you started to build healthy, fulfilling relationships that will help motivate you to remain sober. Patience and perseverance are key virtues at this stage of recovery.
Stage 4: Maintenance
At the maintenance stage, guests continue to learn relapse prevention and their warning signs. They will also be able to put their coping skills to the test as they begin living life again in sobriety. Guests will continue to receive behavioral therapy, group and individual counseling, and adventure and activity therapies.
As someone progresses through this stage, they will likely rebuild healthy relationships and prune toxic friendships. They will also continue receiving support from a counselor and may attend alcoholism support groups.
It is important that people don’t try to quit drinking at this point, or they will experience what is called “severe alcohol withdrawal.” Alcohol withdrawal is dangerous because of the way it affects the central nervous system. It can cause seizures and is sometimes fatal. It is important to seek medical detox services if this is the case. Usually, this will occur in Stage 3. However, it is possible to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms in any of the stages. usa online news