Wanting to quit drinking and knowing how to quit drinking are two very different things. While there are plenty of suggestions for people struggling with alcoholism, not all of those suggestions are helpful, effective, or even safe. Use this guide if you’re serious about fighting back against alcohol addiction and striving toward lifelong sobriety.
Do you need to know more about an alcohol addiction rehab program? Call us today at 866.262.0531.
Recognizing the Addiction
The very first step in safely ending an addiction to alcohol is simply recognizing the problem for what it is: alcoholism. All too often, people try to justify their alcohol consumption. This is normal, and it is a natural human response.
There are plenty of reasons that people continue to drink alcohol despite negative consequences. Sometimes, people blame the stress of work, or they point to family or financial problems. Others blame a series of social events, and claim that sobriety through them all would be too challenging.
In reality, there is no defense for alcohol abuse. If you want to know how to quit drinking safely once and for all, you need to recognize and admit the problem to yourself and to others.
Seeking Out Professional Help
Next, remember that you don’t have to fight an alcohol addiction on your own. In fact, doing so would probably be a mistake. No one can be perfect 100% of the time. With a support group surrounding you, you’ll have help when you need it most.
From a safety and health perspective, medical professionals are necessary for the recovery process. Without medical supervision and care, you could be at risk for serious health problems. From an emotional and psychological point of view, having peers who understand your situation is also key. Finally, having the support of family and friends can help those in recovery see their worth and value to the world.
Completing an Alcohol Detox
When you’re ready to figure out how to quit drinking, start with a detox. A detox is simply when with alcohol addictions end all consumption of the substance. Individuals should always choose a medically supervised detox as a way to avoid any unnecessary pain or health complications.
A detox will typically last under two weeks, and it paves the way for recovery. During withdrawal, many clients experience symptoms. These can range from unpleasant to severe, which is why having medical support around is always a smart idea.
Learn How to Quit Drinking by Committing to a Long-Term Plan for Recovery
Withdrawal is a result of chemical addiction to alcohol, but that isn’t the only part of the equation that needs attention. Addiction involves a wide range of factors, many of which you can only address in rehab. Fortunately, alcohol treatment in Portland Oregon is available. At Crestview Recovery, clients can expect comprehensive care and treatments that include all of the following:
Group Therapy
Group therapy involves one or more therapists working with a group of people who are struggling with addiction. The aim of the therapy is to help participants learn how to better manage their addictive behaviors and achieve long-term recovery. Group members share experiences, discuss challenges and find support in each other.
Family Therapy
Family therapy emphasizes understanding and healing the emotional bonds between family members, while recognizing the power of the family unit in influencing recovery. It can involve all members of the family, or just certain individuals. This form of therapy helps people learn how to communicate effectively and work through difficult emotions.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) focuses on teaching skills to help people better manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through DBT, individuals learn how to better identify triggers for their addictive behaviors and develop healthy coping strategies that can be used in place of the addictive behavior.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy designed to help individuals recognize and modify unhealthy thought patterns, beliefs and behaviors. Through CBT, people learn how to identify triggers for their addictive behavior, develop techniques for managing cravings, manage difficult emotions and create healthier habits for long-term recovery.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment is designed to help those who are struggling with both addiction and mental health disorders. Dual diagnosis treatment focuses on understanding the relationship between substance use and mental health, identifying triggers for both issues, and developing strategies for managing symptoms and preventing relapse.
Get the Help You Need Today
Knowing how to quit drinking is the first step toward fighting addiction. At Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon, clients can find the support they need to overcome alcoholism. Take back control over your health and your life by calling 866.262.0531.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
