Columbia, Missouri is Battling Alcoholism
Colombia, Missouri is built upon forest hills and close to the river. Despite the beauty of the city, Colombia has an alcohol problem. There are a multitude of individuals who are battling alcoholism. Alcohol is the number one drug problem in the United States. Drinking is communal in all cultures today, and has been for many years. A Better Today understands that alcoholism affects each individual differently. It could be difficult to differ between a moderate drinker and an individual abusing alcohol. However, our facility is here to help. While struggling, the alcohol possesses the drinker, taking over their mind, body and soul. The abuser is in a constant battle with their mind, justifying their drinking, regardless of the consequences. Therefore, the suffering person fails to realize the internal and external damage they have caused.
The Risks of Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol takes a toll most internal organs–including the liver and brain. Alcohol affects a part of the brain called the cerebellum and excessive drinking causes difficulty in controlling judgement, movement, speech and memory. That said, excessive drinking could potentially lead to death.
Alcohol abuse and the liver do not mix well together. Excessive drinking can cause liver inflammations including steatosis and cirrhosis.
Steatosis is caused by buildup of fat in the liver due to alcohol abuse, making it difficult for the liver to function properly. Steatosis is the earliest stage in alcohol-related liver disease but can be reversed by abstinence. If the abuser refuses to stop drinking, the chances of developing cirrhosis increase.
Cirrhosis cannot be reversed with alcohol abstinence. Cirrhosis is caused by scaring and is the most advanced of alcohol-related liver disease. While abstinence will not reverse cirrhosis, it could prevent further damage. Excessive drinking is not limited to health implications. It also comes with external consequences such as legal repercussions, financial consequences and strains relationships with family and friends.
Alcohol distresses the abuser as well as personal relationships. It is common for close friends/family to feel obligated to make excuses for the suffering person. The constant worry about what mess have they caused now or what lie do I have to tell next, can cause grave emotional damage. Consequently, straining relationships.
For many years alcoholism has been viewed by society as a crime. As such, we have been punishing those with imprisonment which recent studies has proven to be ineffective and inhumane. Recovery requires a complete renovation of the mind, body and soul. Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease and recovery is a lifetime journey not a destination.
Alcohol Detox
The goal of detox is to rid the body from toxins alcohol accumulates. Alcohol abuse causes individuals to suffer from withdrawals. Excessive drinking makes the suffering person to become mentally and physically dependent on the effects alcohol carries. Therefore, withdrawals take place when an individual decreases alcohol intake or stops drinking completely. Depending upon the regularity of alcohol intake, will determine the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can be fatal if not medically supervised and could result in death if undertaken alone.
Some minor symptoms of withdrawal include; sweating, nervousness, insomnia, irritability, nausea, trembling, constipation or diarrhea, depression and difficulty concentrating. Rarely, there are major symptoms of withdrawal that include; seizures and hallucinations. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately.
A Better Today offers a medically assisted withdrawal period. Detoxifying the body with medical assistance is vital in any treatment plan. It could be difficult for your loved one to concentrate on their recovery while withdrawals are existent. However, once clear-headed, the suffering person will be capable of working on disputes that may have triggered drinking.
Quality Care Is Provided
Once the body has been rid from all toxins alcohol accumulates, your loved one can take the next step. Continuing on in recovery depends upon continuing in treatment. Upon arrival at A Better Today, the alcohol abuser will meet with an educated therapist. A physiological evaluation will be given where a personalized treatment plan will be developed. All our therapists have a master’s level or higher degree and are trained in addiction as well as co-occurring disorders. A Better Today is a dual diagnosis facility. Our encouraging staff understands that alcohol abuse is merely symptom of a larger issue. Getting to the root of all co-occurring disorders that have consolidated in your loved one is our goal. We want nothing more for someone struggling with alcohol abuse than a lifetime of sobriety and happiness.
Patterns created in active alcoholism can be hard to break. The endless obsession over how to get that next drink will not leave your loved one immediately, it takes time. It is common for the attitude developed in active drinking will linger just like the obsession. It is vital to change destructive patterns for new, healthier patterns to continue on in recovery. With patterns being so hard to break, it is recommended for everyone to travel for treatment.
Being in a familiar environment causes temptation. However, removing your loved one from what they are used to, could make the chances of him/her resorting back to liquor decrease. When the suffering person is removed from their drinking buddies, lifestyles and daily routines a successful recovery is feasible.
A Better Today understands alcoholism is not a “one-size-fits-all” disease. Therefore, we offer numerous therapy options such as music and art therapy, yoga and exercise. As well as group and individual therapy.
Without the use of alcohol, one may have difficulties connecting with others. Group therapy will build confidence, allowing the suffering person to feel comfortable communicating without liquor. Working with others will also show them that they are not fighting this battle alone. Regardless the situation, group therapy helps to develop lost social skills.
Each of our clients have different strengths and weaknesses – alcoholism affects each person differently. Individual therapy is where the therapist will address personal issues one-on-one. A personalized treatment plan will be created in individual therapy, setting your love one up for success in the future. Transitional and sober livings offer a safe and structured environment, making it less likely the alcohol abuser will suffer a relapse. In our state-of-the-art facility we provide quality care. A Better Today focuses on building confidence and a strong foundation to grow in recovery.
It Does Not Stop There
There are a multitude of triggers and temptation in the real world. Stepping down from the security of inpatient care and applying the tools learned could prevent a possible relapse. It is recommended to participate in outpatient programs while living in a sober or transitional living home.
Sober and transitional livings provide 24-hour supervision, allowing your loved one to rebuild and learn how to live life without alcohol in a safe environment. The recovering person should feel confident and ready to take on daily responsibilities without the use of alcohol. A Better Today does not only teach individuals to live without alcohol, we aim to help them have a better quality of life.
Recovery is Possible
An individual struggling with alcohol abuse usually has a problem admitting to their alcoholism. It is so emotionally overwhelming, sometimes it is easier to ignore the problem. Alcoholism can accumulate from abuse, neglect, mental illness and a feeling of failure. Alcoholism is a progressive disease and does not happen overnight. It is a challenge to stop drinking, but is possible. An individual typically does not want to stop drinking but more than likely is scared to stop. This is where an intervention would be beneficial.
An intervention should be held in a trigger free environment. An intervention needs to create a positive environment, surrounding the loved one struggling with alcohol abuse with people who care about them and their future. It is best to exclude individuals who have had an abusive past with the suffering person in order to maintain a comfortable environment, ensuring your loved one doesn’t feel attacked. Choosing a strong team is vital. A team can include spouse, children, parents, close friends and other family members. Staging an intervention may be an obligatory step in your loved one’s treatment plan. The goal of an intervention is to have your loved one decide to enter treatment to deal with their alcohol abuse.
What if I cannot Afford Treatment?
Whatever the financial circumstances, A Better Today will work with you and find the best treatment possible. Our facility accepts and works with most private insurance companies and with their help, most if not all of treatment may be covered. However, insurance is not the only option A Better Today offers we have scholarships available for those not financing treatment with insurance and offer affordable payment plans so treatment is always in reach. Do not wait until it is too late. Call A Better Today now for a better tomorrow (520) 288-8484.
