Detox and the need for AA meetings
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When a person with alcohol dependence makes a decision to rehab, this is only the first step. He becomes a patient taking the first step towards recovery, but there is a long road ahead of him, full of doubts and challenges. Often such a signal for a change is alcohol intoxication in the body to such an extent that it requires medical intervention. The sick person goes to the hospital for detoxification, which saves their health – or life. Unfortunately, it also happens that the alcoholic undergoes several such detoxes, and then sooner or later returns to drinking. Support in the difficult fight against addiction is therapy in a closed ward and regular meetings in the AA group.
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Table of Contents
Is Closed Therapy The Only Solution?
A person who leaves the hospital after a detox is given a lot of useful information. There are a few things to understand first, though – first of all, that he has a serious problem with alcohol. Until he realizes it and accepts that he has become addicted to it, there is little that can be done. His family, relatives or even superiors at work will not be able to influence him, as he will remain in a state of denial. The drug rehabilitation clinic will be for him only a place associated with unpleasant experiences. Possibly, he will reject this solution as not for him, because he does not need to visit her.
Another option often used by addicts at the beginning of their journey is outpatient treatment. They can be called investigative therapy because it involves systematic visits to a special facility and meetings with a therapist. Undoubtedly, this method has its advantages. It allows you to fight addiction without giving up contact with loved ones or everyday activities. As part of it, the patient attends therapy, but stays in the current environment. He gains knowledge about the correct mechanisms in interpersonal relations. He obtains guidance to help him deal with stressful situations without reaching for the bottle. Unfortunately, the current environment is also an area where alcohol functions. There may be friends from the glass, more occasions to drink (e.g. family celebrations), moments of weakness. If the patient lacks motivation or assertiveness, it is likely that he will eventually bend. He will either be persuaded by friends or make the wrong decision himself.
Closed Treatment of an Alcoholic – What is It?
Addicts who know they may not be able to fight on their own have one more option. For them, the only effective options may be remote therapy, toxic friends, and old habits. This is a very sensible approach, especially when you know how dangerous and tricky alcoholism is. Closed treatment takes place in special facilities, often located in picturesque towns. These are modern facilities where patients not only fight addiction. They can also discover new talents, develop interests and, above all, learn to live without looking into a glass.
Read more: My Husband’s Drinking Is Ruining Our Marriage
Inpatient therapy works well for people with weak will, who fear that they will not be able to persevere in the old environment on the basis of the new rules. Depending on the center, it may take one or several months, after which the patient returns home. The return itself will be a test of endurance and strength of character for him. Sometimes it is a shock when a patient realizes how big changes must take place in his life. To remain in these resolutions, he should sign up for AA meetings.
Counseling AA – is it Necessary?
Some might think that the recovery from addiction comes to an end after alcohol detox, outpatient or inpatient therapy. They find it hard to accept that alcoholism cannot be cured. The alcoholic remains sick for the rest of his life, he only changes his status to “dry”. While others may drink a symbolic glass, for him, even a toast at a wedding, may result in the so-called a string. Consequently, the dry (non-drinking) alcoholic must be in control of himself at all times.
In order not to feel like a ticking time bomb, in addition to abstinence, you should sign up for an AA clinic. It is an ideal place for people after such difficult experiences. Often times, relatives are not able to understand what a person recovering from addiction is struggling with. At the clinic, he will receive help that will meet his expectations.
AA Meetings As A Form of Support
Alcoholics Anonymous is not just about people who at one point get lost over drinking. They create a community where they feel completely at ease – often more than in their own home. They share similar experiences and emotions. During the meetings, they share their thoughts with other session members. At the same time, they are sure that they will be well understood, which they cannot always count on among their relatives.
