Binge drinking and frequent drinking have been long-standing issues in the US. If you have concerns about how much you are drinking, you are not alone. A 2015 survey revealed that 26.9 percent of US residents over the age of 18 had participated in binge drinking within the prior month. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) currently impacts 15.5 million adults across the country.
Whether you binge drink or drink excessively or frequently, you are risking harm to yourself and others. Statistics show that alcohol is involved in 60 percent of homicides, fatal burn injuries, and drownings. In addition, 50 percent of all sexual assaults and traumatic injuries involve alcohol. Overall, 40 percent of deaths from motor vehicle accidents, whether by being a drunk driver or encountering a drunk driver are due to alcohol consumption.
Seeking help is an important step to leading a healthier and more fulfilling life. Once you realize the time has come to stop drinking so much, the next step is finding treatment.
Treatment for substance abuse disorders comes in several forms. The most common include residential rehab, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and sober living communities. Some people choose one treatment style, while others combine all three as they move from being early in recovery to becoming very strong.
This allows you to remove yourself from life stresses and concentrate solely on learning to stop drinking and avoid triggers that will cause you to crave alcohol. Residential treatment centers give you a 24/7 supportive environment as you begin your path to recovery. You are surrounded by others who are working their recovery.
This treatment typically involves attending daily sessions that last several hours each for several weeks or months. It can include groups or individual counseling. You remain living at home while spending lots of time learning about addiction and how to avoid a relapse. IOP is often a next step after residential treatment, but for some, it takes the place of residential options.
A sober living community provides a place to live in which everyone else in the house is also in recovery. Typically, there are curfews and meeting requirements. A sober living community gives you the opportunity to reside with other sober individuals, work and strengthen your sobriety before tackling living in regular housing again.
These methods are used individually or as a combination.
If you or someone you love needs help with an alcohol problem, please call The Haven at (801) 533-0070 for answers.
Categories: Education Alcohol Addiction Drug Addiction Treatment Rehabilitation
