Recovering from alcoholism is an ongoing journey that may not always be linear. Alcohol use disorder – the clinical term for alcoholism – is widely recognized as a chronic and relapsing brain condition. Although incurable, alcohol use disorder is also highly treatable. Read on to learn more about how to recover from alcoholism if you need help for yourself or a loved one.
What Are The Steps of Recovery?
What steps must an alcoholic take during the recovery process, then? There are many steps to recover from alcoholism, and everyone will have a unique experience of recovery. The process involves both medical intervention and personal commitment, unfolding through the following stages:
- Admitting the problem: The foundational step in recovery is acknowledging the existence of a problem with alcohol abuse. This realization is essential for moving forward and is often the most challenging part, as it may require confronting denial and accepting the need for change.
- Seeking help: Once the problem is acknowledged, the next step is to seek professional help. This can involve reaching out to a healthcare provider, addiction specialist, or a support organization dedicated to helping individuals with substance use disorders.
- Detoxification under medical supervision: Detox is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of a substance while managing the symptoms of withdrawal. Due to the potential severity of withdrawal symptoms, it’s safest to undergo detox under medical supervision, where healthcare professionals can provide care and support.
- Inpatient or outpatient rehab: Rehab programs are designed to help people understand their addictions, develop coping strategies, and build supportive networks. Depending on the severity of the addiction and individual circumstances, treatment can be pursued in an inpatient setting, which offers a structured residential environment, or through outpatient programs, which provide greater flexibility and affordability.
- Aftercare: Recovery doesn’t end with the completion of a rehab program, though. Aftercare is integral to maintaining sobriety and may involve ongoing therapy, counseling, and participation in support groups. This phase helps people cope with the stressors of everyday life without returning to substance use.
- Support groups: Engaging with support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) provides a community of individuals who share similar experiences and challenges. These groups offer emotional support, accountability, and encouragement for those pursuing long-term recovery.
12 Steps to Recovery From Alcoholism
The journey to recovery from alcoholism is deeply personal, yet many find structure and support in the principles of the 12 Steps, originally developed by AA. How are these steps applicable to recovery from alcoholism, then?
1) Acceptance
The first step is recognizing that you are unable to control your alcohol consumption and that your life has been rendered unmanageable as a result. This acceptance is the cornerstone of recovery, marking the moment of realization that change is necessary.
2) Trust
Developing a belief in a power greater than yourself that can restore sanity involves opening up to the possibility of external help and guidance. This step helps to instill a sense of trust in the journey ahead.
3) Liberation
Making a decision to turn your will and your life over to the care of a higher power means relinquishing control over the addiction and trusting in a broader recovery process. Many people find this step immensely liberating.
4) Understanding
Conducting a frank moral self-inventory can help people looking to move beyond alcohol abuse.
Through honesty and introspection, people can identify behaviors underpinning addiction.
5) Acknowledgement
The fifth step of AA is the admission of the nature of mistakes made. This step is essential for moving forward, breaking down the walls of denial and isolation.
6) Freedom
Being ready to have the higher power remove any defects of character is a less direct step. This willingness is a declaration of the desire to be free from the chains of addiction, opening the path to change.
7) Growth
Humbly asking the higher power to remove shortcomings is about growth and the understanding that personal improvement is a key element of recovery.
8) Reflection
Making a list of all those harmed and becoming willing to make amends to them all is the eighth step of Alcoholics Anonymous. Reflection leads to recognition of the impact of actions on others.
9) Forgiveness
Making direct amends when possible, except when to do so would hurt the person or others. This step is about healing relationships and making peace with the past.
10) Continuity
Continuing to take personal inventory and promptly admitting wrongs is an ongoing process which ensures that recovery is a dynamic journey of self-improvement.
11) Connection
Seeking through meditation or prayer to increase conscious contact with the higher power involves maintaining and nourishing a spiritual connection.
12) Helping Others
The final step of AA involves helping others by carrying the message to anyone battling alcohol addiction.
Through these 12 steps, many people find a framework not just for abstaining from alcohol, but for living a life enriched with purpose, connection, and serenity.
Getting Help for Alcoholism
Now you know how to recover from alcoholism, how can you go about engaging with the help you need?
Shortcut your search for immersive inpatient treatment and reach out to California Detox for targeted and effective treatment.
Get Treatment for Alcohol Addiction at California Detox
The long-term effects of alcoholism can be devastating if untreated. Almost all alcohol use disorders respond well to personalized and evidence-based treatments, though. We can help you with this at California Detox.
Most people who are dependent on alcohol require assistance with withdrawal. Begin your recovery the right way with our medical detox program, where you can access medications and continuous care as you overcome dependence and prepare yourself for ongoing treatment.
California Detox inpatient treatment programs for alcoholism provide the most structured and immersive route to sustained recovery. All treatment programs are targeted to individual needs, drawing from therapies such as:
- Talk therapies
- Motivational therapies
- MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
- Family therapy
- Group & individual therapy
- Dual diagnosis
- Holistic treatments
- Aftercare planning
Call admissions today at 949.694.8305 and begin your recovery from alcohol addiction tomorrow.