Alcoholism Support: Types of Help Available

It is never easy to admit that alcoholism is a problem affecting one’s life. Those who drink too much might be aware that they do, but in their own minds, they could not be classed as ‘alcoholics’. The reason for this is usually because they have a picture in their head of what the stereotypical alcoholic looks like, and it most certainly does not look like them! Recognising that you have a problem is the first step on the road to recovery, and one of the most important aspects of a successful recovery is alcoholism support.

Family Support

Alcoholism is an illness that’s hard to overcome alone. Those with a good strong support network will usually have the best chance of long-term success. Support can come from many sources, however. Here at Recovery.org.uk, we understand that not everyone with alcoholism has the support of their family.

Sometimes, the actions and behaviour of the alcoholic during his or her addiction may have caused a deep rift within the family dynamic. Some family members find it hard to believe that their loved one is finally going to get the help he or she needs, after years of broken promises. They may be resentful of the hurt caused by this individual and might then be unable to open themselves up once more for fear of getting hurt.

That said, it is not impossible to overcome alcoholism without family support. In many instances, alcoholics must rely on the support of other recovering alcoholics as well as counsellors and therapists. It is only when they prove that they are serious about their recovery that they can begin to mend fences with their family members. Before that, they must rely on support from alternative sources.

Professional Support

In most instances, it is wise for those with alcoholism to enrol in a residential clinic for a programme of inpatient care. Staying in a supervised facility where concentrated and intensive care will be provided is an excellent way to get your recovery off to the best possible start.

Those who attend a programme of inpatient treatment will have constant access to support throughout their stay, which will enable them to focus on their recovery. Counsellors and therapists will provide treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, contingency management, one-to-one counselling, and group therapy sessions to promote healthy, sober living.

With this constant access to professional support, it is easier to learn how to avoid temptations and triggers on the outside world. It will also mean the recovering alcoholic learns how to avoid relapse when he or she gets back to normality.

Aftercare Support

The process of residential inpatient treatment allows recovering alcoholics to get sober and learn how to stay sober in the real world. However, moving back home from residential care can be a big step for most people, and so it is often necessary for aftercare support to be put in place.

It is common for recovering alcoholics to think that they are cured upon leaving inpatient treatment, but this is not the case. In fact, moving home after treatment is usually when the individual must be most vigilant. Some experts believe that residential care lulls recovering alcoholics into a false sense of security. Living in a distraction-free environment for so long means that many will find it extremely difficult when they are back with family members and the resulting pressures of everyday life.

It is important that those in recovery receive some form of alcoholism support on the outside so that they have someone to turn to when faced with the inevitable temptations and triggers.

Fellowship Alcoholism Support

You may have already heard of fellowship support programmes such as Alcoholics Anonymous. This group has helped millions of individuals all over the world to maintain their sobriety. It was founded in the 1930s with the aim of helping people to get sober and stay sober.

The idea behind fellowship groups is that members will share their stories and experiences to help inspire and motivate each other. Many recovering alcoholics find the idea of sharing their stories with a group of strangers intimidating in the beginning, but most members will find that they want to share once they are comfortable in their surroundings. Fellowship support groups are popular because they work.

The support these meetings provide to those recovering from illnesses such as alcoholism has proved to be invaluable over the years. Many members like the fact that other members have been through similar experiences to them and that no matter what he or she says, that individual will not be judged. Fellowship support groups offer recovering alcoholics a safe environment and a place where they know they can always go when they are in trouble.

Extra Support

Here at Recovery.org.uk, we are aware that support is an important part of the recovery process. Whether you have the support of your loved ones or not, we want to reassure you that you can contact us here anytime if you are in need of alcoholism support.

We have a dedicated team of professional counsellors, therapists and support staff who are working tirelessly to ensure that those who are struggling with addiction can access the help and support they need to overcome their illnesses.

Many of our staff members have been where you are now; they have been through their recovery journeys and are now working hard to help others get to the point they are at. They are living proof that it is possible to beat addiction, and they can point you in the direction of a treatment facility to suit your needs. Alternatively, they will provide you with a listening ear and some words of wisdom when you are in need of support.

We want to reassure you that our top priority is to help as many people as possible to access treatment for alcoholism and other addictions. Our service is completely free, and you are under no obligation to sign up to anything. If you are in need of extra support, contact us today.