If your alcohol consumption has gone up during isolation, you’re not alone. Many of us have been struggling with high stress levels, uncertainty and loneliness. Alcohol and drug consumption in Delaware and the rest of the United States is on the rise. In addition to increased consumption, there are indications that binge drinking is on the rise among young people.
Additional studies indicate that drunk driving is also on the rise. If you’re worried about yourself or a loved one, it’s time to look for help. What alcohol treatment resources do you have in Delaware? When seeking help, it’s critical that you seek out focused treatment. Getting support during detox is critical to protecting your physical body as you shed the toxins that have built up from alcohol and free the body from the craving and need for alcohol.
However, alcoholism is a complicated disease that will require much more care than just detox. You will also need care to better understand underlying concerns, including
- mental health concerns
- ongoing physical issues that may crop up
- pain and stress management
Many people who develop addictions do so because they’re working to manage physical and emotional pain. Until these concerns are properly addressed and managed, the suffering will continue.
Support is Key
Support during detox may include
- consistent physical monitoring
- measured access to food and water
- protection against self harm
- prescription drugs to reduce the severity of symptoms
Because the symptoms of a physical detox in Delaware can be dangerous both for the addict and their loved ones, getting help from medical professionals to get through the physical risks and psychological dangers of detox is key. It is never safe to detox alone. Additionally, detoxing with the help of a loved one can do irreparable harm to the relationship.
Once the addict has been through detox, quality treatment is critical. This treatment may require the alcoholic to be isolated from family and friends for a time while they receive the monitoring and counseling they need. As they come out of this portion of treatment, family therapy will be necessary to promote healing for all members of the clan.
Treatment Means Family
Cultural shame often means that both the alcoholic and family members believe that once the alcohol use stops, all the problems will stop. This is not only inaccurate, it is destructive to the well-being of the whole family. Children and spouses of alcoholics can learn some very unhealthy patterns and treatment can help. The spouse of an alcoholic may have learned to enable their partner. They may have learned to normalize this behavior and environment in childhood. Growing up with an alcoholic parent can normalize
- chaos
- abuse
- isolation
- self-degradation
Some children of alcoholics grow up to be extremely rigid about alcohol and drug use, making them judgmental and unhappy. Some children of alcoholics grow up to drink themselves. Others grow up and marry alcoholics, moving directly into the role they learned in childhood. Breaking the family cycle of addiction will take time. Not only does this counseling offer relief and healing for the children of an alcoholic, but it will take pressure off the alcoholic as they work through their own treatment and move into recovery.
Individual and Group Options
All members of the family may want to check out both private and group therapy options. It should be noted that there are some who are not comfortable with the 12 Step Program concept. For example, the child of an alcoholic who has survived a chaotic, dangerous home may have a hard time with embracing helplessness. Often, 12 Step Meetings are hosted and monitored by religious organizations.
If church is not a comfortable space for any member of the family, it’s a good idea to seek other support group options. Addiction is a corrosive disease that can hurt for a long time. The shame, crime and punishment mindset around addiction can lead too many to avoid getting the help they need for themselves and their family. Don’t wait for a car wreck, a DUI arrest, or another form of imposed intervention. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 302-842-2390.
