Alcohol Addiction
How do you know if you have an alcohol problem? • Acknowledgement and Denial
treating alcoholism • The Story • The Alta Mira Approach • The Face of Recovery • Outcomes
treating alcoholism • The Story • The Alta Mira Approach • The Face of Recovery • Outcomes
Alcoholism is only one type of an alcohol problem. Alcohol abuse can be just as harmful. A person can abuse alcohol without actually being an alcoholic--that is, he or she may drink too much and too often but still not be dependent on alcohol. Some of the problems linked to alcohol abuse include not being able to meet work, school, or family responsibilities; drunk-driving arrests and car crashes; and drinking-related medical conditions. Under some circumstances, even social or moderate drinking is dangerous--for example, when driving, during pregnancy, or when taking certain medications.
How do you know if you have an alcohol problem?
Have you ever felt like you should cut down on your drinking, or have you been annoyed by people criticizing you about your drinking? Maybe you get up in the morning and the first thing you do is have drink to steady your nerves, or to get rid of a hangover? Do you now, or have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking? If you have felt one of these, then you may have an alcohol problem. If you have felt more than one, then it is highly likely that a problem exists.A definite problem exists if you feel cravings or a strong need to drink, if you lose control when you drink, as to not being able to stop once you've started drinking. A definite problem exists if you feel withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety after stopping drinking. Finally, if you feel your tolerance has increase, that it takes more alcohol to get you "high" a problem exists.
Acknowledgement and Denial
Acknowledging that you or a loved one has a problem with Alcohol, or any addiction for that matter can be a challenge. An alcoholic can't be forced to get help except under certain circumstances, such as a traffic violation or arrest that results in court-ordered treatment. Many alcoholism treatment specialists have some suggestions to help you get yourself or a loved one to treatment before a crisis occurs.Stop covering up the problem. People who are alcoholics, or who have a friend or family member who is an alcoholic often find excuses, or try to protect from the results of their over drinking. The important thing is to not cover up and allow them to experience the full consequences for their drinking.
Intervention is an incredible tool when dealing with alcoholics who are in denial of their problem. An intervention can be emotional and reactive which can be counterproductive unless you have an interventionist at the time of the intervention to mediate for the family. For an interventionist referral, please call 866.922.1350.
Once the alcoholic acknowledges they have problem, the next step would be to seek treatment. Some alcoholics may think they can kick the addiction on their own, or may look at treatment as a punishment. You must understand, or explain to the drinker that treatment is not a punishment, but a solution to a very serious problem. It is important for the drinker to know that they are not alone. Before, during and after treatment, the road to recovery is long and support from friends, family and loved ones is very important.
Treating Alcoholism
Unfortunately there is no magical, all powerful pill that will cure alcoholism. Even if an alcoholic hasn't been drinking for a long time, he or she can still suffer a relapse. Abstinence is the safest course for most people with alcoholism. However, the good news is, alcoholism can be treated. Treatment has helped many people stop drinking and rebuild their lives.Alcoholism treatment works for many people. Some people stop drinking and remain sober. Others have long periods of sobriety with bouts of relapse. And still others cannot stop drinking for any length of time. With treatment, one thing is clear, however: the longer a person abstains from alcohol, the more likely he or she will be able to stay sober.
"The Story"
Our lives are situated in our "stories." A life is created through the enactment of our stories - stories we tell ourselves, stories we tell others, stories that are told about us , and the cultural stories that surround us. Creating a story about ourselves results in our living out that story .We strive to become who we describe ourselves to be. We perform the roles created by our stories. We make choices and undergo experiences that are defined by the "story."Telling a new or slightly different story may require a shift or change in perspective, which then creates new experiences. Our choices and perception of our own responsibility may then change to fit this new perspective .These transformations take place through the ongoing interaction and interpretation between story and experience. New knowledge may be acquired as experience transpires and a new "story" evolves.
Alta Mira Treatment Programs mission is to illuminate, in a compassionate manner, the choices, the experiences and the responsibility inherent to the creation and fulfillment of a new and different personal life story and to identify the impact of that life story as it intersects with others and their unfolding life stories .This is the process by which individuals create culture and become critically conscious human beings capable of having meaningful interactions with others.
Most of us hold our stories to be quite sacred, in that they are highly personal and we take ownership of them . However, they are not necessarily spiritual. The spiritual dimensions of the story take hold when we connect to a larger audience.
This is an invitation to be an active participant in your own life and discover your relationship to the mystery of living. "Stories" are more about meanings than facts. If you can make sense of your story, you can change it . No one can tell another person how to change their story - that is a personal and spiritual process. Truth is an independent decision.
Alcoholism is a multi-faceted problem; there are medical, psychological, emotional, spiritual and lifestyle components. There is no easy solution to the myriad of problems that alcoholism creates. However, there is a way to begin to unravel the web of confusion that surrounds addictive behavior; that is to go to the source - and the source is you. There is no getting around the fact that you make choices to support your addictive lifestyle and there is no arguing that you are responsible for the path of your own life. Alta Mira Treatment Programs provides the opportunity and support that will allow you, if you so choose, to create your new "story."
The Alta Mira Approach
Why choose Alta Mira? Here at Alta Mira we do things a little differently. We use a unique blend of conventional and integrated therapies allows the client to get at the root cause of their struggles from every angle; emotional, physical and spiritual, allowing for a complete and rejuvenating healing experience to transform their life to begin living from a place of wholeness and freedom within themselves and their relationships. We have a blend of traditional and non-traditional activities that are designed to improve mental and physical energy, enhance focus and mental clarity, elevate mood, improve sleep, increase your ability to identify beliefs and feelings, increase your understanding of choice and personal responsibility, develop a basis for connection to the world around you, increase self-care capabilities and identify spiritual connections; to discover and honor your "truth."The Face of Recovery
"Before you can recover, you must discover."
Our approach to addressing these issues involves individual and group experiences that will support you in discovering your truth. Drug and alcohol rehab at Alta Mira Treatment Programs is based on discovery. The path you take will be the path you create. Each path of inquiry provides something of value - some hint , some direction, some new insight on the voyage of discovery. A book, a teacher, a new experience, a therapist cannot provide you with the answer, but many combined resources can provide clues that you, yourself, must put together in your own unique way, to unlock the mystery.
We provide an environment that supports change and transformation. Your journey here will include an intense look inward and a call to action. We challenge your investment to holding on to old patterns that bring old results. We challenge you to change. You will have the opportunity to recreate your path through a blending of both conventional and integrative services, including, but not limited to:
- A medical, psychological and nutritional assessment to help develop a healing plan
- Individual, twice weekly sessions with your primary therapist to help you process your experiences
- Group therapy at least three times per week, as well as a variety of group activities, both on and off campus. You will encounter a number of different professional facilitators with expertise in their particular specialty areas (i.e. Equine Therapy, Adventure Therapy, Four Agreements, etc.)
- Optional IV, Oral and Dietary Nutrient Therapy to rebalance brain and body chemistry quickly
- Regular body work such as exercise, yoga, massage, and acupuncture will help you detoxify, heal, grow and relax
- Self-directed, individual growth experiences through literature, self-instructional CDs, DVDs and videos. Journaling is encouraged to record and track your experiences
- Attendance at support group meetings of your choice ( with staff approval ) at least twice per week and attendance at community meetings
- Participation in Experiential Groups where the primary focus will be on intense, personal experiences that will surprise and enlighten you
- Attendance at educational seminars on a variety of subjects (i.e. Nutrition, Sleep Hygiene, Native American Practices, etc. ) related to recovery, growth, healing, and transformation
- Close work with your Program Director and Support Team to develop and implement a program that is appropriate and effective for you
- Family Therapy to gain insight into interpersonal dynamics
Outcomes
The blending of traditional and non-traditional activities is designed to improve mental and physical energy, enhance focus and mental clarity, elevate mood, improve sleep, increase your ability to identify beliefs and feelings, increase your understanding of choice and personal responsibility, develop a basis for connection to the world around you, increase self-care capabilities and identify spiritual connections; to discover and honor your "truth."Areas of Focus
Utilizing the methods previously mentioned we will address issues in different realms to help you achieve the desired Outcomes. We will bring focus to the following areas (and probably more) :- Heightening Awareness
- Uncovering "your story"
- How do you defend and maintain you story? (Cognitive)
*Ego/image
*Illusion of control/power
*Tolerance for insanity (yours/others)
*Grandiosity/self centeredness
*Alienation/detachment
* Beliefs/judgments
* Fears - How do you distract yourself from the "truth"? (Behavioral)
*Addictions
*Attachments
*Drama
*Work/play
*"Stuff"
- Increasing Clarity
- What do you say you want?
*Values
*Actions - What are you attached to?
- What can you "let go" of?
- What do you say you want?
- Learning Free Choice and Personal Responsibility
- What do you really want?
- What are you willing to do?
- What are you committed to?
- What truth will you live?
The Tools
These above questions help define your direction for a new path and the tools to clear that path. Your level of willingness to be responsible for new and different choices determines the depth and applicability of your discoveries. Some of the tools to assist your learning to be responsible for yourself and to others are:- Individual reflection
- Active, honest feedback from staff and peers
- The Four Agreements
- Meditation/Mindfulness/Breathing
- Journaling
- Self-care skills
- Body and energy work
- Awareness
- Participation (showing up)
- Honesty
- Nature
- Spirit
- Nutritional enhancement