Alcohol Abuse Treatment - Alcohol Rehab Directory

Like the rest of the country, Louisiana has many residents who suffer with alcohol abuse problems. However, neither alcoholism nor alcohol abuse are necessarily apparent to someone with a drinking problem. The CAGE test is a set of four quick questions designed to detect alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Answering yes to a single CAGE question indicates a possible alcohol abuse problem. Answering yes to two or more questions indicates a high risk of alcohol abuse or alcoholism.

The CAGE Questions

Can you answer "yes" to any of these questions?

• Have you ever felt the need to Cut down on alcohol consumption?
• Are you Annoyed when people question your drinking habits?
• Do you feel Guilty about your alcohol use?
• Have you ever used alcohol as an Eye Opener to recover from a hangover?

Note that the CAGE questions are guidelines, not clear diagnostic criteria. Some people in Louisiana answer no to all four questions, but are still diagnosed with alcoholism or alcohol abuse. If alcohol adversely affects any area of your life, either socially, at work or at home, we can help guide you on your way to recovery.

In Louisiana, those who suffer with alcohol abuse and their loved ones feel such an overwhelming sense of despair, depression and hopelessness that it is sometimes difficult to see that it is possible to be happy. Professionals at Louisiana alcohol abuse treatment centers are well aware of this. They cannot, however, make that first step for you or your loved one. If someone you love is an alcoholic, and you need help, alcohol intervention may be possible and necessary. It is often a loved one who takes that all important first step, and realizes there is light at the end of the tunnel. Many others have come before you in hopes of overcoming alcohol abuse, yet no two circumstances or individuals are exactly the same. That is why no two alcohol abuse treatment program plans are the same. It is normally a combination of techniques that contribute to success at overcoming alcoholism.

What is the first step of alcohol abuse treatment? Louisiana alcohol detox. It is important to understand that an alcohol detox is only the initial step in the recovery process. Alcohol and drug detox programs provide medical stabilization and should not be viewed as complete alcohol rehab. Alcohol rehab programs look to maintain the gains made while in a Louisiana alcohol detox, whilst working towards establishing a firm ground upon which future long-term recovery is to be built.

Stopping alcohol or drug use "cold turkey" can be dangerous and, in some cases, life threatening. One of the goals of Louisiana inpatient alcohol detox or alcohol detox programs is to minimize or manage the symptoms associated with withdrawal, which may include:

• Headaches
• Tremors
• Sweats
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Seizures
• Convulsions

Following alcohol detox, recovering alcoholics will receive support from other addicts as well as by certified Louisiana alcohol rehab counselors to help them deal with their addiction. Recovering alcoholics also learn coping skills so that when they are reintegrated into society they can cope with stresses without relapse. Support - from staff and peers - is also a crucial element of the alcohol rehab facility. The staff at the facility offers an expert understanding of the mental and physical elements of alcohol recovery. They can help provide a "safe landing" for the alcoholic as their body and mind adjust to the days without drinking.

Lastly, do not underestimate the power of the peer group and alcohol rehab facilities. Many individuals with drinking problems have suffered alone, in silence, for many years. These individuals don't believe that anyone is going through a problem that is quite like theirs. Group counseling and peer-group session are an eye-opening occurrence for the recovering alcoholic. They are helped immensely by the fact that others in the room are going through the same issues they are.