Can I Quit Drinking Without Going to Rehab?
What makes alcohol addictive? Researchers have been asking this question for decades. Studies have found that alcohol affects the brain’s reward center, causing the release of feel-good chemicals known as endorphins.
In some people, their brains release more opioids in response to alcohol. They get more pleasure out of drinking and are more likely to fall into the clutches of addiction.
Should I go to rehab? The answer is always yes.
Quitting alcohol can feel like an uphill battle. You may find a new challenge waiting for you at every stage of your journey to sobriety. However, with the support of your loved ones and an empathetic alcohol recovery program near you, you can regain control of your life.
Why Is Going to Rehab is Important?
When a person with a long history of drinking decides to seek sobriety, withdrawal symptoms occur. Going to rehab is important because not only are you entering into a space of support and sobriety, but you are also actively making the commit to help not only improve your own life, but the lives of your housemates as well.
Some signs that the body is alcohol dependent are:
➢ You feel a compelling urge to drink just after waking up in the morning
➢ You are unable to stop once you start drinking
➢ You feel disoriented or irritated when you stop drinking
➢ You constantly worry about when you are going to have the opportunity to drink again
➢ You can’t stop drinking even if you are concerned about the negative effects of alcohol
Some common withdrawal symptoms include depression, fatigue, mood swings, cognitive problems, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and irritability.
In more serious cases, alcoholics who are trying to quit may experience a form of withdrawal known as delirium tremens that can cause a number of problems, including hallucinations, seizures, fevers, and can even be life-threatening.
If you try to quit drinking without going to rehab, you risk ending up in a situation where you cannot access immediate care and support you need if you were to experience severe symptoms.
Resisting Cravings Can Be Challenging
Alcohol is extremely addictive. It can prove to be quite difficult for a person who has been drinking heavily for a long time to cut back on their drinking. This is the main reason why many people relapse.
Several medications are used in detox to help patients overcome cravings. Many clinics give their patients benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants.
In addition to helping cope with painful withdrawal symptoms, these classes of drugs reduce cravings. Naltrexone, a common medication used in detox, is known to block the pleasurable effects of alcohol so that even if the person drinks, they don’t get any pleasure from drinking.
Everyone needs help and you are no less of a person for asking for help. Instead of trying to beat your addiction on your own, connect with an empathetic team focused on your success. To help you conquer your inner demons, your counselor will teach you to identify triggers and avoid them.
Life-Rock is a leading non-profit alcohol recovery program near you. We are committed to helping people with drinking problems get their lives back on track. Start your journey to sobriety today. For men’s help, call (707) 575-9100, and for women’s help, call (707) 575-9599.