Treatment FAQ

how to tel l ork i need to enter treatment for alcohol abuse

by Prof. Tremayne Huel II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

What is this guide for alcoholics?

Apr 04, 2022 · If the answer is “yes” to at least 2 of these patterns of behavior over the last 12 months, an AUD may be the cause: 2. Have consumed alcohol in larger amounts over longer periods of time. Have tried to cut down or stop drinking alcohol without success. Have cravings, or a strong desire or urge to drink alcohol.

When to seek help for an alcoholic?

Mar 28, 2018 · But, the number of people who actually attend is far lower than the number of those who need help. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 23.5 million people over the age of 12 needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse problem in 2009, but only 2.6 million actually received that treatment. 2

How do I find the right alcohol rehabilitation program for me?

Options for Treatment . When asked how alcohol problems are treated, people commonly think of 12-step programs or 28-day inpatient rehab, but may have dificulty naming other options. In fact, there are a variety of treatment methods currently available, thanks to signiicant advances in the ield over the past 60 years.

How do you deal with an employee who is an alcoholic?

A high tolerance is a sign that you are drinking too much and causing damage to your body. When it takes four drinks to achieve the alcohol buzz you used to get from just two drinks, it’s one of the signs of a need for treatment. When the body deals with an overdose of alcohol on a regular basis, it learns to compensate and minimize the damage.

Can my work send me to rehab?

Your employer cannot discriminate against you if you have a history of drug addiction but are no longer actively abusing substances. The FMLA protects you if you take leave for a serious health condition. You can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off from work per year under the FMLA to attend rehab.Apr 25, 2022

Should I tell my boss I have a drinking problem?

As long as you stay positive and know your rights, telling your employer about your addiction can help you stay sober and cope with triggers in the workplace, which can go a long way toward helping you stay sober for the long-term.Oct 13, 2021

What are the 4 levels of the addiction process?

While there are many factors that contribute to drug and alcohol addiction, including genetic and environmental influences, socioeconomic status, and preexisting mental health conditions, most professionals within the field of addiction agree that there are four main stages of addiction: experimentation, regular use, ...

What is the first step in the treatment process for addiction?

Detoxification is normally the first step in treatment. This involves clearing a substance from the body and limiting withdrawal reactions. In 80 percent of cases, a treatment clinic will use medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).Nov 2, 2018

Can my employer sack me for being an alcoholic?

Employers must act in accordance with any staff policies on drug and alcohol abuse and ensure a fair performance management process is followed. To dismiss an employee for alcohol related reasons an employer could potentially rely on conduct, capability or some other substantial reason depending on the circumstances.Jan 17, 2020

Can you be sacked for being an alcoholic?

You can't sack an employee because they have a drink problem but disciplinary action should be taken if this is causing other issues, e.g. poor performance or health and safety concerns. Our alcohol and drugs policy makes this clear and allows you to dismiss those found to be under the influence at work.Jan 13, 2015

What's the first stage of addiction?

Stage 1: Initiation

The first stage of addiction is called initiation, during which time the individual tries a substance for the first time.

What are the five phases of addiction?

5 Stages of Addiction
  • Experimentation. This first stage of drug or alcohol addiction can be difficult to catch on to, especially if a loved one is trying a substance for the first time. ...
  • Regular use. ...
  • Risky use. ...
  • Dependence. ...
  • Addiction.

What is the path of addiction?

Stages Of Addictive Behavior. Most models divide the progress of addiction symptoms into 4-5 stages. These begin with Experimentation or Voluntary Use and move into Regular Use, Problem Use, Dependence, and Addiction.

How do you write a treatment plan for substance abuse?

Here are the main elements of a treatment plan.
  1. Diagnostic Summary. Your provider will review your substance use patterns, medical history, and mental health conditions. ...
  2. Problem List. ...
  3. Goals. ...
  4. Objectives. ...
  5. Interventions. ...
  6. Tracking and Evaluating Progress. ...
  7. Planning Long-Term Care.

What are four short term effects of alcohol?

The short-term effects of a single occasion of drinking too much alcohol can include:
  • lowered inhibitions.
  • interpersonal conflict.
  • falls and accidents.
  • altered behaviour – including risky or violent behaviour.
  • hangover.
  • alcohol poisoning.

What is the first step in any drug treatment program?

Recognizing and accepting the problem

Most recovery professionals and recovering drug users often agree that the first step is recognizing the fact that you have an addiction problem.
Oct 23, 2020

How does alcohol affect people?

Drinking too much alcohol can lead to problems that affect several areas of a person’s life. As drinking progresses, a person may begin to isolate themselves from their family to drink. They may frequently call in sick to work or avoid social gatherings. They may end up with a suspended or revoked driver’s license from drinking and driving, making it difficult to meet family or work responsibilities. 2,3 And, though many people with alcohol use disorder continue to live with their families and function to some extent at their jobs, alcoholism rates are relatively high among the homeless, potentially reflecting a decline in social and occupational functioning among this group. 2

What is aftercare in rehab?

This way, you will be prepared for your post-rehabilitation life and for any specific therapeutic services you’ll need. Therapy appointments will be scheduled to help you to maintain your sobriety after you are discharged from rehab. Your unique strengths and weaknesses will help determine what goes into your aftercare plan.

What is aftercare in alcohol rehab?

Many of the aftercare methods below are extensions of similar or even the same types of therapy a person receives in primary treatment. Aftercare is of the word used to describe long-term, ongoing treatment that begins once intensive forms of rehabilitation end and is designed to provide additional support and help prevent relapse. 13

Can alcohol use disorders be treated?

Although there is currently no cure for alcohol use disorders, AUDs (much like many other chronic, relapsing diseases) can be successfully managed and treated. 1 Professional treatment in a rehabilitation center can help people suffering with AUDs recover from substance abuse issues and remain sober. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an AUD, you will likely benefit from some form of treatment.

How effective is alcoholism treatment?

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, treatment for alcoholism is an effective way to help you stop drinking and reclaim control of your life. You don’t need to continue to suffer from ...

What is the medical term for alcoholism?

The colloquial term “alcoholism” is commonly used to describe alcohol use disorder (AUD), a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control unhealthy alcohol use despite adverse consequences. Brain changes resulting from long-term alcohol use or misuse perpetuate AUDs.

What is AUD in medical terms?

Alcoholism, clinically referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a common, chronic, and sometimes-progressive medical condition that involves the compulsive consumption of alcohol . Such maladaptive patterns of drinking can lead to several serious social, familial, and physical consequences.

Is there a cure for alcohol use disorder?

Although there is currently no cure for alcohol use disorders, AUDs (much like many other chronic, relapsing diseases) can be successfully managed and treated. 1 Professional treatment in a rehabilitation center can help people suffering with AUDs recover from substance abuse issues and remain sober.

Is detoxification a long term treatment?

Detox is an ideal first step toward recovery from an AUD, but detoxification alone is rarely sufficient in helping a person achieve long-term abstinence. 7 Detoxification is a set of interventions that are designed to help someone safely and comfortably withdraw from alcohol, which will then position a person to transition into a formal and typically longer-lasting treatment program.

How to help someone who is addicted to drugs?

Step 1: Learn about addiction and treatment. Step 2: Make an intervention plan. Step 3: Be objective and control emotions. Step 4: Avoid judgment. Step 5: Admit the individual to treatment immediately. Step 6: Remember self-care. When a person becomes concerned about a loved one’s drinking or drug use, it can be difficult to know what to do. ...

What are the options for treatment?

The options for treatment and when they are used: Inpatient care, outpatient treatment, aftercare, therapy, alternative treatments – each of these has a place, depending on the individual’s readiness for treatment, the degree of the abuse or addiction, and whether or not there is a high risk of relapse for the individual.

Can you confront someone about addiction?

To put it bluntly, it can be difficult to confront a loved one about addiction if the family member or friend initiating the conversation doesn’t know much about addiction and treatment options. Because of this, the first thing to do is learn about addiction and what causes it, what it does to the individual’s brain and behavior, and why treatment is necessary.

Can someone who has never had an addiction have an addiction problem?

People who have never had an addiction problem may find it hard to understand why loved ones struggle with addiction. With all of the opinions and ideas about addiction that are presented throughout society, it can be easy to become judgmental of the person who is struggling with addiction and dismissive of the issues that may have led to the problems with drugs and alcohol.

What is the NIDA?

The mechanism and causes of addiction: The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is a great resource for understanding what addiction is, how it happens, and what types of intervention are most likely to help an individual recover from it. This can be highly useful in helping someone understand why treatment is needed.

How to deal with addiction issues?

Because issues with addiction can spiral out of control, it is important that you talk to your boss as soon as you can. Having an upfront, honest conversation can save you from losing your job down the line. Do your research. Learn about your company’s policies.

What are the laws regarding drug use?

Below is an overview of laws that are useful to know about your drug or alcohol use: 6 1 If you are currently using illegal drugs, you do not qualify as an individual with a disability if your employer decides to take action concerning your drug use. 2 Your employer cannot discriminate against you if you have a history of drug addiction but are no longer actively abusing substances. 3 The FMLA protects you if you take leave for a serious health condition. 4 You can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off from work per year under the FMLA to attend rehab. 5 Your employer can ban the illegal use of drugs at your workplace. 6 It is not a violation of the ADA for an employer to give tests for the illegal use of drugs. 7 You can be fired or denied employment if you are currently using illegal drugs. 8 Your employer can conduct drug tests to detect the use of illegal drugs.

Can an employer take a drug test?

An employer can drug test at any time. If you are applying for a position, you may be required to take a drug test as a condition of your job offer. You may also be required to take drug tests even if the drug test is not related to your position or necessary for the business.

Can an employer discriminate against an employee based on disability?

Also learn some tips on how to prepare to talk to your boss about taking medical leave for treatment. Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on disability. Many people with past or current drug or alcohol problems are protected from discrimination by: 1.

How long is FMLA?

FMLA gives employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period for certain qualifying reasons. 4 One qualifying reason for leave is a serious health condition by which your healthcare provider finds you unable to work at all or unable to perform any one of the essential functions of your job.

How many hours do you have to work to get FMLA?

You must have been employed by a covered employer for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours during the year before you take leave.

What is the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits most employers from refusing to hire, firing, or discriminating against qualified potential employees based on their disability. The law protects workers in recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction and qualifies addiction as a disability. 6

What is AA peer support?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. Combined with treatment led by health professionals, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support.

Why is matching the right therapy to the individual important?

Matching the right therapy to the individual is important to its success . No single treatment will benefit everyone. It may also be helpful to determine whether treatment will be adapted to meet changing needs as they arise.

What is AUD in medical terms?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that doctors diagnose when a patient’s drinking causes distress or harm. The condition can range from mild to severe and is diagnosed when a patient answers “yes” to two or more of the following questions.

What is the NIAAA working on?

By studying the underlying causes of alcoholism in the brain and body, NIAAA is working to identify key cellular or molecular structures — called “targets” — that could lead to the development of new medications.

Does drinking cause anxiety?

Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand with heavy drinking. Studies show that people who are alcohol dependent are two to three times as likely to suffer from major depression or anxiety over their lifetime. When addressing drinking problems, it’s important to also seek treatment for any accompanying medical and mental health issues.

What is behavioral therapy?

Also known as alcohol counseling, behavioral treatments involve working with a health professional to identify and help change the behaviors that lead to heavy drinking. Behavioral treatments share certain features, which can include:

Can you stop drinking alcohol without help?

Alcohol abuse is one of the world’s most abused substances, and similar to other addictive substances, it can be difficult to stop drinking completely without professional help. Alcohol addiction recovery takes time and effort, but is absolutely possible.

Is it possible to recover from alcohol addiction?

Alcohol addiction recovery takes time and effort, but is absolutely possible. Knowing more about the features of an alcohol use disorder as well as the available rehabilitation options can help you find the best alcohol treatment for yourself or someone close to you.

Can you stop drinking cold turkey?

While this may be true for some, stopping cold turkey can not only be difficult but also ill-advised, as the acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome may be life-threatening if not managed properly.

What is AUD in medical terms?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA) characterizes AUD as a chronic relapsing brain disease illustrated by compulsive alcohol use, a negative emotional state when not using, and loss of control over alcohol intake. 1. But how much alcohol consumption is considered at risk for abuse (AUD and what constitutes “moderate” use? ...

How long does it take for alcohol withdrawal to start?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually start within five to ten hours after the last drink has been consumed and can last for days afterwards. Symptoms get worse within 48 to 72 hours and may last for weeks after the last drink, depending on how much was drunk. The symptoms of withdrawal include anxiety, depression, fatigue, clammy skin, shaking, headache, nausea and vomiting, sweating, and tremors. One of the worst signs is delirium tremens, which is a result of extreme alcohol withdrawal and can cause agitation, severe confusion, hallucinations, fever, and seizures. Alcohol withdrawal is more life-threatening than any other withdrawal, including heroin. Alcohol withdrawal should ideally occur under a doctor’s care at a detox center to help the patient safely through the process.

Can you mix alcohol with prescription drugs?

Alcohol should not be mixed with certain prescription medications, and if you are unable to refrain from drinking while taking your prescriptions, it indicates a lack of control that can grow exponentially worse with the addition of doctor-prescribed mood-altering substances.

How does alcoholism affect your family?

Alcoholism ruins marriages and can rip families apart, and damaged personal relationships are signs that cannot be ignored. If your parents or children have lost their trust in you or resent you for neglectful, violent, or abusive behavior, it could be time for you to check into detox. Children who are raised by alcoholic parents are at a higher risk of growing up to be alcoholics themselves, neglecting and abusing their own children due to drinking. Symptoms of alcoholism can easily transfer from one generation to the next, and a treatment center can help stop the cycle of destruction as parents learn to live sober, happy, and free while teaching their children to live without alcohol.

How do you know if you are drinking too much?

1) Tolerance. The first and biggest sign of alcoholism is increased tolerance, or the ability to consume ever-increasing amounts of alcohol without feeling the effects. A high tolerance is a sign that you are drinking too much and causing damage to your body. When it takes four drinks to achieve the alcohol buzz you used to get from just two ...

What does it mean when you have a high tolerance for alcohol?

A high tolerance is a sign that you are drinking too much and causing damage to your body. When it takes four drinks to achieve the alcohol buzz you used to get from just two drinks, it’s one of the signs of a need for treatment. When the body deals with an overdose of alcohol on a regular basis, it learns to compensate and minimize the damage.

What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?

The symptoms of withdrawal include anxiety, depression, fatigue, clammy skin, shaking, headache, nausea and vomiting, sweating, and tremors. One of the worst signs is delirium tremens, which is a result of extreme alcohol withdrawal and can cause agitation, severe confusion, hallucinations, fever, and seizures.

How do you know if you have alcohlism?

Failing at school, losing your job, neglecting your children, and failing to meet your commitments are all clear signs of alcohlism. Calling in sick to work due to hangovers and committing errors that destroy your career indicate a lack of control, but drinking can also destroy the motivation you need to be successful in most careers. Alcoholics are unable to maintain their daily lives as they abandon the chores and tasks necessary to keep their homes well maintained and their bills paid, affecting their credit scores and quality of life. While taking time off to go to a detox center is not a boost to anyone’s career, the resulting sobriety and improved work performance and productivity will more than make up for the lost time spent at an alcohol rehab center.

Is there a line between the early and middle stages of alcoholism?

There is no clear line between the early and middle stages of alcoholism, but there are several characteristics that mark a new stage of the disease. Many of the pleasures and benefits that the alcoholic obtained from drinking during the early stage are now being replaced by the destructive facets of alcohol abuse.

How many people abuse alcohol?

Alcohol is the single most used and abused drug in America. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 14 million Americans (1 in every 13 adults) abuse alcohol or are alcoholics. Several million more adults engage in risky drinking patterns that could lead to alcohol problems.

Is alcoholism a chronic disease?

The National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence defines alcoholism this way: "Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychological, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal.

Is alcoholism fatal?

The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortion in thinking, most notably denial.". Alcohol is the single most used and abused drug in America.

What is the theory of alcoholism?

Its basic tenets are that alcoholism is a disease with recognizable symptoms, causes, and methods of treatment. In addition, there are several stages of the disease which are often described as early, middle, and late. While it is not essential for a supervisor to fully define these stages, it is useful to understand them in terms of how the disease presents itself in the workplace.

What is the early stage of alcoholism?

The early or adaptive stage of alcoholism is marked by increasing tolerance to alcohol and physical adaptations in the body which are largely unseen. This increased tolerance is marked by the alcoholic’s ability to consume greater quantities of alcohol while appearing to suffer few effects and continuing to function. This tolerance is not created simply because the alcoholic drinks too much but rather because the alcoholic is able to drink great quantities because of physical changes going on inside his or her body.

What is the deteriorative stage of alcoholism?

The late, or deteriorative stage, is best identified as the point at which the damage to the body from the toxic effects of alcohol is evident, and the alcoholic is suffering from a host of ailments. An alcoholic in the final stages may be destitute, extremely ill, mentally confused, and drinking almost constantly. The alcoholic in this stage is suffering from many physical and psychological problems due to the damage to vital organs. His or her immunity to infections is lowered, and the employee’s mental condition is very unstable. Some of the very serious medical conditions the alcoholic faces at this point include heart failure, fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, malnutrition, pancreatitis, respiratory infections, and brain damage, some of which is reversible.

Overview

How to Keep Your Job Before, During and After Rehab. In an Employer Brief the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that 76 percent of people with substance abuse problems are employed.

Before Rehab

Understand your addiction and how it affects your job performance. As this article from HelpGuide.org explains, there are certain signs and symptoms of drug abuse that indicate it’s time to seek help.

During Rehab

Ask boss for confidentiality. In its “Are You In Recovery from Alcohol or Drug Problems? Know Your Rights” SAMHSA explains that employers must maintain confidentiality regarding any information they receive about your addiction or treatment.

After Rehab

Know your rights when you return to work. In its “Are You In Recovery from Alcohol or Drug Problems? Know Your Rights” SAMHSA explains the on-the-job rights employees have.

Epidemiology

  • The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says that about 7 percent of American adults fall into this category.
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Causes

  • These are all very different drinking patterns, but they have one thing in common. People who drink like this have lost some modicum of control over their consumption. The beverages drive their behaviors. It can seem like a subtle distinction, but its an important one to understand, as people who dont amend troublesome drinking behaviors can become people who have sympto…
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Effects

  • Difficult drinking patterns can shift electrical activities within the brain, and when that happens, people might have little to no control over how they drink or when they drink.
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Quotes

  • As a culture, when we hear that the number of people affected by alcoholism is growing, we seem to think, Thats their business their being the alcoholic.
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Symptoms

  • Dangerous behaviors common among alcoholics include impaired judgment and coordination, falling asleep at the wheel, falling asleep with lit cigarettes, aggressive outbursts, drinking to the point of vomiting, hangover, or alcohol poisoning and these are just the ones most alcoholics experience in the course of their disease. All of these behavior...
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Prognosis

  • And in spite of our best efforts, alcoholism continues to take about 216 lives every day, or approximately 79,000 per year.
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Cost

  • Once a person is addicted to alcohol, to stop it may take hospitalizations, rehabilitations, and re-rehabilitations all of which hemorrhage expenses not to mention destroy relationships and property. The estimated cost to the system of this specialized addiction care is $24.6 billion. Since addiction is a disease that rewires the brain, the individual is unlikely to quit through willpo…
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

Impact

  • In the case of expectant mothers who drink, future healthcare costs double, now including both the mother and child. For example, a child born with fetal alcohol syndrome could require special schooling. Not only is this a personal and unnecessary family tragedy but also it stands to impact the social system financially in the form of healthcare and education for years.
See more on americanaddictioncenters.org

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