Alcohol Dementia Therapy

Excessive alcohol abuse can result in a condition known as alcohol dementia; posing a threat to mental ability and memory function. Fortunately, the condition can be treated when caught in the early stages. If alcohol dementia is afforded time to progress, it may prove more difficult to address the symptoms. In this entry, we will discuss some tips, treatment and therapy options available in combating this affliction.

Stop Drinking

Though it may seem obvious, the first and more effective means in combating alcohol dementia is alcohol abstinence. Though you may feel up to concurring this task on your own, it is highly recommended that you seek out an alcoholism recovery program to ensure proper support and treatment throughout this difficult transition.

Vitamin Therapy 

Once you have stopped drinking, it is important that you work with your physician to develop a customized vitamin therapy regimen. Most individuals suffering from alcohol addiction will experience severe vitamin deficiencies within the body. Taking steps to ensure adequate intake will work to promote a more comfortable and stealthy recovery.

Memantine Treatment

Depending on the extent of your memory loss, your addiction counselor may recommend placing you on a memantine regime. Memantine is a substance commonly used with Alzheimer’s patients, and can help to repair the damage done to your memory and cognitive skills.

Reminiscence Therapy

Reminiscence therapy is a treatment option used to help alcoholics recollect memories from their past that their dementia has caused them to forget. This treatment generally occurs in a group environment, discussing events you have experienced during childhood, familiar items and old photographs.

Physical Therapy

Alcohol addiction takes a toll on the entire body. As such, it’s important for those recovering from alcohol dementia to address the body as a whole through physical therapy.

Be Patient

Alcohol dementia treatment is no easy undertaking. Some patients require a year or more before a full recovery can be achieved. Patients suffering from the latter stages of this condition may never regain their entire memory or cognitive function. Still, there is always hope for those who try.

Life After Rehab

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction can last for weeks, sometimes months. Following treatment, patients must learn to cope with real world experiences and settings in order to ensure a healthy and long-lasting recovery. In this entry we will outline some of the challenges ahead, alongside strategies to help you through the transition.  

Aftercare

Aftercare is an important, even vital aspect of the recovery process. Types of aftercare can range from group and individual counseling sessions to education and 12-step programs such as AA.

12-Step Groups

Participation in 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous is highly encouraged for those recovering from alcohol and drug abuse issues. Most specialists recommend attendance at one of these programs daily for the first 90 days of post-rehabilitation recovery. Not only will your attendance promote a focus on your sobriety, and healthy interaction amongst others who have been through similar situations.

Living Arrangements

Though many patients choose to return home following rehabilitation, others may benefit from the additional support of a transitional living program or halfway house. These programs serve as a means for addicts to move smoothly back towards normal life without the stress involved with full immersion. Residents are generally required to obtain and maintain employment, pay bills, and complete household chores.

Temptation

Temptation is an inevitable part of the recovery process. Whether through relationships, old haunts or experiences, temptation will often pop up at some point during the transition back to normal life. Preparation and awareness is key to ensuring that these temptations remain temptations, and not a full-scale relapse.

Relationships

It’s not uncommon for friends and family members of an addict to feel some level of resentment, anger or disappointment following rehabilitation. Trust must be reestablished and cultivated in order to move forward from the experience. Some addicts may be forced to find new friends who support and encourage their recovery.

Getting the Most Out of Your AA Experience

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) is based on the idea that an individual may enjoy recovery following addiction through the process of letting go of aspects in their life they are unable to control, having faith in a higher power and living “in the moment”. If you are seeking recovery from alcoholism, Alcoholics Anonymous may be an option to consider. As they like to say in the program, “it works if you work it.” Learn how below! 

Instructions

1 - Locate AA meetings that are close to work and home and attend them regularly. If you are new to recovery and the program, it’s recommended you attend meetings daily for the first 90 days, if at all possible.

2 – Choose and secure a sponsor. Sponsors are longtime AA members with experience in recovery and stability that can guide you through the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous while promoting your progress along the way.

3 – Get involved! Volunteer for a service position within your alcohol 12 step program. AA service positions can be anything from representing your chapter at the national service organization to leading meetings. The more involved you are, the more you will get out of your involvement.

4 – Dive into the “Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous” on a daily basis. This applies especially on days when you are unable to make a meeting.

5 – Recite the Serenity Prayer when you feel upset or when triggers present themselves. This will help return your focus to the positive in the present.

6 – Life goes one day at a time. Address your recovery accordingly.

7 – Don’t be afraid to contact fellow AA members when you require assistance. The community is in place for a reason – use it when necessary. 

What’s To Gain From Alcohol Counseling?

Alcohol counseling helps those struggling with alcoholism to overcome their addiction, while learning healthy, new means to cope with daily life. For most alcoholics, recovery is a lifelong process, made successful alongside the support of friends, family and other recovering alcoholics.

One-on-one Counseling 

Individual sessions with addiction counselors are perhaps the most common type of recovery counseling. One-on-one counseling generally occurs on a regular basis; sometimes up to 7 days a week. During each appointment, therapists and patients discuss specifics pertaining to the root of the addiction, different trigger types, and additional factors that play a part in the individual’s addiction. Sessions are also a platform to plan out strategies and techniques to help ensure a successful and long-lasting sobriety. 

Root Causes

People become addicted to drugs and alcohol for a variety of reasons. Determining the roots of the addiction is imperative to the recovery process, as these factors often serve as triggers for relapse and abuse. Common factors include stress, childhood abuse and traumatic events. Mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and personality disorders may also be to blame in some cases of alcoholism. More often than not, a combination of factors is to blame.

Trigger I.D.

Triggers are situations, behaviors and events that lead alcoholics to use. Identifying each patient’s trigger set is crucial in helping the addict avoid temptation while learning to cope with problem situations if and when they arise. Triggers are commonly associated with the root issues of the addiction.

Group Counseling

Group session provide alcoholics with the opportunity to share their feelings, goals and experiences with others in similar situations. These types of sessions help addicts understand that they are not alone in their struggles.

Family Counseling

Alcoholism is a disease that affects both the addict and surrounding family on a large scale. Family counseling works to rebuild relationships that have been damaged or lost due to the addiction. These sessions also help family members to better understand the disease while building healthy support for the addict on their path to alcoholism recovery.  

Alcoholism Q & A

When it comes to alcoholism and addiction, a number of questions, concerns and myths must be dispelled in order to gain a healthy understanding of the condition at hand. In this entry, we will work through some of the more common questions in an effort to inform and enlighten those afflicted.

Q: What is alcoholism?

A: Alcoholism is a disease. Those struggling with the disease have lost the ability manage their alcohol intake and are thus unable to gain control without exterior help. Alcoholics will often lose control over their actions when drinking to excess.

Q: What causes alcoholism?

A: Experts still remain uncertain as to why some individuals become alcoholics. Many people begin drinking only a little bit only to get hooked down the road. People might use alcohol to calm their nerves or forget their troubles, but end up needing it to achieve some sense of normalcy.

Q: Can you define an “average” alcoholic?

 A: The short answer is no. Alcoholics are found within every social class, race, religion, and age-range.

Q: Is there a cure?

A: The only sure-fire cure for alcoholism is complete abstinence. Those in recovery from alcoholism are referred to as “recovering alcoholics”. These individuals have the potential to lead happy, healthy and productive lives following treatment.

Q: Can you force an alcoholic to stop drinking?

A: Unfortunately, no. Though an alcoholic will often require help to curb their addiction, there is no way to force them to accept treatment. Friends and family members of alcoholics must understand that they are unable to provide assistance on their own. Alcoholics must obtain the help of trained professionals in order to properly address the condition. 

5 Faces of Celebrity Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a physical addiction affecting the mental health, physical health, and familial, social, and work-related aspects of the afflicted individual. Alcohol becomes priority in the person’s life, dominating relationships and ambition. Alcoholism in celebrities can pose serious harm to the star’s career, public and personal life, while inhibiting or diminishing their success.

Truman Capote

In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s writer Truman Capote struggled publicly with drug addiction and alcoholism. The famed Novelist entered rehab during the 1970’s, but due to his already compromised state, died at age 59 in 1984. Truman’s failure to complete his final, unfinished offering, Unanswered Prayers has since been blamed on his prolonged substance issues.

Billy Joel

The Piano Man has admitted to a long struggle with alcohol abuse during adulthood. According to Joel, drinking was able to inhibit his personal relationships and career. Joel entered a rehabilitation facility following pleas from fellow musician Elton John. He remains clean and sober to this day.

Stephen King

The novelist behind classics, Stand by Me, Carrie, and The Green Mile struggled with alcohol and drug abuse for years. King entered treatment following a 1987 intervention by friends and family members and has maintained his sobriety ever since.

Robin Williams

Actor/Comedian Robin Williams dabbled in alcohol and cocaine abuse during his early career, but decided to quit following the death of friend John Belushi in 1982. When Williams began hitting the bottle again in 2006, he sought immediate treatment for his addiction. These days, Robin Williams is dry as dirt.

Ernest Hemingway

Perhaps the world’s most well-known literary alcoholic, Hemingway used alcohol heavily throughout his life. Over time, the writer experienced extreme physical and mental issues, aggravated by continued consumption. Ernest Hemingway chose to end his own life prematurely at age 61.

Need Help?

Searching for an alcohol abuse recovery center near LA? Above it All is the place to call! Pick up the phone today, and let our team of alcohol and addiction specialists help you back on track towards the healthy, happy, and fulfilling life you deserve.  

Sober Summer Spectacular!

For recovering alcoholics, summer can prove a difficult season to keep sobriety in check. Aside from pool parties, BBQs and other social summer gatherings, the season simply screams relaxation, fun, and freedom; making the urge to drink all the more appealing. By making a point to prepare yourself for a sober summer stretch, you stand better equipped to ward off cravings, triggers and temptation along the way.

Let’s Get Physical

Immerse yourself in physical activity to keep your mind focused. Options may include anything from jogging and weight lifting to extreme sports such as rock climbing or skateboarding. Each of these activities require dedicated concentration and can not be performed while under the influence. The more active you make yourself, the more motivated you will be to retain your sobriety. Set goals - Crush goals - Repeat.

Hobbies

Select a hobby that holds your interest and requires your attention. Something as simple as knitting holds a number of benefits, keeping your fingers and thoughts in constant motion. Other options to consider include painting, writing, learning an instrument or woodworking. When you are able to create something, you thoughts will pull harder towards the betterment of the project at hand rather than towards the liquor store.

Wanna Play A Game?

Invite some close friends over for a stay-at-home game night! Select a date and time that works for everyone and pick out some food and board games for entertainment! Heck, you may even choose to indulge with some karaoke! Supply your own drink selection for the event while assigning specific entrée and snack items to attendees. Be sure to specify that you will not permit alcohol use during the party to avoid the presence of any unwanted beverages. Tally the scores and provide prizes to the winners!

Take A Trip

If you’re like most people, a vast majority of your state remains a mystery. Set out a map of the area, blindfold yourself and point out a spot to visit! Use the internet to locate area attractions and let the road take you. You never know who or what you’ll run into!   

Need Help?

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, Above it All treatment center is the place to call. With a team of seasoned addiction specialists available to answers your questions and concerns, you can count on Above It All to have you on the fast track to recovery in no time.