Alcohol Rehabilitation: Education As the Primary Weapon

Three theories purport to explain alcoholism: Genetic, defining it as a chromosomal predisposition; Sociological, defining it as a product of social influences; and Psychological, defining it as a personality predisposition. Effective alcohol rehabilitation takes each into consideration.

The theories, whether genetic, sociological or psychological, all boil down to one simple fact: alcoholism is a chronic, progressive disease that, if left untreated, will kill the sufferer one way or another. It may be from Cirrhosis of the liver, from heart disease, or it may be in a car crash on a dark rainy night. Whatever outcome lies in wait, it is in the interest of the alcoholic to find the power to arrest the disease before it's too late. A formidable task since, once the disease has emerged, lack of power has become the alcoholic's dilemma. This is where alcohol rehabilitation steps in.

Treatment is not a magic wand. There are no incantations, potions or secret handshakes. It is an educational process designed to help the sufferer find his or her way back to happiness by way of a roadmap emphasizing not only the negative effects of alcohol, but the positive effects of abstinence in a supportive environment. This is not an easy task in light of the fact that denial is the primary symptom of the disease. What would a person want to learn about a disease he or she is convinced they do not have? And why would they give up a substance they are convinced they have no problem with? Treatment provides a knowledge that constitutes power.

"I just didn't believe it," says Donnalee B. "What would a little old grandmother like me have in common with those guys under the bridge? But my daughter, the mother of my grandchildren, came to family night at the treatment center. She talked about everything I couldn't remember having said or done. But I had to believe her because she was crying." Donnalee, now three years without a drink, sighs while wiping a tear of her own away. "Now she trusts me with the little ones again. So I go back to Pennsylvania and visit not only my grandchildren, but that treatment center, too, whenever I can. I'm so grateful."

Residential treatment can be a slow process. And it matters little whether one, like Donnalee, is discussing Philadelphia rehab centers, rehab Pittsburgh, or rehab in Kentucky, her other daughter's new home, the process is the same. Donnalee again: "I didn't appreciate how important education was. At first, I though treatment was just an expensive roadmap to Alcoholics Anonymous. But once I understood, long term sobriety became possible for me because I know exactly what my problem is."

Twelve Palms Recovery Center, experts in private, compassionate alcohol rehabilitation , focus their efforts on the individual. They also emphasize the importance of the 12-step model by not only encouraging AA attendance, but hosting AA meetings, as well. For additional information call 866-331-6779 any time, 24 hours a day. Mark R. Merrill is a veteran of twenty-three years in alcohol recovery. He has worked as a volunteer in Multnomah County and Washington County, Oregon "In Jail Intervention Programs," as well as written extensively on the issue of alcohol and drug recovery.

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