Is It Ever Too Late for Alcohol Rehab?

Alcoholism is a disease that can be particularly tough to beat. Even if you’ve gone to inpatient alcohol rehab before, you may still struggle with alcohol. It can be discouraging if you have gone through rehab and still continue to drink. Your friends and family may be disappointed, too. But the odds are good that you’ll reach a point where you’re tired of being controlled by your drinking. Is it ever too late for alcohol rehab?

The Benefits of Early Detection

Alcoholism is a disease. Like most diseases, you can benefit from early detection and it tends to get progressively worse over time. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, early screening for alcohol use disorders can be particularly beneficial for adolescents, pregnant women and senior adults.

When these low-cost evaluations are performed in primary care settings, they can prevent expensive health problems later in the patient’s life. In the case of maternity care, early detection of alcohol abuse can have significant benefits in the baby’s life as well.

Can Patients Manage Alcohol Abuse without Rehab?

Those with a long history of alcohol abuse and relapse may need inpatient rehab.

Only the individual who is abusing alcohol knows the severity of their drinking problem. For those who are just beginning to be aware of their problems with alcohol, participation in 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous can be enough to get back on track. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous can be very helpful because they provide a sponsor who is further along in their recovery and can offer guidance. The groups themselves are filled with other people who are struggling with alcohol, which helps each person feel less alone and isolated.

When is Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Needed?

A few signs suggest that inpatient alcohol rehab is necessary. Those who have been to rehab before and relapsed are much more likely to need additional assistance and supervision. There’s no shame in needing treatment again, only in not seeking it. Many alcoholics need to seek treatment multiple times to manage their disease. This is not surprising, since people with other diseases like diabetes or cancer often suffer from relapses as well. When someone you love has relapsed with alcohol, it’s important to be both forgiving but firm. Helping them seek treatment from inpatient alcohol rehab is the best thing you can do for them.

Signs that Someone Has Relapsed with Alcohol

Some events predict that a relapse is more likely for people who struggle with alcohol abuse. Stressful situations, such as job loss or the death of a parent or spouse, are common triggers that may lead to substance abuse. Signs that someone has relapsed with alcohol include the following:

• Reconnecting with old friends or acquaintances from their drinking days
• Romanticizing or reminiscing about earlier times when they were abusing alcohol
• Displays defensiveness and denial about behaviors
• Stops attending 12-step meetings or becomes withdrawn and distant from support system
• Change in grooming patterns and daily routines

5 Signs that Inpatient Alcohol Rehab is Right for You

Why is Alcohol Rehab So Important?

People who struggle with alcohol abuse have one common trait: denial. They may claim that their substance use is within their control and isn’t having negative effects. But those who love them can see through the denial and must help them to seek treatment from inpatient alcohol rehab. You may need to seek a trained interventionist to help them see the need for treatment.

Without treatment, alcoholics will continue to suffer from a serious disease that will eventually lead to their deaths. Alcoholism is progressive and destroys nearly all parts of the body. It also increases the risk of several types of cancer. It’s never too late for alcohol rehab, but a lot of damage can be avoided by seeking treatment early enough.

If you or someone you love is ready to embrace a sober life, call our helpline today at 800-430-1407Who Answers?.