The simple act of admitting that you or someone you love is fighting addiction displays an incredible amount of courage - but you will need much more to overcome alcoholism itself.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50 percent of Americans over the age of 18 consider themselves regular drinkers. Though alcoholism can drive someone to deceive their loved ones and sabotage their physical health and future success, it is all too easy to rationalize this behavior in its earlier stages. Binge drinking is a widely accepted part of college life. Beyond that, alcohol remains a staple of social events throughout adulthood, enabling alcoholics to conceal their habits from their friends, family and even themselves.
Chances are you are here because you know something is wrong. You know that your drinking habits, or those of a dear friend or family member, extend beyond simple social norms and have in fact become all-consuming. Acknowledging that fact is not an easy task, but it is only the beginning of the rocky road to recovery. But, at Fairwinds Treatment Center, we are here to guide you through this arduous process.
What lies behind alcoholism
As a form of addiction, alcoholism is not caused by any one factor. Genetic predisposition can certainly play a role in someone’s likelihood to abuse alcohol, but whether alcoholism runs in your family does not dictate your habits on its own. External factors including past trauma and an environment that normalizes excessive alcohol consumption, among other variables, can also lead an individual to turn to liquor for recreation or escape and eventually out of dependence.
The reality of relapse
Most alcoholics have tried at one point or another to give up their habit, often after an extreme event has shattered the illusion of control. However, relapse is relatively common, and may be related in part to the incredible societal stigma surrounding the disease. Far too often, the specialists at our alcoholism treatment center see cases where alcoholics have retreated to their old habits because they see themselves as lost causes or can’t bear to face the shameful reality of their past actions.
This is precisely why the recovery process has to be a communal effort. At Fairwinds Treatment Center, we use a family-based approach to ensure that every patient has a support network that extends beyond our intimate treatment center in Clearwater, Florida.
Why choose Fairwinds Treatment Center to overcome your addiction
Fairwinds Treatment Center was founded in 1989 by nationally recognized psychiatrist Dr. M.K. (Khal) El-Yousef. Dr. El-Yousef has specialized in psychopharmacology and addictions, with an established track record in dual diagnosis psychiatry and addiction medicine. As such, patients at our Clearwater treatment center will benefit from a comprehensive approach to addiction that combines the benefits of therapeutic and clinical intervention.
We have a dedicated team of full-time psychiatrists, nursing professionals, and licensed therapists on hand to tackle the physical and psychological realities of addiction. This also entails identifying the underlying issues that may be fueling a chemical dependency, including undiagnosed mental disorders or past trauma. Each instance of alcoholism is different, and without understanding all of the factors in play, it is practically impossible to break the hold of addiction. That is why we are the the only facility in the Tampa Bay area that provides residential treatment for dual diagnosis patients.
The simple act of admitting that you or someone you love is fighting addiction displays an incredible amount of courage - but you will need much more to overcome alcoholism itself. At Fairwinds Treatment Center, your family will receive the medical treatment and support you need to tackle this destructive disease head on. Contact us today to learn more.