Addiction is a problem that manifests itself in different ways to different people. Once an addict is fully swept up into the snatches of this terrible illness, it will likely be some time before he will be ready to receive treatment options.

In the case of alcohol addicted patients, if they receive treatment at all, it is usually eight years after they started with their drinking problem. Part of the reason it takes so long to seek treatment is a fear of being attached to something you believe you need to have in order to survive. Learning how to live without the thing you are addicted to can be amazingly daunting.

With dedicated treatment programs that stress detoxification to start and regular follow-ups with a family practice doctor after formal treatment has concluded, people who struggle with addiction are beginning to have hope in their recovery.

It all begins with the detox.

Detoxification, or detox, is phase one of most kinds of substance abuse recovery systems. Detox involves the time right after you’ve taken your last drink or drug when you commit to ridding your body of all the alcohol and toxins. Only when your body is in a clean state will you be able to make progress in your treatment.

Understand the depression you might be feeling and tackle it with someone who can help.

One of the reasons people might not seek alcohol addiction treatment is the inability to confront the depression that can go along with the disease. Over 80% of people do not seek professional help when dealing with depression. It is not clear how many of that 80 % are addicted to alcohol, but very often, people who struggle with alcohol also struggle with depression.

Finding a therapist with whom to consult about the depression he might be feeling without alcohol could be the best thing to do as continuing treatment.

If medication is deemed to help, a medical doctor will prescribe suitable drugs and a therapist can continue talk therapy practices.

Maintain a solid relationship with your family practice doctor.

Someone who has a good relationship with a family practice doctor will find it a great deal easier to make it down the long road of recovery. Recovery is not something you do once. It is an ongoing, lifestyle change.

If you or someone you know suffers with addiction, there is hope in the making as healthcare facilities and doctors devise and implement effective treatment plans.