Because knowledge leads to understanding - and once you understand what addiction is really about - you can get out of your own way and make progress on finding a way out.

When we have preconceived ideas about something (which many people do when it comes to alcoholism and drug addiction) - we become our own worst enemies in trying to overcome our own/help someone else overcome their addiction problems.

So step number one needs to be you getting out of your own way, getting the information/knowledge you need - and then moving forward from there to start your journey of healing and recovery.

The need to be right is an issue for many of us. Being open-minded can be difficult. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with that - but when dealing with potentially life and death subjects like drug and alcohol addiction, you can't afford to do that.

A particularly controversial subject around understanding drug addiction and alcoholism is the argument over whether or not they can in fact be regarded as a disease. In the bigger scheme of things, not agreeing with the addiction or alcoholism as a disease argument, shouldn't prevent you from doing everything you can to beat an addiction - whether your own or someone you love.

Agreeing on the causes of alcoholism and addiction can also sometimes be a contentious issue. Science now shows that genetics plays an increasingly prominent role, but lots of people still don't believe it despite evidence to the contrary.

For more in-depth information around these subjects, follow the links in the resource box provided. But my point is - ultimately these issues should be secondary to doing whatever is necessary to get clean and sober.

Once they reach their forties, however, problems become more severe. This is a progressive disease that never gets better, and only gets worse, in the aging process, without intervention.

I've seen so many folks, friends and loved ones, have train wrecks around alcohol as they move through their forties. This is reflected in divorces, job and financial problems or coming face to face with the legal system. Several folks I've known have died from the disease in their forties, robbed of living out a full life.

If the truth be known, alcohol, in my opinion, is the most toxic drug known to mankind. The fact that it's "legal", however, distinguishes it from other drugs which are classified as dangerous and even believed to be more so. On the other hand, alcoholism is far more costly to society than illegal drugs ever have been, or ever will be. But, society is collectively in denial of this fact.

Enough of my rant. If you think you have a problem, the article we came across below offers to insight into treatment, and it's never too late to get help.

Alcoholism Addiction Treatment and Treatment for Drug Addiction

So you've identified that you or someone you love needs help. So what then are the options are far as alcoholism addiction treatment and treatment for drug addiction?

As far as I'm concerned your first point of call should always be rehab - or a proper treatment center - where you spend 3-6 weeks getting yourself sober/clean. (Times do vary depending on where you go)

The reason I think rehab should be your first choice - is because it not only helps you detox - but follows a focused in-patient treatment program that will help you deal with a lot of the 'stuff' that causes you to use or drink.

To get the level of intensive treatment and care you need - is so much harder without going to a rehab or inpatient treatment program. How you stay clean/sober successfully after treatment is even more important - so a good rehab will also prepare you for that while you're there.

Many people have a perception that rehab is unaffordable and so is realistically never going to happen. There are a lot of treatment centers however, that have government backing, and so make it possible for just about anyone to go.

I honestly believe rehab should always be your first choice, but what are your other options? You could try addiction and alcoholism self-help approaches, which would involve you working on the spiritual, emotional and mental aspects of yourself - and therefore provide enormous potential for growth and transformation. I don't have space to go into detail here (check out my website for that). I still think however that rehab is your best bet (at least initially) - because trying to do it yourself is so much harder.

Alternative Alcoholism Treatment and Addiction Treatment options are becoming increasingly popular. I definitely think there is a place for alternative alcoholism and addiction treatment - but I would recommend using these in conjunction with a more mainstream or traditional way, especially to begin with at least - because again it is that much harder doing it without the help of addiction treatment professionals.

Therefore when considering treatments for drug addiction or alcoholism addiction treatment options - make getting into a treatment center/rehab your priority. Things like alternative alcoholism treatment and addiction/alcoholism self-help methods can play a massive part - but going to rehab will just give you that head start, and so make recovery that much easier.

According to Selfesteeminternational.org, recovering addicts and alcoholics indicate that low self esteem is the biggest problem in their lives. They feel alcohol is only a symptom to the alcoholic's real disease, alcohol or drugs act as a mask. Low self esteem causes and contributes to anxiety, neurosis, defensiveness and ultimately

Selfesteeminternational.org surveyed some 18 year olds who reported using drugs or alcohol heavily. They reported using when they were as young as seven. They indicated feeling alienated by their families, not good enough, anxious, unhappy and overly impulsive. 66% of high school seniors surveyed reported using drugs or alcohol heavily in order to fit in and fill a personal void.

Drugs and alcohol are self destructive behaviors but sometimes the pain is too much to bare and people begin to self medicate through drugs and alcohol. Addicts use their addictions to help them work through to pain of self hate, or so they think. By drinking or using drugs a vicious cycle of more self hatred starts and before you know it, your life is completely out of control. One drink turns into two, two turns in to three and before you know it your life is all about drinking. You family doesn't want you around, you have spent all your money and lost your job. Your actions only lead to more self hate and disappointment in yourself.

It is difficult to estimate how many people are experiencing low self esteem, but it is safe to say many people suffer from at least one of the symptoms. Maybe you are happy to see someone fail, overly aggressive, do not recognize your own good qualities, or try to please others because you do not know how to say no. There are many reasons why people have low self esteem however, it is not just one isolated incident that causes it. Typically low self esteem is brought on by many years of unpleasant memories and criticism. The criticism can come from anyone, a parent, teacher or society.

One of the most important factors in recovery is acceptance of the disease and being able to identify why you choose to be an addict in the first place. Often it is difficult to address years of low self esteem in a twelve week program. That is why follow up counseling and treatment is recommended. One new treatment that is being recommended is hypnosis. Hypnosis works with the subconscious mind to identify painful memories causing the low self esteem and help the patient work through the memory and develop new self confidence. Hypnosis is done in a safe environment and is chemical free which appeals to many recovering addicts.

Some people feel therapy and counseling is the best and only treatment needed to help recovering addicts. Unfortunately, if this were true all rehab facilities would offer a 100% cure rate. Most can not even offer a 70% cure rate. It is important to have a treatment plan that will help to identify why you started abusing drugs or alcohol in the first place, and this is difficult to do with a counselor. Often addicts have little trust in counselors and are more censored when talking until they get to know the counselor. Since hypnosis works with the subconscious mind, it allows the addict to think and speak openly about low self esteem issues.

Drug and alcohol abuse is a very serious problem, but what is more concerning is the underlying behavior of self hate. Until that issue is dealt with, the thought of alcohol and drug abuse is always there for the addict. There are many ways to help improve self esteem but why not do it in a safe environment and start dealing with the real problem today.