by Dee McMath

Anti-Alcohol is likely to be a 3 to 4 week treatment which will begin with a study of your health history and will include blood pressure and organ function. Acupuncture and homeopathic remedies will form part of the programme.

Many foreign residents, including British and many other northern Europeans have made Andalucia their home for over two decades and the numbers are rising. The main area, which is heavily populated by this cosmopolitan population, is the Costa del Sol. With the lower prices of wines and spirits in supermarkets, bars and restaurants, it has been a long running temptation and tradition for many foreign residents to overindulge at cocktail hour! With a society ever more aware of health and the desire to live longer, happier lives, many people are addressing the problem on alcohol dependency.

There are a few specialist clinics in the Marbella area of the Costa del Sol, which offer anti-alcohol treatments. These are not 'drying-out' programmes and should be taken as a form of detox as opposed to total rehabilitation. Once you have provided your detailed health history, your blood pressure will be taken and you will have a general check over. Make sure you are happy that qualified doctors and nurses staff the clinic. Also ensure that the centre is well established and has a good reputation. If the clinic opened just weeks or months ago, ask your GP for his/her opinion before you book any treatment. In any case, it's always best to mention to your own doctor if you are considering undergoing any kind of complementary treatment.

Programmes can last from 3 to 4 weeks. Many therapies may be used, including acupuncture and homeopathic medicines. Special massage, sauna, Jacuzzi and Turkish Baths may also form part of the overall treatment. The course will be concluded with a final medical check up. Often the aim of alternative therapies is to make you feel relaxed and at one with yourself so that you can better face life's problems, fears and apprehensions more easily. If you can unwind without the assistance of alcohol or other substances in times of stress, you have more chance of long term happiness. An anti-alcohol treatment can be a step in that direction.

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