Alcohol is ingrained in American social settings. It’s available at sporting events, concerts, and restaurants – readily accessible to adults age 21 and older and often those who are underage. While some people choose to abstain for life, more than 14 million adults have an alcohol use disorder. If you have an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences, you may have an alcohol addiction. But, the good news is that no matter how severe your addiction, recovery is possible with alcohol addiction treatment. What is Alcohol Addiction?If you can’t stop drinking alcohol, even if it creates problems, leads to emotional distress, or results in physical harm to yourself or others, you may have an alcohol addiction. Alcohol addiction – also known as alcoholism, alcohol use disorder, and alcohol dependence – is a medical condition caused by frequent or heavy alcohol use. Alcoholism is a brain function disease and requires medical and psychological treatments to control it. The severity of alcohol addiction differs for each person, and it can develop quickly or over time. Characteristics that make you more likely to develop alcohol addiction include:
By avoiding high-risk drinking, you lower the likelihood of encountering problems with alcohol. Medical professionals recommend that women don’t have more than four drinks in one day or eight drinks a week. They recommend men don’t consume more than five drinks in one day or 15 drinks per week. Causes of Alcohol AddictionMany factors can play a role in alcohol addiction. It is generally considered a result of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental influences. Causes of alcohol addiction may include:
Symptoms of AlcoholismWith alcohol consumption widely accepted in American culture, alcoholism can be difficult to detect in friends and family. It is common for meals, celebrations, and social gatherings to include alcohol. But, if you have more than a few drinks or consistently drink every day, you may have alcohol dependence. Signs of alcohol addiction include:
Experts classify alcohol use disorder as mild, moderate, or severe. Mental health professionals base your diagnosis on the number of symptoms you are experiencing. The severity of your alcohol use will help dictate the best alcohol addiction treatment plan for you. “High functioning” alcoholism is a subtype of alcoholism. It is the most difficult to recognize as the symptoms are less visible. Those with functional alcoholism live seemingly “normal” lives with healthy social relationships. But beneath the surface, it can have the same health risks and negative consequences. Health Problems Associated with AlcoholismMass consumption of alcohol can weaken your immune system, with studies showing that even a single incidence slows your body’s ability to fight infections. Chronic drinking can put you at a greater risk of contracting serious diseases and conditions. Health conditions linked to alcohol consumption include:
Treatment Programs for Alcohol AddictionIt is possible to treat alcohol addiction on your own. But long-term success rates are significantly higher for those who seek professional help. For most, some level of medical intervention, therapy, and social and communal support is necessary to overcome alcohol dependence. Alcohol DetoxificationPart of the initial treatment for alcohol addiction and recovery is a period of detoxification. A detox helps to cleanse the body of all alcohol. It helps you get past your physical addiction to the substance. Detoxification can occur at home or in a clinic, depending on your level of dependency. Alcohol detox centers are specialized facilities that provide supervision, support, and medications to help treat withdrawal symptoms. Detoxing is a crucial first step on the path to recovery. But detoxification alone is rarely sufficient in helping you achieve long-term abstinence from alcohol. Effective treatment should also involve:
You can do aftercare through a residential program or outpatient clinic. Residential or Inpatient Rehab ServicesResidential and inpatient rehab involves you living in a rehabilitation center 24/7. It offers help for alcohol abuse in a safe, dedicated space. This treatment style allows you to devote your complete attention to your recovery. You’ll also benefit from a regular schedule of intensive therapy. Greg Kfoury, Vice President of Admissions at Integrative Life Network, said residential treatment has benefits including:
Residential-based programs use many therapeutic approaches. Depending on your needs, they may include traditional evidence-based practices and alternative experiential therapies. Inpatient care provides the foundation for your path to recovery. They also promote overall health and wellness to help with relapse prevention. At Integrative Life Clinic, residential alcohol treatment programs may include:
Outpatient Rehab ServicesOutpatient rehab is a program for those who don’t need a medically-supervised detox. It allows you to continue living at home or at a sober living facility while receiving help for alcohol addiction. Outpatient rehab may also be the next step after a residential program. Outpatient programs provide a part-time or intensive alcohol abuse treatment plan. They also offer clinical, peer, and emotional support systems through counseling and support groups. “Outpatient programming can also be very effective for alcohol addiction treatment — especially when clients have undergone initial treatment at a higher level of care, or when the acuity of need does not warrant a higher level of care,” says Greg. Behavioral Therapies for Alcohol AddictionBehavioral therapies aim to change drinking behavior through individual and group counseling sessions. These therapies are essential aspects of inpatient and outpatient treatment plans. They’re also particularly helpful in treating co-occurring disorders. Behavioral therapies used to treat alcohol addiction include:
Question to Ask When Selecting TreatmentIf you’re on the lookout for an alcohol addiction treatment center, you’ve already taken the first step to recovery. But now, it’s crucial to find the right treatment center for you. Gather as much information as you can about multiple programs or providers. Then evaluate and compare your options before making a final decision. Question to ask when selecting a treatment program:
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction at ILCIntegrative Life Center uses a highly effective paradigm-shifting approach to treating alcohol addiction. Our individualized programs focus on treating the underlying causes of alcohol dependency and the management of the drinking behavior itself. “Treatment for alcohol use disorder has existed for half a century, and traditional treatment can be effective for some; however, the typical success rates are disappointingly low,” Greg said. “ILC offers a modern, integrative approach that combines the best elements of traditional approaches with cutting-edge trauma-focused and experiential modalities.” ILC treatment programs start with a comprehensive assessment and evaluation by a qualified clinical addiction professional. We then identify the treatment options best suited to your needs. Our plans consider the severity of your dependence and any behavioral health issues. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, contact Integrative Life Center to learn more about our treatment programs and plans.
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