Alcoholism
When alcohol use has crossed the line into abuse and dependency, it can and will wreak havoc in a person’s life requiring alcohol addiction treatment. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), alcohol is one of the leading most common substances abused in the United States today, showing at least 1 in 5 people will struggle with alcohol abuse in their life at some point. If alcohol abuse does not get treated early on, it can lead into alcoholism and dependence.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol use may start with just an occasional alcoholic beverage at a social setting or function. Most people will have 1-2 drinks and have the ability to stop before they start to lose the ability to be clear on their thoughts and actions. When someone continues to drink past 1-2, they will start to experience euphoria, which is why they will have the desire to consume more; however, with the increased use also comes impairment including slurred speech, loss of motor function and coordination, confusion, emotional instability and inappropriate laughter.
The common signs when someone is abusing alcohol is that they will start neglecting their responsibilities such as work or school, and their performance will decline. They might start showing up late, not starting or finishing assignments or projects, and overall showing a decline in their focus. Another sign is when a person who is drinking alcohol consumes so much that they begin putting themselves in dangerous situations like drinking and driving, inappropriate sexual behavior, and losing the ability to filter one’s behavior. These behaviors can escalate and lead to legal issues such as a driving under the influence (DUI or DWI) and putting others in danger as well as themselves. According to Mom’s Against Drunk Driving, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash every two minutes.
Signs of Alcohol Dependency
If a person continues to abuse alcohol, this can easily and rapidly lead into alcohol dependency. Alcohol dependency is when a person consumes so much alcohol on a daily basis that their body develops a physical tolerance and creates a chemical dependency. When a chemical dependency occurs, a person will start experiencing signs of withdrawal when alcohol levels become low in their system. The signs of alcohol withdrawal including anxiety, shakiness, trembling, sweating, nausea, and insomnia are among the most reported. It is dangerous to stop drinking alcohol cold turkey due to the increased risk of having seizures. If you or someone you know wants to stop drinking, it is important to reach out for help from experienced treatment professionals.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centers
Getting help for a alcohol addiction is a major step, and, even thought it may seem like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, there is. You’re not alone, according to a survey data by The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, 10% of all American adults consider themselves to be in recovery from a drug or alcohol abuse problem. There are many options that are available and, with the proper guidance, you or your loved one can get the best help possible and get the recovery they need from alcohol addiction.
When looking for an alcohol addiction program, it is important to understand the different types of alcohol treatment programs available. First, it is important to identify if you or your loved one will need detoxification from alcohol. As mentioned before, detox from alcohol should always be done in a safe and medically monitored facility. The alcohol detox facility should have a medical team and the proper license to perform detox services. A person should receive an immediate detox assessment upon arrival to the alcohol detox program to ensure that the proper medication and protocol is followed for that specific individual.
There are different alcohol treatment models available to people which include 12-step and non-12 step.
Learn More about Rehab and Program Options
12 Step Treatment Programs
Non 12 Step Treatment Programs
The evidence-based model of treatment focuses more closely on the individual rather than the group. This model will focus on individual therapy and assessments as the core and integrate group support whether 12-step or non-12 step options. The evidence-based model is more suited for more acute cases with co-occurring mental health issues.
Family Treatment at Alcohol Centers
It is quite valuable if a treatment center offers a family treatment component. Most often, the close family members are affected by the alcoholism and also form unhealthy behaviors and boundaries. This tends to happen because the family members are so involved in their loved one’s condition, and they unintentionally put on blinders and do not see clearly. The most common sign of family members being affected is by developing codependency. Codependency is when a person continues to enable the alcohol addiction. Quite often, family members do not even know they are doing it. The statement “I love you to death” is quite real with codependency because it can lead to death literally if both the alcoholic and family member do not receive help. Many alcohol addiction treatment centers have developed family support and treatment to address these specific family issues and make sure that the entire unit is treated for a long lasting recovery and to break the cycle within the family. In addition, there is a 12-step based support group specifically for family members called Al-Anon.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Centers
The recommendation for addiction treatment should be done in a licensed inpatient or residential setting with a licensed medical team for increased safety and the best outcome. The treatment program will consists of a full treatment team including a psychiatrist, therapist, counselor, and 24 hour support staff. Call The Treatment Specialist now to discuss your options and to locate a safe and comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment program for you or your loved one.
The Treatment Specialist Helps you Locate The Best Alcohol Program
This is urgent and potentially life threatening, don’t wait, get in a safe and comfortable alcohol treatment center today! Call to connect with a treatment center at (866) 644-7911 and be guided with care and compassion.
