Treatment Options Available for Alcohol Addiction
Alcoholism is a drinking and alcohol abuse disorder, characterized by an uncontrollable urge to consume alcohol repeatedly. There are no known causes of alcohol abuse or addiction and the condition is influenced due to peer pressure and certain mental illnesses. In many cases, alcohol abuse is an indirect remedy taken up to counter the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Alcoholism is also a chronic condition and there is no proper cure. The condition can only be managed with proper treatment, medications, and therapy to avoid a relapse.
In alcohol abuse, your genes can also boost the power of alcohol and simultaneously curb the symptoms of a hangover thus increasing your body’s resistance to these drinks. When resistance increases, addiction replaces habit and alcohol abuse can grow out of control. It is estimated that nearly 13% of the population suffers from mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of alcohol addiction.
Symptoms of alcohol addiction
The known symptoms of alcohol addiction will vary depending on the severity of the addiction. Here are some common warning signs you should look out when it comes to alcohol abuse.
- Increased tolerance to alcohol and reduced effects of a hangover
- Increased number of drinks consumed throughout your day
- Drinking out of control and blacking out as a result repeatedly
- Worrying about the quantity of alcohol left and restocking the bar more than usual
- Decreased productivity in many areas of life due to increased alcohol consumption
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms while attempting to stay sober
In case you experience any or even one of the aforesaid symptoms for prolonged periods, it is advisable to visit an alcohol addiction treatment center and assess the severity of the condition.
Risks associated with alcohol addiction
Alcohol abuse can result in several health complications including;
- Risk of developing a cancer
- Damage to the liver and internal organs
- Problems during pregnancy or complications during labor
- Homicidal and suicidal thoughts due to mental instability as a result of alcohol abuse
Alcohol addiction treatment
One in eight adults are addicted to alcohol and the number is increasing every year. Alcohol addiction treatment centers are spread across the country to handle the increasing number of alcohol addicts. However, it is not enough that these centers are equipped to handle more patients. Managing the withdrawal symptoms are one of the most challenging tasks to manage in alcohol addiction.
Alcohol detox in alcohol addiction treatment
- One of the most effective treatment recourse available when it comes to alcohol addiction is total abstinence.
- However, during the abstinence phase patients will often suffer from withdrawal symptoms including depression and anxiety.
- Medications are prescribed to tackle the depression and anxiety while going through a complete detox.
- Medications also help reduce the craving for alcohol during the detox period.
- There can be certain side effects of taking medications during the detox period that will vary from, person to person.
Common withdrawal symptoms
- Agitated behavior
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety and depression
- A headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Trembling and increased heart rate
Types of facility available for alcohol addiction treatment
- Detox is one of the first steps in an alcohol addiction treatment for which there are two types of facilities available; inpatient and outpatient treatment centers.
- Inpatient facilities will cater to your needs away from the comfort or your home in a medically supervised facility.
- Inpatient facilities for alcohol addiction treatment are reserved for the more severe cases of alcohol abuse and patients who have relapsed repeatedly.
- Outpatient programs for mild and moderate cases of alcohol abuse will allow you to follow your normal routine without the need for supervised medical attention.
- Both inpatient and outpatient programs will require active participation in individual and group therapy sessions to identify the causes and reasons behind the alcohol addiction.
- The main motive behind the therapy is to reduce the chances of a relapse after a successful rehabilitation program.
- The recovery process is slow after a successful alcohol addiction treatment and in most cases, therapy is to be continued for life.
Popular alcohol addiction treatment centers
- JourneyPure at the River
- The Exclusive Hawaii
- NorthPoint Recovery
- Behavioral Rehabilitation Services
- Aspire Health Network
- Arrow Passage Recovery
- Oxford Treatment Center
- Recovery Frist
- Hope Canyon Recovery
- Sabino Recovery
- Spirit Mountain Recovery
- Banyan Treatment Center
- Awakenings Rehabilitation
- Sunspire Health Heartland
- Rally Point
Things you should know about alcohol addiction treatment centers
- The duration of alcohol addiction treatment programs will vary depending on the length of addiction and circumstances that may have influenced alcohol abuse in the first place.
- Some health insurance policies may cover the cost of alcohol addiction treatment. However, most of the expenses are borne out of pocket by the family.
- The pricing structure for alcohol addiction treatment programs will vary depending on the facility and amenities offered.
- Although relapse rates are high in the range of 40% to 60%, it should not be regarded as a complete failure.
- Relapse is another opportunity to seek alcohol addiction treatment and in many cases, treatment has to be repeated for the withdrawal to be effective.