Alcoholism is a treatable disease, and we work closely with our clients to design a customized treatment plan that will allow you or your loved one to reclaim your life from alcohol.
Although alcohol is legal is in the United States and most parts of the world, is still a potentially addictive psychoactive substance that destroys lives and relationships. While remaining socially acceptable, alcohol abuse often leads to risky, impulsive behavior such as driving under the influence or becoming involved in domestic violence. In the U.S., it is estimated that the average person who drives while intoxicated has done so dozens of times before their first arrest.
Symptoms of Alcoholism
These unfortunate facts, along with an extensive list of problems related to works, school, and relationships, can only be explained by the addictive properties of alcohol.
Alcoholism is a chronic disease of both the body and mind that is caused by a physical and psychological dependency on alcohol. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (2012), more than 7% of American adults have an alcohol use disorder.
Symptoms of alcohol dependence include the following:
- Tremors and shakiness the morning/day after heavy drinking
- Alcohol-induced diseases such as liver cirrhosis
- Memory loss related to blackouts while drinking
- The manifestation of withdrawal symptoms upon drinking cessation
- Increasing tolerance to alcohol that requires consuming more to achieve the same level of intoxication
- Neglect of important responsibilities due to alcohol use
- Inability to limit the amount consumed
- Making excuses to drink
Alcohol abuse is not alcoholism per-say but is considered to be an alcohol use disorder. Some people who abuse alcohol are still somewhat able to set and maintain restrictions on their drinking habits. However, these people often do engage in self-destructive and impulsive behavior and when drinking can be a danger to themselves and others. This habit can ruin lives in the short-term and result in life-threatening health consequences in the long run.
Alcohol Addiction and Overdose
An overdose is possible when someone drinking reaches a very high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) – this is also known as alcohol poisoning.
Alcohol poisoning is a severe and potentially fatal consequence of drinking an extremely excessive amount of alcohol in a short period. Drinking too much too rapidly can impair breathing, and adversely affect heart rate and body temperature, leading to coma and death.
An alcohol overdose is a medical emergency. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, please call 911 immediately.
Alcohol poisoning signs and symptoms include the following:
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute)
- Irregular breathing
- Blue-tinged skin or pale skin
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Passing out (unconsciousness) and can’t be awakened
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol use disorder is most effectively treated using a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that includes psychotherapies, counseling, and group support. Our center offers these customized services in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient formats.
Alcohol addiction is not just a chemical dependency – it’s usually the product of a co-existing mental illness such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. People with untreated mental and emotional issues often turn to alcohol as a misguided means to self-medicate.
We understand how crucial it is to treat addiction in conjunction with any mental illness – moreover, focusing on the addiction only ignores most of the factors that contribute to it, and forces the patient to attempt to resolve the psychological issues they experience without the tools to do so.
Recovery from alcohol addiction is a lifelong process, but you don’t have to suffer through it alone. We can help you recover and regain your life!
Most Insurance Accepted
We work with most major insurance carriers and offer a range of options to fit your lifestyle and financial means
Let’s talk about how we can help.
A Life in Recovery Can be Yours.
You deserve to become your best self. With decades of combined experience in the field of addiction medicine, our staff knows what it takes to build a foundation for recovery.