Alcohol Addiction Treatment, Alcoholism, Signs, Complications & Recovery Rehab Programs
Alcoholism Treatment Programs, Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Complications, and Prevention. What is Alcohol Use Disorder? What are effective Alcoholism Treatment Programs?
By We Level Up | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: February 7, 2023
Alcoholism and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 15 million adults in the United States had an alcohol use disorder in 2018. It is also estimated that 6.2% of adults in the United States per year engage in binge drinking. Furthermore, 88,000 people die each year from alcohol-related causes.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcoholism is known by a variety of terms, including alcohol addiction or alcohol dependence. Today, it’s referred to clinically as an alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism occurs when you drink so much that your body eventually becomes dependent on or addicted to alcohol. When this happens, alcohol becomes the most important thing in your life. Alcoholism treatment for alcohol use disorder varies, but each method is meant to help you stop excessive drinking altogether.
Alcohol use disorder is defined as alcoholism. Alcoholism is defined as a pattern of binge alcohol drinking. Excessive drinking problems increase the risk of controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, and continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems. Having to drink more to get the same effect, or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.
Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems. It also includes binge drinking, a pattern where a male consumes five or more drinks within two hours or a female drinks at least four within two hours. Binge drinking causes significant health and safety risks.
Some people may drink alcohol to the point that it causes problems, but they’re not physically dependent on alcohol. This used to be referred to as alcohol abuse.
Effective Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs
Effective alcohol addiction treatment programs involve a combination of evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and the 12-Step approach. Medications such as disulfiram, naltrexone, acamprosate, and other psychotherapy options can also be used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. The individual should be assessed by an alcohol addiction specialist to develop the most effective alcohol addiction treatment plan.
America’s Addiction of Alcohol
Addiction of alcohol affects around 14 million people in the United States. About 6.2% of Americans suffer from an Alcohol Use Disorder at any given time. Addiction of alcohol is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, as well as a large contributor to serious illnesses, diseases, and injuries.
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- Alcohol Abuse
- Alcoholic Cirrhosis
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- Dry Drunk Syndrome
- Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
- Stabilization Treatment
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- Alcoholic Hepatitis Treatments
- Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment
- Alcohol Detox & Withdrawal
- Alcohol Detox Program
- Alcoholism Treatment Near Me
- Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Center
Alcohol Addiction Symptoms
Common alcohol addiction symptoms include cravings, physical tolerance, loss of control, obsession with alcohol, significantly increased alcohol intake, and alcohol withdrawal when not drinking. Other symptoms can include mood swings, reduced inhibitions, impaired judgment, memory loss, depression, blackouts, and changes in personality or behavior.
Symptoms of alcohol addiction can also include changes in sleep patterns, financial difficulties, social isolation, neglecting responsibilities, and relationship difficulties. Long-term effects of alcohol addiction can lead to serious health complications, including cirrhosis, depression, and pancreatitis. Withdrawal from alcohol addiction can cause severe physical discomfort, anxiety, and depression.
Alcohol addiction can affect people in a variety of ways. Physically, it can lead to organ damage, such as liver cirrhosis or heart disease. Emotionally, it can lead to depression and anxiety. It can damage relationships and destroy careers. It can also lead to financial problems and put a strain on family dynamics. It’s important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction.
Severe Alcoholism Side Effects
Some of the most common side effects of severe alcoholism include liver damage, facial swelling, vitamin deficiencies, lower immunity, depression, and heart problems. It can also lead to an increased risk of certain types of cancers and digestive issues. Alcoholism can also increase the risk of accidents and injury.
Aside from the physical effects of alcohol abuse, alcoholism can lead to drastic changes in behavior. Those suffering from severe alcoholism may become more violent and aggressive, as well as experience mood swings and depression. The mental and emotional consequences of alcohol dependence can be significant and long-term. Alcoholism can cause severe psychological distress and impair memory, concentration, and judgment. It can also lead to relationship problems and interfere with work or school performance.
Alcohol Addiction Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s essential to know that help is out there. There are many resources, such as alcohol addiction treatment centers, alcohol addiction counseling, alcohol addiction support groups, and 12-step programs, that can offer support and guidance on your journey to recovery. It’s important to remember that managing an alcohol addiction is a lifelong process, and seeking help is an important first step.
Alcohol Addiction Helpline
If you or someone you know is struggling with an alcohol addiction, there are a number of helplines available. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) helpline is a great place to start if you need support. Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also offers a 24-hour national helpline.
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(844) 597-1011Top 5 Addiction of Alcohol FAQs
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Is alcohol addictive?
Yes, alcohol can be addictive. Long-term alcohol use can lead to physical dependence and emotional addiction, which can make it hard to quit or control your drinking.
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Am I addicted to alcohol?
Everyone is different and it is best to consult a medical professional to help determine whether you are addicted to alcohol. However, common signs of addiction include increased tolerance, physical dependence, and a need to drink more than you originally intended.
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Why is alcohol addictive?
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down certain body functions. It is also classified as a psychoactive drug, meaning it affects the mind and behavior. Regular and excessive use of alcohol can lead to tolerance and alcohol addiction, where the user needs more and more of the substance to achieve the desired effects.
Alcohol addiction affects different areas of the brain, resulting in changes to mood, judgment, and decision-making. Long-term alcohol addiction can lead to physical damage to the organs, especially the liver, as well as an increased risk of some forms of cancer. Alcohol addiction is also linked to an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
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What to do if you are addicted to alcohol?
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, there are many resources available to help you. Many communities offer alcohol abuse counseling, alcohol group therapy, and support groups for individuals who are struggling with alcohol addiction. Additionally, alcohol addiction treatment centers provide highly specialized treatment programs to help you understand and manage your alcohol addiction problem.
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How long does it take to get addicted to alcohol?
Are you wondering, how long does it take to get addicted to alcohol?
The amount of time it takes to become addicted to alcohol varies from person to person. Some people become addicted to alcohol after just a few drinks, while others may take months or even years of drinking before developing an addiction to alcohol. Factors such as genetics, mental health, and environment all contribute to a person’s likelihood of becoming addicted to alcohol.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Fact-Sheet
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is also called: alcoholism, alcohol dependence, or alcohol addiction.
Alcoholism Treatment Consists of Therapy and Sedatives
Treatment for this disorder includes counseling, such as behavioral therapy, and drugs that lessen the desire to drink are used in treatment. For certain people, medical detoxification is necessary to safely quit drinking. Mutual support groups assist individuals in quitting drinking, controlling relapses, and adjusting to healthier lifestyle changes.
Alcoholism Treatment Medical Process
Alcohol detox treatment is the sudden termination of alcohol consumption in those suffering from alcoholism.
Therapies For Alcoholism
Support groups, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Aversion therapy, Family therapy, Behavior therapy, Psychotherapy, Group psychotherapy, and Counseling.
Alcoholism Treatment Medications
Sedative, vitamin, and alcoholism medication. Skip to alcoholism treatment medications.
Alcoholism Treatment Self-Care
Abstinence- Entirely abstaining from all alcohol use which can assist an alcoholic in becoming a moderate and problem-free drinker.
Alcoholism Treatment Symptoms
Usually Self-Diagnosable
Strong needs or urges to drink alcohol are among the common symptoms. People with alcohol use disorders may struggle to regulate their drinking, continue drinking even with the negative consequences, or experience withdrawal symptoms when they drastically cut back or quit drinking.
Alcoholism Treatment Patients Experience:
Common: physical substance dependence, coordination issues, slurred speech, and frequent tremors.
Whole body: blackout, dizziness, shakiness, craving, or sweating.
Behavioral: aggression, agitation, compulsiveness, self-destructiveness, or a lack of self-control.
Mood: anxiety, euphoria, depression, guilt, or loneliness.
Gastrointestinal: nausea or vomiting
Psychological: delirium or fear
Signs of Alcoholism Symptoms
Alcoholism symptoms of alcohol abuse can be observed based on the behaviors and physical outcomes that occur as a result of alcohol addiction.
Alcoholism symptoms are most commonly seen with people engage in the following risky behaviors:
- Not eating or eating poorly
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Missing work or school because of drinking
- continuing to drink even when legal, social, or economic problems develop
- Drinking alone
- Drinking more to feel the effects of alcohol (having a high tolerance)
- Becoming violent or angry when asked about their drinking habits
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use
- Being unable to control alcohol intake
- Making excuses to drink
Alcoholism Treatment Statistics
- Nearly 95% of Americans who are battling alcoholism do not believe they require treatment for their condition.
- Every year, more than 30% of those receiving treatment for alcoholism pay for it through public or private insurance.
- 1.1 million men and 431,000 women received treatment for an alcohol consumption disorder in 2014.
Severe alcoholism symptoms will lead patients to require professional alcohol addiction treatment may also experience the following physical symptoms:
- Lapses in memory blacking out after a night of drinking
- Alcohol cravings
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, including shaking, nausea, and vomiting
- Illnesses, such as alcoholic ketoacidosis includes dehydration-type symptoms or cirrhosis
- Tremors of involuntary shaking the morning after drinking
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Hotline(844) 597-1011Causes of Alcohol Addiction & related Alcoholism Symptoms
Genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors can impact how consuming alcohol affects your body and behavior. For example, theories suggest that for certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder.
Too much alcohol may change the normal function of the areas of your brain associated with the experience of pleasure, judgment, and the ability to exercise control over your behavior. This may result in craving alcohol to try to restore good feelings or reduce negative ones also known as withdrawal symptoms.
The cause of alcohol addiction is still unknown. Alcohol addiction develops when you drink so much that chemical changes occur in the brain. Alcohol use disorder typically develops gradually over time. It’s also known to run in families. Eventually, the pleasurable feelings associated with alcohol use go away and the alcoholic engages in drinking to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be quite unpleasant and even dangerous.
An alcoholism treatment center is comprised of a professional specialist team that helps diagnose the severity of one’s alcohol addiction. Alcohol rehab center offers trained medical teams to help medically stabilize patients through alcohol detox & withdrawals at first. Thereafter alcohol recovery therapy may begin.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [1] defines one standard drink as any one of these:
- 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of regular beer with about 5 percent alcohol
- 8 to 9 ounces (237 to 266 milliliters) of malt liquor about 7 percent alcohol
- 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of unfortified wine with about 12 percent alcohol
- 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof hard liquor about 40 percent alcohol
Risk Factors of Alcoholism
Although the exact cause of alcohol use disorder is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk of developing this disease. However, alcohol use disorder occurs more frequently in adults with ages in their 20s and 30s. But, it can start at any age. Drinking too much on a regular basis for an extended period or binge drinking on a regular basis can lead to alcohol-related problems that require the help of alcohol treatment centers.
Alcoholism treatment known risk factors include:
- More than 5 drinks per day at least once a week binge drinking
- More than 15 drinks per week if you’re male
- A mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia
- More than 12 drinks per week if you’re female
- A parent with alcohol use disorder
You may also be at a greater risk for alcohol use disorder if you are a young adult experiencing, peer pressure, a high level of stress, or have low self-esteem. Additionally, having a close relative with alcohol use disorder, or living in a family or culture where alcohol use is common and accepted will increase the risk. According to the national institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism, other factors leading people to get professional alcohol treatment include:
- Starting at an early age. People who begin excessive drinking.
- Family history of struggling with addiction. This may be influenced by genetic factors.
- Depression and other mental health problems. It’s common for people with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder to have problems with alcohol or other substances.
- History of trauma – People with a history of emotional or other trauma are at increased risk of alcohol use disorder.
- Having bariatric surgery – Some research studies indicate that having bariatric surgery may increase the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
- Social and cultural factors – Having friends or a close partner who drinks regularly could increase your risk of alcohol use disorder.
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Complications from Alcoholism
In some people, the initial reaction to drinking may be stimulation. But as you continue to drink, you become sedated. Too much alcohol affects your speech, muscle coordination, and vital centers of your brain. A heavy drinking binge may even cause a life-threatening coma or death. In short, alcohol depresses your central nervous system. This is of particular concern when you’re taking certain medications that also depress the brain’s function.
About your safety
Excessive drinking can reduce your judgment skills and lower inhibitions, leading to poor choices and dangerous situations or behaviors, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents and other types of accidental injury, such as drowning
- Relationship problems
- Poor performance at work or school
- Increased likelihood of committing violent crimes or being the victim of a crime
- Legal problems or problems with employment or finances
- Problems with other substance use
- Engaging in risky, unprotected sex, or experiencing sexual abuse or date rape
- Increased risk of attempted or completed suicide
The Need for Proper Alcoholism Treatment is Clear
Alcoholism treatment programs can administer care for severe withdrawal symptoms while proving therapy to deal with excessive drinking.
About your health
Drinking too much alcohol on a single occasion or over time can cause health problems, including:
- Alcoholic liver disease is also called alcoholic cirrhosis. Heavy drinking can cause increased fat in the liver as known as hepatic steatosis, inflammation of the liver as known as alcoholic hepatitis, and over time, irreversible destruction and scarring of liver tissue as known as alcohol induced cirrhosis.
- Digestive problems. It can interfere with the absorption of B vitamins and other nutrients. Heavy drinking can damage your pancreas or lead to inflammation of the pancreas as known as pancreatitis.
- Heart problems. Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure and increases your risk of an enlarged heart, heart failure, or stroke.
- Diabetes complications. This is dangerous if you have diabetes and are already taking insulin to lower your blood sugar level.
- Sexual function and menstruation issues. Excessive drinking can cause erectile dysfunction in men. In women, it can interrupt menstruation.
- Eye problems. Over time, heavy drinking can cause involuntary rapid eye movement known as nystagmus as well as weakness and paralysis of your eye muscles due to a deficiency of vitamin B-1 thiamin.
- Birth defects. It may also cause fetal alcohol syndrome, resulting in giving birth to a child who has physical and developmental problems that last a lifetime.
- Bone damage. This bone loss can lead to thinning bones (osteoporosis) and an increased risk of fractures. Alcohol can also damage bone marrow, which makes blood cells.
- Neurological complications. Excessive drinking can affect your nervous system, causing numbness and pain in your hands and feet, disordered thinking, dementia, and short-term memory loss.
- Weakened immune system. Excessive alcohol use can make it harder for your body to resist disease, increasing your risk of various illnesses, especially pneumonia.
- Increased risk of cancer. Long-term excessive alcohol use has been linked to a higher risk of many cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, esophagus, colon, and breast cancers.
- Medication and alcohol interactions. Drinking while taking these medications can either increase or decrease their effectiveness, or make them dangerous.
Alcoholism Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the top alcoholic ketoacidosis treatments at home?
In order to treat alcoholic ketoacidosis, IV fluids must be given, electrolyte levels must be monitored, and if necessary, thiamine and glucose must be administered. To lessen the possibility of experiencing severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, medications (such as benzodiazepines) may be prescribed.
Metoclopramide and ondansetron are two examples of anti-nausea or antiemetic drugs that may lessen nausea or stop vomiting. Alcohol detox should not be administrated at home because of the risks associated with alcohol withdrawal. Alcoholic ketoacidosis treatment at home can be dangerous and should be managed with professional medical supervision.
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What are the first signs of kidney damage from alcohol?
-Fatigue
-Decreased appetite
-Urinary changes
-Kidney discomfort
-Having swollen legs, ankles, and feetAlcoholism treatment can be life-saving especially for those already affected by alcohol’s negative impact on the kidneys and liver.
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How long does alcohol stay in your urine?
Within an hour of drinking, ethanol from alcohol can be found in a person’s urine, and it remains distinguishable for up to 12 hours after that. Although, depending on a variety of unique factors, the time frame can last longer or shorter than 12 hours.
Medication Assisted Treatment For Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism Treatment Medications
There are several different alcohol medicines that may help with alcohol use disorder. Popular alcohol medicines used in Alcohol MAT for addiction detox programs include:
- Naltrexone ReVia is used only after someone has detoxed from alcohol. This type of drug works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are associated with the high alcoholic high. This is a combination with counseling, which may help decrease a person’s craving for alcohol.
- Acamprosate is a medication that can help reestablish the brain’s original chemical state before alcohol dependence. This drug should also be combined with therapy.
- Disulfiram Antabuse is a drug that causes physical discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches any time the person consumes alcohol.
While alcohol addiction is tough to overcome, medication-assisted treatment for alcohol abuse or MAT (medication-assisted treatment) can help kickstart one’s recovery process. Alcohol MAT drugs have unpleasant side effects when taken orally so there needs to be careful consideration before using them during treatment.
Disulfiram for Alcoholism Treatment
For people who have finished detoxification and are beginning the early stages of alcohol recovery, disulfiram is the most productive medicine. This particular drug is taken as a pill once per day. When on this medication, if a person consumes alcohol, disulfiram causes unpleasant side effects that act as a deterrent. The adverse side effects frequently consist of:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Chest discomfort
- Vomiting
- Breathing problems
These unpleasant side effects typically appear 10 minutes after consuming alcohol and last for an hour or longer. Some MAT-based treatment facility for alcohol use disorder excludes disulfiram due to the unpleasant and occasionally harmful side effects.
Naltrexone for Alcoholism Treatment
This particular drug aims to assist people in separating alcohol from positive emotions and experiences. In the end, this interaction motivates the person to uphold his or her dedication to rehabilitation. Naltrexone medication, which comes in tablet (ReVia and Depade) and injectable (Vivitrol) formulations, is most effective when combined with behavioral counseling and a comprehensive alcohol recovery treatment program.
Acamprosate for Alcoholism Treatment
Acamprosate is a medication that is most helpful for people who have overcome the initial stages of alcohol withdrawal and detoxification. Usually, on the fifth day of abstinence, this medicine will achieve the highest rates of effectiveness within five to eight days after the first dose. Tablets containing acamprosate are taken three times every day. When used in conjunction with extensive therapy and treatment, it lessens cravings while increasing a person’s chances of sobriety.
Alcoholism Early Prevention
Early intervention can prevent alcohol-related problems in teens. Be alert to signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem with alcohol:
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies and in personal appearance
- Red eyes, slurred speech, problems with coordination, and memory lapses
- Difficulties or changes in relationships with friends, such as joining a new crowd
- Declining grades and problems in school
- Frequent mood changes and defensive behavior
How to Prevent Alcoholism?
- Set a good example with your own alcohol use.
- Talk openly with your friends, spend quality time together and become actively involved with your family.
- Let yourself know what behavior you expect.
You can prevent alcohol use disorder by limiting your alcohol intake. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, women shouldn’t drink more than one drink per day, and men shouldn’t drink more than two drinks per day. See your doctor if you begin to engage in behaviors that are signs of an alcohol use disorder, or if you think that you may have a problem with alcohol.
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Alcohol Treatment Centers
Doctors or healthcare specialists at behavioral alcohol treatment centers are well-trained medical providers. They are more acutely aware of alcohol use disorder treatment protocols and can properly diagnose and assess patients for suitable alcoholism treatment. They’ll conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your drinking habits. Your doctor may ask if you:
- Drive when you’re drunk
- Have missed work or lost a job as a result of your drinking
- Need more alcohol to feel drunk when you drink
- Have experienced blackouts as a result of your drinking
- Have tried to cut back on your drinking but couldn’t
Your doctor may also use a questionnaire to assess alcohol treatment requirements and to help diagnose the extent of your condition. Typically, a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder or AUD doesn’t require any other type of diagnostic test. There’s a chance your doctor may order blood work to check your liver function if you show signs or symptoms of liver disease or alcoholic cirrhosis.
AUD can cause serious and lasting damage to your liver. Your liver is responsible for removing toxins from your blood. When you drink too much, your liver has a harder time filtering the alcohol and other toxins from your bloodstream. This can lead to alcoholic liver diseases and other complications.
Alcoholism Treatment Methods
Alcoholism Treatment Center Programs
Alcoholism treatment centers therapy for AUD varies, but each method is meant to help you stop drinking altogether. This is called abstinence. Treatment may occur in stages and can include the following:
- Alcohol detoxification or withdrawal to rid your body of alcohol.
- Rehabilitation to learn new coping skills and behaviors.
- Counseling to address emotional problems that may cause you to drink.
- Support groups, such as 12-step programs.
- Medical treatment for health problems associated with alcohol use disorder.
- Medications to help control addiction.
Alcohol Detox
The first stage in treating alcoholism is typically detoxification, which can be the most challenging. You could endure harsh withdrawal symptoms in the first few days after quitting drinking. As a result, the alcohol detox phase should only be completed under qualified medical supervision.
You could get prescribed medicine from your treatment providers to lessen the discomfort from the detox, which supports your focus on alcohol recovery process. You’ll be able to continue with different types of therapy and treatment once you’ve completed detox.
Inpatient Rehab
The most structured treatment facility for people overcoming alcoholism is an inpatient rehab center. These rehab centers often treat the most severe cases of alcoholism and mandate that patients stay on-site for the full course of the program, which can last 30, 60, or 90 days.
Treatment professionals will support your alcohol recovery journey and provide helpful resources to help you easily continue your sobriety. These resources typically include information on overcoming triggers, the value of sobriety maintenance programs, and what to do in the case of a relapse.
Alcoholism Treatment Statistics
Alcohol treatment centers can be successful in helping people overcome their alcohol dependence. Most alcohol treatment centers use a multi-faceted approach to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, as well as other lifestyle issues that may have contributed to its development. Alcohol addition treatment programs typically include counseling and therapy, support groups, and an emphasis on developing positive coping skills to manage cravings and avoid relapses.
Did you know that one in twelve Americans suffers from alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol Counseling
It’s crucial for people to communicate and receive advice from an alcohol counselor frequently as they work toward recovery. Counseling creates a channel of communication that is open both during joyful and challenging times.
Additionally, your therapist will be able to help you deal with any underlying problems including peers, family relationships, employment, or other situations that might be contributing to your drinking problem. You’ll get the chance to discover more about who you are and how to maintain the physical and mental wellness of your body.
Alcoholism Treatment Center Programs
At the We Level Up Treatment Centers, trained behavioral addiction and mental health specialists provide world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals available to help you cope. We work as an integrated team providing alcoholism treatment for a successful recovery from alcohol use disorder. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our teams of caregivers know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.
Your call is private and confidential and there is never any obligation.
Alcoholism Treatment. Alcohol Use Disorder. Is Alcohol Addictive? Why Is Alcohol Addictive Video
Alcoholism Treatment. Alcohol Use Disorder. Is Alcohol Addictive? Why Is Alcohol Addictive Video Script
Welcome to the We Level Up treatment center video series. In today’s video, we will discuss Alcoholism Treatment. Alcohol Use Disorder. Is Alcohol Addictive? Why Is Alcohol Addictive plus Effective Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options.
There are several names for alcoholism, such as alcohol addiction and alcohol dependency. It is now officially known as an alcohol use disorder. It happens when you drink so much alcohol that your body finally develops an addiction to it. When this occurs, alcohol takes on a major role in your life. Each technique used in alcoholism therapy for alcohol use disorder is intended to help you completely stop binge drinking.
Alcoholism is characterized as an alcohol use disorder. It is a pattern of binge drinking referred to as alcoholism. The likelihood of controlling your drinking, being concerned with alcohol and continuing to consume alcohol even when it creates problems increases if you have excessive drinking issues. When you abruptly cut back or quit drinking, you may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms or need to drink more to achieve the same impact.
Any alcohol usage that threatens your health or safety or results in other alcohol-related issues is considered unhealthy. A pattern of drinking where a man downs five or more drinks in two hours or where a woman downs at least four drinks in two hours is known as binge drinking. Significant threats to one’s health and safety result from binge drinking.
While some individuals may consume alcohol to the point where it becomes problematic, they are not physically dependent on it. Alcohol abuse used to be the term for this.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism
Based on the actions and bodily effects of alcohol addiction, alcoholism signs of alcohol abuse can be seen. People who indulge in the risky behaviors listed below are more likely to exhibit symptoms of alcoholism:
· Not eating or eating poorly
· Neglecting personal hygiene
· Missing work or school because of drinking
· continuing to drink even when legal, social, or economic problems develop
· Drinking alone
· Drinking more to feel the effects of alcohol (having a high tolerance)
· Becoming violent or angry when asked about their drinking habits
· Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use
· Being unable to control alcohol intake
· Making excuses to drink
Patients who have severe alcoholic symptoms and need professional alcohol addiction treatment may also experience the physical symptoms listed below:
· Lapses in memory blacking out after a night of drinking
· Alcohol cravings
· Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, including shaking, nausea, and vomiting
· Illnesses, such as alcoholic ketoacidosis includes dehydration-type symptoms or cirrhosis
· Tremors of involuntary shaking the morning after drinking
Causes of Alcohol Addiction
How alcohol affects your body and behavior can depend on genetic, psychological, social, and environmental variables. For instance, ideas contend that drinking differently and more strongly for some individuals can result in alcohol consumption disorder.
The parts of your brain connected to pleasure, judgment, and your capacity for behavior control may no longer operate as they should under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol cravings, also known as withdrawal symptoms, may develop as a result of this in an effort to alleviate unpleasant emotions or restore positive ones.
Alcohol addiction’s origins are still a mystery. When you consume too much alcohol, your brain undergoes chemical changes that lead to addiction. Usually, an alcohol use disorder emerges gradually over time. There is evidence that it runs in families. After a while, the enjoyable effects of drinking fade, and the alcoholic starts drinking to stave off the effects of alcohol withdrawal. The effects of alcohol withdrawal can be unpleasant and even harmful.
A professional expert team at an alcoholism treatment facility assists in determining the extent of a patient’s alcohol addiction. Alcohol treatment centers have skilled medical teams to initially stabilize patients’ medical conditions during alcohol detox and withdrawals. Therapy for alcohol rehabilitation may then start.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [1] defines one standard drink as any one of these:
· 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of regular beer with about 5 percent alcohol
· 8 to 9 ounces (237 to 266 milliliters) of malt liquor about 7 percent alcohol
· 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of unfortified wine with about 12 percent alcohol
· 1.5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof hard liquor about 40 percent alcohol
What are the Risk Factors for Alcoholism?
There are certain things you can do to lower your alcoholism risks of addiction. Adults in their 20s and 30s are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder. However, Alcoholism can begin at any age. Regular binge drinking or excessive regular drinking might result in alcohol-related issues that call for the assistance of alcohol treatment facilities.
Alcoholism treatment known risk factors include:
· More than 5 drinks per day at least once a week binge drinking
· More than 15 drinks per week if you’re male
· A mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia
· More than 12 drinks per week if you’re female
· A parent with alcohol use disorder
If you are a young adult dealing with peer pressure, a high level of stress, or low self-esteem, you may also be at a higher risk for alcohol use disorder. Additionally, living in a family or culture where alcohol use is widespread and accepted, or having a close relative with an alcohol use disorder, will raise the risk. Other reasons that influence people to seek professional alcohol therapy, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, include:
· Starting at an early age. People who begin excessive drinking.
· Family history of struggling with addiction. This may be influenced by genetic factors.
· Depression and other mental health problems. It’s common for people with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder to have problems with alcohol or other substances.
· History of trauma. People with a history of emotional or other trauma are at increased risk of alcohol use disorder.
· Having bariatric surgery – Some research studies indicate that having bariatric surgery may increase the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
· Social and cultural factors – Having friends or a close partner who drinks regularly could increase your risk of alcohol use disorder.
Alcoholism: The Complications You Don’t Know About
Some people may experience stimulation as their first response to drinking. But the more you drink, the drowsier you get. Drinking too much alcohol impairs your ability to speak and move, as well as key brain regions. Even a coma or death may result from binge drinking excessively. Alcohol, in essence, slows down your central nervous system. This is especially concerning if you’re taking drugs that also have a depressant effect on brain function.
About your safety
Drinking excessively can impair your judgment and decrease your guard, resulting in risky decisions and actions, such as:
· Motor vehicle accidents and other types of accidental injuries, such as drowning
· Relationship problems
· Poor performance at work or school
· Increased likelihood of committing violent crimes or being the victim of a crime
· Legal problems or problems with employment or finances
· Problems with other substance use
· Engaging in risky, unprotected sex, or experiencing sexual abuse or date rape
· Increased risk of attempted or completed suicide
About your health
Alcohol abuse can lead to a variety of health issues, including the following:
· Alcoholic liver disease is also called alcoholic cirrhosis. Heavy drinking can cause increased fat in the liver known as hepatic steatosis, inflammation of the liver as known as alcoholic hepatitis, and over time, irreversible destruction and scarring of liver tissue as known as alcohol induced cirrhosis.
· Digestive problems. It can interfere with the absorption of B vitamins and other nutrients. Heavy drinking can damage your pancreas or lead to inflammation of the pancreas known as pancreatitis.
· Heart problems. Excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure and increases your risk of an enlarged heart, heart failure, or stroke.
· Diabetes complications. This is dangerous if you have diabetes and are already taking insulin to lower your blood sugar level.
· Sexual function and menstruation issues. Excessive drinking can cause erectile dysfunction in men. In women, it can interrupt menstruation.
· Eye problems. Over time, heavy drinking can cause involuntary rapid eye movement known as nystagmus as well as weakness and paralysis of your eye muscles due to a deficiency of vitamin B-1 thiamin.
· Birth defects. It may also cause fetal alcohol syndrome, resulting in giving birth to a child who has physical and developmental problems that last a lifetime.
· Bone damage. This bone loss can lead to thinning bones (osteoporosis) and an increased risk of fractures. Alcohol can also damage bone marrow, which makes blood cells.
· Neurological complications. Excessive drinking can affect your nervous system, causing numbness and pain in your hands and feet, disordered thinking, dementia, and short-term memory loss.
· Weakened immune system. Excessive alcohol use can make it harder for your body to resist disease, increasing your risk of various illnesses, especially pneumonia.
· Increased risk of cancer. Long-term excessive alcohol use has been linked to a higher risk of many cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, esophagus, colon, and breast cancers.
· Medication and alcohol interactions. Drinking while taking these medications can either increase or decrease their effectiveness, or make them dangerous.
That’s it for today. If you like our video, please let us know. Have a great day.
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