Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol dependence and addiction is a complex and multifaceted disease that silently weaves its way through the fabric of individuals’ lives, often leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. It’s an ailment that doesn’t discriminate, affecting people from all walks of life, irrespective of age, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Recognizing the need for alcohol addiction treatment is a monumental step on the journey to recovery—a journey that begins with understanding the nature of addiction and acknowledging the courage it takes to seek help. At Royal Life Centers, we aim to shed light on alcohol addiction treatment, offering hope and guidance to those who find themselves navigating this challenging path.

What Is Alcohol Dependence?

Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is defined as the inability to control drinking due to an emotional, mental and physical dependence on alcohol. Most of the time, someone who is dependent or addicted to alcohol consumption will continue to get drunk regularly despite legal, financial or health problems. It’s not unusual for those with alcohol use disorder to begin drinking first thing in the morning and keep going all the way through bedtime. When dependence has gotten severe enough, the drinker will feel painful and dangerous withdrawal just from being sober.

Often, alcohol abuse will cause severe family or relationship problems. Those with alcohol dependence often feel a sense of guilt about their drinking, especially when there is family involved. Usually, there is a desire to stop drinking or cut back, but without the proper professional help the drinking typically continues. It may come as a surprise, but alcohol addiction is actually one of the most dangerous addictions to give up. Without proper medical treatment and safe detox, the withdrawal could be life-threatening.

What Is Problematic Drinking?

Problematic drinking is often dismissed, especially in young adults, however, it is a giant red flag that someone may be spiraling toward alcohol dependence and addiction. In general, there are two types of problematic drinking which include:

Binge drinking
Heavy drinking

By defining the types of problematic drinking habits people may exhibit, people can get a general idea of what to look for in a loved one’s behavior in regards to alcohol consumption.

It’s important to recognize that “a drink” refers to a specific amount of alcohol:

12 ounces of beer
5 ounces of wine
1.5 ounces of distilled spirits

Each of these drinks contains about the same amount of alcohol. Using this definition of a “drink,” people can identify whether they or a loved one partakes in problematic drinking patterns.

What Is Binge Drinking?

For many people, alcohol consumption begins early in life – sometimes even before high school. Underaged drinking is highly common because it is so easy to obtain alcohol. Exposure to alcohol at such an early age will have an effect on brain and physical development. Binge drinking in particular is often popular with young adults and teens.

Binge drinking is hard to define in modern society, because most people will drink more in social settings. A group of men tailgating outside of football stadium, knocking back six packs may not necessarily be binge drinking in the medical sense. When we talk about binge drinking from an illness standpoint, your average binge drinker will try to go as long as they can without getting drunk and then drink to excess until they black out, or get very sick.

The psychology or motive behind the drinking is very different than it is for someone who is a casual or recreational drinker. Binge drinking on five or more days in the past month would qualify someone as a heavy drinker. Teenagers and young adults have the highest rate of binge drinking out of any demographic. Binge drinkers have their own sort of alcohol dependence than a day-to-day alcoholic, and this type of consumption presents its own problems and dangers.

What Is Heavy Drinking?

Heavy drinking is typically defined by consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period, often leading to acute intoxication or long-term health issues if it becomes a regular habit. For men, this can mean consuming five or more drinks within two hours, and for women, four or more drinks in the same timeframe. These benchmarks are not arbitrary—they are based on research that shows the levels at which alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of harm to oneself and others.

The psychology behind heavy drinking is complex and varies from person to person. Some individuals may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress or other emotional issues, while others may view it as a way to have fun and let loose in social situations. Whatever the reason, heavy drinking can quickly become problematic and lead to physical and mental health consequences.

Signs of Problematic Drinking

Recognizing the signs of problematic drinking is crucial for individuals and their loved ones to seek help early and address the problem before it destroys a person’s life.

Signs of problematic drinking include:

Impaired judgment
Reduced coordination
Potential blackouts
Alcohol poisoning
Accidents and injuries resulting from drinking
Neglecting responsibilities and relationships
Financial problems
Legal troubles
Mood swings and changes in behavior
Changes in physical appearance, such as weight gain or loss

It’s important to note that not everyone who drinks excessively will experience all of these signs and symptoms. However, if you or someone you love is exhibiting any of these warning signs, it may be time to seek help.

Many people with problematic drinking habits may deny or downplay their behavior, making it difficult for them to recognize the need for change. It can be a sensitive and challenging topic to address, but it’s essential to have open and honest conversations with loved ones about their drinking habits.

Signs of Alcohol Poisioning

One of the most immediate risks associated with problematic drinking is alcohol poisoning. When someone consumes too much alcohol too quickly, it can suppress their body’s gag reflex, making it difficult for them to vomit if necessary. This can result in alcohol remaining in their system at dangerous levels, leading to symptoms such as:

Confusion
Slowed breathing
Vomiting
Passing out
Seizures
Coma
Death

Alcohol poisoning is a serious medical emergency and can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or drinking experience. It is important for individuals to know the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning so they can seek help immediately if necessary.

Identifying Alcohol Dependence

The first step in determining if you or a loved one needs alcohol abuse treatment is to determine if dependence or addiction has developed. Not everyone will show the same symptoms, and it will also change depending on length of use, but generally speaking, you may notice some of the items below.

Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol abuse include:

Blackouts or short-term memory loss
Irritability or intense mood swings
Rationalizing your drinking
Finding or making excuses to drink
Neglecting other responsibilities in order to get drunk
Isolating from friends and family members
Drinking alone
Using alcohol as a form of escape, or band-aid for other problems.
Frequent hang-overs
Changes in physical appearance
Changes in friends
Changes in social activities
Increased tolerance for alcohol
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop drinking

If you or a loved one has begun to show any of the signs of alcohol addiction or abuse, it is important that you seek help from a professional medical detox facility near you, such as Royal Life Centers. Because of the dangers of alcohol withdrawal, it is not recommended to attempt cold turkey quitting.

Consequences of Alcohol Dependence

The consequences of alcohol abuse extend beyond the immediate effects. Alcohol abuse can lead to a plethora of issues. Personal health, social health, and emotional well-being all suffer due to alcoholism.

Problematic drinking and alcohol addiction can have profound impacts on an individual’s social life, potentially damaging relationships with family and friends and affecting professional obligations. The emotional unrest from alcoholism takes a serious toll on one’s inner peace and sense of well-being. Families tend to suffer in particular when living with an alcoholic, especially if alcohol makes the person aggressive. The all-consuming power of addiction often destroys lives without prejudice. The kindest and most gentle men and women can become violent or abusive due to alcohol dependence.

Chronic alcohol abuse can also include long-term health consequences, such as:

Liver disease
Heart disease
Stroke
Mental health issues like depression and anxiety
Increased risk for certain types of cancer

Prolonged drinking can have a serious impact on your health and potentially cause life threatening problems due to organ failure. It can also lead to serious legal consequences such as DUIs and arrests. These can be the source of life changing consequences for some alcoholics.

Recognizing the signs of alcohol abuse and dependence is crucial for individuals and their loved ones to seek help early and address the problem before it escalates into something far more detrimental.

How To Recover From Alcohol Addiction

The road to recovery from alcohol addiction is as unique as the individuals walking it. It requires a personalized approach that addresses not only the physical aspects of dependence but also the psychological underpinnings that contribute to substance abuse. Treatment options range from inpatient rehab facilities and outpatient programs to support groups and therapy sessions—each playing a crucial role in helping individuals regain control over their lives. Here, we will explore these various treatment modalities, provide insights into how they work, and share success stories from those who have triumphed over addiction, aiming to inspire others to embark on their own journey toward healing.

Treatment for Alcohol Dependence

Recovery from alcohol dependence and addiction involves addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the disease. This includes detoxification, therapy, and support from peers and professionals. Detoxification is the first step in recovery and involves ridding the body of alcohol and its byproducts. This process can be difficult and uncomfortable as withdrawal symptoms may occur.

Detoxing from Alcohol

Alcohol addiction is a completely curable disease. However, extra precaution should be taken when attempting to get sober. Alcohol detox is typically broken down into three stages, each characterized by a particular set of symptoms.

Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal

First stage (8 hours after last drink):

Anxiety
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Insomnia

Second stage (24-72 hours of last drink):

Rise in blood pressure and body temperature
Quickening of heartbeat
Reduced mental acuity

Third stage:

Hallucinations
Fever
Seizures
Agitation
Risk of death

If the addiction is powerful enough, then giving up alcohol immediately can cause seizures that could be fatal. Without proper medical care and medications, a detox from alcohol could have deadly complications. For these reasons, medical detox is typically necessary to safely stop the body’s dependence on alcohol. Withdrawal is painful, and dangerous – but the professionals at an accredited medical detox facility such as Royal Life Centers can ensure that your life is kept safe.

Can I Detox From Alcohol At Home?

It is important to seek medical supervision during this time to ensure safety and manage any potential complications. For instance, people who attempt to detox from alcohol at home run the risk of experiencing delirium tremens (DTs) without medical intervention. DTs can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

What Happens After an Alcohol Detox?

Once detoxification is complete, people typically continue treatment in an inpatient and/or outpatient program. Here, therapy plays a crucial role in addressing the psychological aspects of alcohol dependence and addiction. This may include individual therapy, group therapy, or a combination of both. Therapy aims to help individuals understand the root causes of their addiction and develop coping mechanisms to prevent relapse.

In addition to therapy, support from peers and professionals is vital for sustained recovery. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and receive encouragement from others who are also on the journey to recovery. Professional counseling can also be beneficial in providing guidance and accountability during this time.

Our Comprehensive Addiction Treatment

Royal Life Centers offers a full-service treatment option including detox, treatment, and aftercare. We are fully licensed and accredited, using evidence-based treatment models to achieve results. We use customized treatment plans, designed specifically for your own unique needs. No two plans are ever the same. Our personalized approach to treatment ensures that you get the help you need.

After medical detox, quality alcohol dependence rehab will give the best chances for long-term success. Group therapy, substance abuse therapy and meetings have all proven to be successful in keeping people sober and happy long term.

Reach Out

If you or a loved one has an alcohol use disorder, or any substance use disorder, please reach out to us about your detox and treatment options. Royal Life Centers admissions staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns. We can be reached at 888-534-9140. Because We Care.

Alcohol Addiction

What Is Alcohol Dependence?

What Is Problematic Drinking?

What Is Binge Drinking?

What Is Heavy Drinking?

Signs of Problematic Drinking

Signs of Alcohol Poisioning

Identifying Alcohol Dependence

Consequences of Alcohol Dependence

How To Recover From Alcohol Addiction

Treatment for Alcohol Dependence

Detoxing from Alcohol

Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal

Can I Detox From Alcohol At Home?

What Happens After an Alcohol Detox?

Our Comprehensive Addiction Treatment

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