Alcohol addiction is also known as alcohol use disorder. It is a dilapidating medical condition that affects millions of Americans. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, it is a disease and should be treated as such. Most experts try to pinpoint the factors that contribute to alcoholism as sex, race, genetics, and other socioeconomic conditions that predispose people to alcohol addiction.
Alcohol addiction doesn’t have just one single cause, and the most prevalent causes are genetics and behavioral factors. It is important to note that this is just like any other condition such as diabetes, Asthma, or high blood pressure that is chronic and requires treatment for life.
Alcoholism may present itself in many different ways, and the severity of it often includes one consuming high amounts of alcohol over some time without caring about how their addiction is affecting their friends, family, and other relationships they may have.
Addiction is quite subtle, and many people don’t even realize they have developed the condition. It is an inability to quit, regardless of the effects. Most people with an addiction tend to be ‘functioning alcoholics.’ They can still carry out all of their daily responsibilities but are drunk while they do them. A few drinks after work and social drinking at parties and events will soon lead to everyday binge drinking and the ability to work even when intoxicated.
There are several options and approaches to addressing problematic drinking, and it’s essential to understand what best suits your particular lifestyle or situation. Contact us at the AspenRidge Recovery Center for more information. We would love to be part of your success story. Call us at 855-281-5588.
Primary Symptoms Of Alcoholism
If you suspect you are an alcoholic, you likely are, even though you have not experienced all of the worse side effects. Still, if you notice any of the following symptoms, you should seek treatment immediately:
- An increase in your frequency of alcohol use.
- A high tolerance to alcohol and lack of the classic ‘hangover’ symptoms.
- Drinking alcohol at inappropriate times, such as first thing in the morning, at work, church, etc.
- Wanting always to be where alcohol is present and avoid places where there’s no alcohol.
- Experiencing changes in friendships and choosing only to befriend people that drink heavily.
- Requiring alcohol to function in day-to-day activities.
- Increased lethargy, depression, and other mental-related emotional issues.
- Legal and professional problems, such as getting a DUI or experiencing job loss.
Addiction tends to worsen with time and is usually accompanied by mental issues. It is wise to always look at the early warning signs. If you identify the addiction early, seeking treatment can help save your life and avoid any significant consequences of the disease later on in life.
Complications of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction can lead to lots of medical issues, such as potentially fatal liver and heart disease. Other addiction complications include the following:
- Diabetes complications
- Ulcers
- Death
- Sexual problems
- Bone loss
- Vision problems
- A suppressed immune system
- Increased risk of specific cancers
According to research by the Centers for Disease Control, drunk driving takes at least 29 lives daily in the US. Alcoholism is also associated with an increased incidence of homicide and suicide.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction
The treatment for alcohol addiction is quite complex and pretty challenging. For the treatment to work, one must first accept that they have an addiction, and they must genuinely want to get sober. The next step usually is finding the right rehab clinic for treatment.
Most people say that alcohol addiction is never ‘cured,’ and the best treatment for alcohol addiction is rehab. Although one goes to rehab for a few days or months, the recovery process from alcoholism is a lifetime commitment. This is why people still receive badges for staying sober 20 years later.
Other treatment options include:
Alcoholics Anonymous – AA
Most people with an addiction tend to turn to AA and other 12-step programs. Regardless of your support, it is essential to get involved fully.
Sober communities are extremely popular and help people struggling with an addiction overcome the challenges in their everyday lives.
Therapy
Alcohol addiction treatment mainly relies on therapy. Therapy is one of the most effective options and enables people to critically examine the reason for their addiction and how they can overcome it. They include:
- Talking Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Yoga And Meditation
- Art And Music Therapy
- Online Therapy
Medication Assisted (MAT) Alcohol Abuse Treatment
In addition to the usual alcohol abuse programs, certain medications can aid in overcoming alcohol dependency. While there’s no magic cure or pill that can help a person fully recover from the disease of addiction, certain alcohol addiction medications — when administered properly — have been shown to provide beneficial effects for reducing withdrawal symptoms and curbing triggers that may result in relapse once recovery is underway. AspenRidge works with your healthcare provider to combine MAT with dual diagnosis programs.
Resouces for Alcoholism
There’s plenty of information available to help someone with an addiction. This information can also be used by people who would love to help their loved ones find treatment options. They include the following:
Current Outlook on Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is curable, or rather, reversible. Early treatment has the highest chances of success, and rehab treatment centers have comprehensive treatment options for anyone looking to quit.
Most people with addiction tend to find themselves relapsing, which is why it is essential to find a rehab clinic offering various after-rehab programs to ensure you maintain your sobriety.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Denver – AspenRidge Recovery
At the AspenRidge Recovery Center Denver, we are an established Colorado addiction treatment center. We offer online and in-person substance abuse treatment for anyone wishing to recover from alcohol addiction. We work hard to ensure you achieve sobriety and success in your journey.
The Joint Commission also certifies our center, and our licensed counselors are trained, specifically, in substance misuse and addiction. We offer the following programs:
We can help guide you through the different stages of alcohol addiction and next steps. It’s also critical to understand that treatment is different for everyone and, therefore, a tailored treatment approach is important. Contact us today for more information about Colorado alcohol rehabilitation at 855-281-5588.
