Alcohol is addictive. However, not everyone who abuses it has a problem. Alcohol abuse occurs when someone drinks too heavily despite the destructive consequences that follow. They may not drink every day. However, when they do, it causes risky behaviors, as well as health and financial problems. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t physically or psychologically dependent. Above all, you need treatment if alcohol abuse negatively affects your life.
Do you need to know more about drug and alcohol rehab? Call us today at 866.957.7885.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse
There are signs that you or a loved one are abusing alcohol. Those who drink too much exhibit similar behavior. Alcohol abuse uniquely affects everyone. For example, personal biology, medical and family history, mental health, genetics, and environment dictate the individual effects of alcohol abuse.
You may also notice behavioral signs of alcohol abuse. For example, alcohol abuse leads to disinterest in past hobbies, sports, or activities. Additionally, low performance at work or school can reveal substance abuse problems. Depression, isolation, preoccupation with drinking, restlessness, erratic behavior, violence, and the inability to control drinking may also indicate someone is struggling with alcohol addiction.
Of course, there are many physical signs of addiction as well. Someone who drinks too much may frequently smell of alcohol. They may also change their sleep patterns, pay less attention to personal grooming, suffer frequent hangovers, and keep alcohol in easily accessible areas.
Effects of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse makes you physically ill. This is collectively referred to as a “hangover.” Slurred speech and impaired judgment reveal active drunkenness. However, other indicators affect the body or mind long-term.
The short-term effects of a hangover include nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and headaches. Drinking can lead to blackouts and memory loss. Sadly, you’ll have difficulty remembering the timeline of events that took place while drinking. Additionally, the long-term effects of alcohol overuse include liver disease, thiamine deficiency, cancer, brain damage, and immune and kidney problems.
People who drink too much tend to engage in risky behaviors. Unfortunately, this leads to contracting sexually transmitted infections like HIV. Women risk unwanted pregnancy as well. Of course, everyone who drinks risks drinking and driving, which often leads to deadly consequences.
Treatment for Alcohol Overuse
If you or someone you love overuse alcohol, you need help. Over one million adolescents and adults receive alcohol treatment each year, so you’ll be with many peers in the same boat.
Treatment centers use therapies specifically for individualized recovery from alcohol. These therapies are part of a unique treatment plan that will help you reach successful sobriety. Of course, those in treatment learn about alcohol overuse, addiction, sobriety, and aftercare maintenance. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop coping skills as well.
Rehab treatment for alcohol addiction is a comprehensive program that includes medical, psychological and social support. The first step in the rehab process is typically detoxification, which involves gradually removing the alcohol from your system to avoid any unpleasant or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to help reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. After this initial stage, you will participate in a variety of behavioral therapies to help address the issues that led you to alcohol abuse. You may also be involved in counseling sessions, support groups and educational activities to further strengthen your recovery.
Rehab treatment for alcohol addiction can take place on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on your needs and preferences. Additionally, a number of different approaches can be used to help you achieve and maintain sobriety, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and the 12-step program. With the right support, it is possible to overcome alcohol addiction and live a healthy, fulfilling life free from substance abuse.
There is no One-Size-Fits-All For Alcohol Addiction Treatment
There is no single approach to rehab treatment for alcohol addiction, as it will vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. Typically, the first step of rehab involves a medically supervised detoxification process that helps you safely withdraw from alcohol while minimizing any negative or dangerous side effects. During this time, you may be prescribed medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, headache and anxiety.
After detox, you will participate in a variety of behavioral therapies that are designed to address the underlying issues that may have led to your alcohol abuse. These may include individual counseling sessions, family therapy or group support meetings. Additionally, you may receive education about addiction and relapse prevention strategies so that you can learn to effectively manage triggers, cope with cravings and avoid relapse.
The Right Treatment for Your Own Needs
When considering alcohol treatment, you need a program built around your unique needs. San Antonio Recovery Center in San Antonio, Texas provides affordable, diverse individual rehab. The qualified staff at our alcohol rehab center in San Antonio understand true recovery requires a full spectrum of treatment. Patients conquering addiction from heroin and alcohol benefit from the following methods:
- 12-step treatment model
- Accurate diagnosis
- Advanced treatment modalities
- Supportive staff
- Whole-person healing
- Family therapy
Programs include:
Only you control the outcome of your future. Your alcohol abuse has an ending. You just need the right help. Call San Antonio Recovery Center now at 866-957-7885 to start living the life you’ve been dreaming of.