Despite being a widely accepted substance of use across the country, drinking alcohol can be a slippery slope. Frequently consuming alcohol can lead to dependence, which can further develop into an addiction. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be becoming a problem drinker, it is important to know how to recognize the signs. When someone is addicted to alcohol, they need professional help right away.
What Is an Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use. For those affected by this condition, it can be difficult to stop drinking even despite this having adverse consequences on their social lives, careers, and health.
There are several terms that can be used to refer to an AUD, including alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and alcoholism. This condition can have serious consequences. This is why it is important to know when it is time to get help for drinking issues.
When Does Drinking Become a Problem?
Drinking becomes a problem when it starts to negatively impact your life in any way. If you think you may have a drinking problem, this in itself can be a sign that your alcohol consumption has gotten out of hand. Of course, there are several other signs of alcohol abuse that you can look out for to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
Knowing how to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction can be important to know when it is time to stop drinking. There are several signs that can indicate your alcohol use may be an issue, including:
- Physical problems:
- Experiencing hangovers frequently.
- Developing unexplained illnesses or injuries.
- Building a tolerance or needing more alcohol to feel its effects.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (shaking, sweating, nausea) when trying to cut back or stop.
- Behavioral problems:
- Drinking more than you intended to.
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking.
- Having trouble meeting work, school, or family obligations due to drinking.
- Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence (e.g., drunk driving).
- Experiencing legal or financial problems related to drinking.
- Social and emotional problems:
- Strained relationships with family and friends.
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about your drinking.
- Using alcohol to cope with negative emotions (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression).
- Neglecting responsibilities or hobbies due to drinking.
- Psychological problems:
- Experiencing blackouts or memory lapses.
- Feeling anxious or depressed when not drinking.
It is important to keep in mind that these are just some of the signs of alcohol addiction. The exact symptoms you or a loved one may exhibit can vary depending on your specific situation and circumstances. If you do recognize any of these signs, however, it is important to seek professional help.
Is Alcoholism a Mental Health Issue?
Alcoholism, now formally known as alcohol use disorder, is classified as a mental health condition. AUD involves changes in the brain’s reward and decision-making centers. These changes make it difficult for people to control their alcohol use.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is recognized as the authoritative guide for diagnosing mental health conditions. Currently, this guide classifies AUD as a mental health disorder.
Furthermore, this condition often co-occurs with other mental health issues. This includes c as conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Because this condition is recognized as a mental health disorder, this issue is treated with a comprehensive approach, combining both therapeutic and medical interventions.
How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Alcohol?
There is no single answer to how long it takes to get addicted to alcohol. This timeline can vary greatly from person to person. For some individuals, an addiction can develop after just a few drinking experiences, while others can drink for years before experiencing any issues.
There are several factors that can influence your risk for addiction and how long it can take to form a dependence, including:
- Genetics: Some people have a genetic predisposition to alcoholism. This makes them more susceptible to developing an addiction.
- Frequency and amount of alcohol consumption: The more frequently and heavily you drink, the higher the risk of developing an addiction.
- Individual factors: Factors such as age, gender, mental health, and social environment can also influence the development of alcohol addiction.
Being aware of these risks can help you make safe and informed decisions when it comes to drinking. Of course, the best way to avoid developing an AUD is to simply avoid alcohol in the first place.
Young People and Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is a serious issue, but it is particularly problematic among young people. This trend is apparent in college students, who often view drinking as much and as frequently as possible as a rite of passage into adulthood.
These bouts of heavy drinking can be seriously dangerous, both in the short and the long term. In addition to the risks of fatal overdose caused by alcohol poisoning, binge drinking amongst young people is associated with several other dangers and consequences, including:
- Accidents and injuries: Alcohol impairs several areas, including a person’s sensory perceptions, judgment, and reaction times. This can lead to car accidents, falls, and other accidental injuries.
- Date rape: Alcohol is often a major contributor to sexual assaults. This is because people who are under the influence cannot make consensual decisions.
- Unprotected sex: Heavy drinkers have a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (AIDS) and experiencing unexpected pregnancies, miscarriages, and stillbirths.
- Violence: Young people who are under the influence of alcohol are more likely to fall victim to violent crime. This includes rape, aggravated assault, and robbery.
- Alcoholism: Those who start drinking at an early age are at a higher risk of developing an addiction to alcohol.
- Bad grades: Students who drink heavily typically sleep less and experience more side effects from alcohol. This can lead to poor focus and attention, as well as lower grades.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues
People with alcohol use disorder have a much higher rate of mental health conditions than those who do not have an addiction to this substance. Some of the most common co-occurring conditions that are diagnosed alongside alcohol addiction include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Each of these issues can be difficult to deal with on their own. When combined with an AUD, they can be crippling for the struggling individual. If you are struggling with both an alcohol addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder, it is important to seek professional help.
Addiction
Are you struggling with an addiction to substances like drugs and alcohol?
Royal Life Centers at Cascade Heights Recovery is here to help you recover. Because we care.
The Cycle of Alcohol Addiction
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol addiction, in particular, is known to be a chronic relapsing disorder. This means that people who are affected by this condition will experience several relapses before they are able to stop drinking.
This is because alcohol impacts the brain in a way that causes individuals to feel dependent on it to function properly. When their access to alcohol is suddenly stopped, their body goes into withdrawal. This can cause several uncomfortable and even life-threatening symptoms, such as:
- Tremors (shaking)
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Fever
These symptoms can often feel unbearable, causing people to continue drinking just to get rid of them. Because of how difficult, not to mention dangerous, attempting to quit drinking by yourself can be, it is important to seek professional help if you are struggling with an AUD.
The Benefits of an Alcohol Rehab Center
Alcohol addiction is a serious condition, but with the right support and treatment, recovery is possible. Seeking help at a professional alcohol rehab center like Cascade Heights can give you the best chance at achieving long-term sobriety. There are several key benefits to attending our alcohol treatment program, including:
Skilled and Experienced Treatment Specialists
At Cascade Heights, we work with a variety of skilled and experienced treatment specialists. From addiction counselors to case managers, licensed clinicians, and mental health professionals, you will have access to a full team of healthcare providers.
Having access to a full team of dedicated treatment specialists is crucial for your success in recovery. These individuals will work with you throughout the treatment process to make sure you are succeeding through every milestone of your rehab journey.
Medication-assisted Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol addiction is just one of many recovery approaches we use in our program. This method of treatment involves the use of FDA-approved medications in combination with behavioral therapies.
When combined, MAT and therapy can help people manage their withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. Common medications used in MAT for alcohol use disorder include:
- Naltrexone: This medication reduces alcohol cravings by blocking the effects of alcohol on the brain’s reward system.
- Acamprosate: This medication helps restore the balance of certain brain chemicals that are disrupted by alcohol use. In doing so, Acamprosate reduces alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse): This medication creates an unpleasant reaction, such as nausea and vomiting, if alcohol is consumed. This makes it a good deterrent to drinking for those in recovery.
Evidence-Based and Holistic Therapies
Cascade Heights uses a comprehensive approach to recovery, combining both evidence-based and holistic therapies. Some of the therapies you will have access to throughout your treatment process include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to your alcohol use.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): A collaborative approach that helps you increase your motivation for change and overcome ambivalence about treatment.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Techniques like meditation and yoga can help reduce your stress, improve emotional regulation, and increase self-awareness.
- Nutritional Therapy: Addressing nutritional deficiencies and promoting healthy eating habits can improve overall health and well-being.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
One of the most important aspects of recovery is what comes after treatment. At Cascade Heights, we support our clients throughout every stage of their recovery journey. This includes providing aftercare and relapse prevention services, helping them maintain their sobriety in the long term.
From recovery support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to ongoing therapy and medication-assisted treatment, we provide the continuing support you need to stay committed to your recovery.
What Is Alcohol Rehab Like?
Alcohol rehab centers like ours provide a structured environment for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction to recover. When you seek treatment at Cascade Heights, you will have access to several levers of care, including:
- Alcohol Detox
- Inpatient Alcohol Treatment
- Outpatient Alcohol Treatment
- Aftercare and Sober Living for Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol Detox
Our alcohol detox is conducted in a medically supervised setting. Our rehabilitation center provides the structure and constant medical assistance you will need to safely navigate the early stages of recovery.
Throughout the detox process, you will be gradually weaned off of alcohol while being provided with medication and therapeutic support. This allows your body to become used to functioning without alcohol and sets up a solid foundation for continued treatment.
Inpatient Alcohol Treatment
If you are struggling with a more severe alcohol addiction, then our inpatient alcohol treatment program will be the best fit for you. This level of care provides constant support and supervision, as it requires you to live at our rehab facility throughout treatment. In doing so, you are able to fully focus on your recovery without any external distractions or temptations.
Outpatient Alcohol Treatment
Outpatient alcohol treatment can be a good step-down option from inpatient care. It can also serve as a primary treatment intervention for those with less severe addictions. Our outpatient program provides a more flexible approach to recovery. It involves regularly attending therapy sessions, along with medication management and other clinical interventions.
Aftercare and Sober Living for Alcohol Abuse
We provide several aftercare and sober living options for those in recovery from alcohol abuse. These can help you readjust to independent living after completing treatment. In providing continuing care after your initial treatment, we ensure that you are able to build the skills and confidence you need to maintain your sobriety in the long term.
How Do I Pay for Alcohol Rehab?
There are several ways that you can pay for alcoholism treatment. Many people may opt to use health insurance to help offset the costs of rehab, while others may prefer to pay privately. No matter how you choose to cover your recovery expenses, having a plan ahead of time can help you make sure you are prepared for every aspect of the rehabilitation process.
Using Insurance for Rehab
Attending a professional treatment program can sometimes be expensive. Fortunately, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies are required to provide the same level of coverage for addiction treatment as other medical services. This means that if you are seeking treatment and need financial support, your insurance should cover at least some of the costs of rehab.
Private Pay
In some cases, people may prefer to pay for their rehabilitation privately without the help of insurance. This might be easier than using insurance in cases where their treatment center is out-of-network with their insurance plan. Cascade Heights offers several private pay options, allowing you to get treatment without having to worry about getting prior approval from your insurance company.
What If I Don’t Have Health Insurance?
Cascade Heights is dedicated to giving people the best chance possible at recovery, regardless of their background or financial status. If you are not covered by health insurance, we can work with you to create a payment plan. This allows you to get the help you need at a price you can afford.
Reach out to the admissions team at our alcohol treatment center now to learn more about our payment options. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, we can get you started on the path to recovery as soon as today.
