Frequent consumption of alcohol can, over time, lead to alcohol dependence. The brain and central nervous system become accustomed to functioning while intoxicated and even begin to depend on it.
You’ll become entirely dependent on alcohol when you have to increase the quantity of how much to drink to achieve the same effects as previously produced by lower doses. When you reach this level of alcoholism, you’ll develop painful withdrawal symptoms when you abruptly stop drinking.
Reaching out to an alcohol detox center can help you reduce the pains and discomfort of withdrawal.
Symptoms of Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol use disorder can be hard to recognize because, unlike with illicit drugs, society generally accepts alcohol use. Many people consider social gatherings and parties incomplete without alcohol.
However, there continue to be worrying levels of alcohol-induced deaths in the U.S. in recent times. Are you worried that you or your loved one might have developed a dependency on alcohol?
There are several signs to look out for, including:
- Blacking out and loss of memory
- Loss of interest in previous hobbies
- Worrying about where to get the next drink
- Planning work, family, and social events around alcohol
- Inability to stop drinking once you start
- Keeping alcohol in unlikely places or drinking at inappropriate times
- Suffering from withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, sweating, and nausea
- Change of friendships, choosing to hang out with alcoholics, and a strong urge to be where alcohol is present
- Drinking immediately upon waking
Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Many people battling alcohol addiction find it hard to seek help. The situation worsens when they’re also facing stigma from society.
Millions of individuals in the United States alone struggle with alcohol addiction. However, only about one in ten receives the treatment they need.
Regardless of where you are on your journey to recovery, seeking guidance from mental health experts can ensure a better understanding of your condition. As a result, you’ll be more informed about the ideal substance abuse treatment options for your case.
Medical Detox
After heavy or prolonged alcohol use, the first step towards treatment is usually detox. This step involves the use of closely monitored prescribed drugs to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If not maintained well, symptoms can be severe and can even cause death from seizures or delirium tremens.
Common withdrawal symptoms include hallucinations, a rise in body temperature, increased heartbeat, headache, insomnia, and seizures. Medical detox can help you avoid complications from these symptoms.
Residential Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Residential addiction treatment can last for several months to even a year. In most cases, it’s offered during and after medical detoxification. The inpatient option is apt for people with chronic addiction as they require 24/7 monitoring to sustain abstinence after they’ve completed a medical detox program.
Outpatient Treatment
This is appropriate for patients with minimal levels of alcohol dependence. An outpatient treatment program requires a participant to attend a few sessions of treatment weekly while continuing to live at home.
Counseling and Behavioral Therapies
Seek professional help by checking into rehab. Mental health professionals will offer a wide range of strategies and resources to tackle your alcohol use disorder.
Several behavioral therapies are effective in changing your thoughts towards alcohol, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Individual and group therapy
- Family therapy program
- Contingency management
- Motivational enhancement
- 12 step-facilitation
Start Recovery at Midwest Detox Center
Alcohol addiction is a severe medical condition that can lead to brain damage, cancer, nerve damage, heart problems, liver damage, and even death. Now is the time to end your alcohol dependence and live a healthy life. Contact Midwest Detox Center today at 833.647.0392, or contact us online to get started.
