Alcohol Addiction Treatment
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The Danger of Alcoholism
Attached Emotions
Alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, is a mental disorder that often comes with strong feelings of shame and guilt. These emotions can be as powerful as the addiction itself in preventing affected people from getting help.
Alcoholism is a common problem in Arizona as in the country at large. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 38 million U.S. adults confess to binge drinking an average of four times a month. Additionally, the CDC found that about 2,200 Americans die from alcohol poisoning every year. If you or a loved one are struggling with heavy drinking, these numbers make it clear that you are not as alone as you may feel, and there are many rehab programs available that can help.
Health Risks
Alcohol dependency comes with a host of potential health problems. Liver issues such as steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis can be both serious and irreversible, yet the liver is not the only organ affected. Alcoholism also increases the risk of heart conditions like abnormal heartbeat and stroke. Cancer of the mouth, esophagus, throat, liver, and breasts can also occur. In short, alcohol affects the entire body. Even rare incidents of binge drinking can weaken the immune system, increasing vulnerability to diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Other potential dangers of drinking include:
Aside from the effects on the body, alcohol use disorders tend to come with other mental health issues, which drinking can exacerbate in a worsening cycle. Thus, alcohol addiction treatment teams must often conduct a broader psychiatric assessment in order to treat effectively.
Taking the First Step
In most cases, the hardest thing for an alcoholic to do is to admit that they have a problem. This is sometimes the result of simple denial, but it can also stem from fear of being shamed by loved ones. And as the condition worsens, addicts of all kinds tend to lose friends and ruin relationships by lying, cheating, stealing, or otherwise mistreating those around them. Their self-generated isolation can make any effort at returning to a community setting feel awkward and perhaps even doomed from the outset. If you feel your loved one is stuck in a cycle of alcohol abuse, it may be the time to plan an intervention.
An intervention aims to motivate the addicted person to get help. To this end it is designed for family and loved ones to confront the addict in a safe and controlled way that shows their concern for that person’s health. The goal is to convince the alcoholic to seek treatment, but also to provide emotional support for them to take that difficult first step.
Alcohol Detox
For alcoholics, detoxification is usually necessary prior to treatment. The process can be hazardous for chronic alcoholics, and may even be lethal. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Shakiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety or depression
- Migraines
- Rapid pulse
- Insomnia
- Blackouts
Since many of these symptoms can reach life-threatening severity, anyone suffering from alcohol use disorders should detox with a trained clinical staff in a medical setting. Self-detox can prove especially dangerous with alcoholics because their substance use is tied to their environment and relationships. Furthermore, detox only breaks the physical dependence on alcohol, making rehab treatment vital to address the psychological and social issues at play. This is the only way an individual can truly recover from alcohol abuse.
A detox admission specialist can give you more information concerning alcohol use disorders, locations of treatment facilities, and advice about dealing with alcohol abuse. Recovery is possible with alcohol addiction treatment, so get the help you need by calling 623-263-7371 today.
