Alcohol Addiction Help is Available
Alcohol – known to be one of the most addicting substances worldwide – is also a legal and social beverage. These features make it especially dangerous and difficult to break the chains of addiction. Alcohol addiction can go unnoticed for significant lengths of time. Even the individual suffering may not understand the extent of their anguish until it consumes their life. Overcoming alcohol addiction is possible with support and guidance. Treatment options are available for the specific needs of the individual. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be suffering from alcohol addiction, it is essential to understand the consequences and treatment opportunities for this life-threatening disorder. Thankfully, alcohol addiction help is available through Silver Sands Recovery.
What Causes Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction is not a choice; it is a mental and physical dependency. Though there is no single cause for alcohol addiction, evidence suggests that specific factors contribute to a person’s risk of becoming addicted to alcohol. Hereditary and environmental influences may make individuals more vulnerable to alcohol dependency. Mental health disorders also have a close relationship with substance use. Regardless of why an individual develops problematic alcohol behaviors, alcohol addiction can have a detrimental effect on a person’s life. The decision to pursue treatment for alcohol addiction can be a lifesaving choice.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction can be difficult for both the person struggling and their loved ones. Alcohol addiction symptoms look different from person to person. If you fear that you are experiencing addiction to alcohol, these concerning signs may be an indication that you are suffering:
- Cravings or strong urge to use alcohol.
- Inability to control alcohol use (amount or frequency).
- Increased tolerance to alcohol.
- Inability to focus on work or other obligations without thinking about alcohol.
- Previous attempts to cut back or stop alcohol use without success.
- Physical withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is discontinued.
- Hiding or lying about alcohol use.
If any of these signals resonate with you, you are not alone. Globally, over 100 million people suffer from alcohol use disorder.[1] Acknowledging that you may be struggling is the first step on the journey to recovery.
Long-term Effects of Alcohol Addiction
Long-term use or excessive consumption of alcohol can have negative and even life-threatening effects on one’s health. These include both mental and physical consequences.
Mental Health
The connection between alcohol and mental health has significant supporting evidence. Alcohol alters brain chemicals and can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or even promote mental illness in some individuals. Common mental disorders linked to substance use include anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and personality disorders.
Seeking a dual diagnosis treatment program can be critical to a successful recovery for those suffering from co-occurring disorders. Dual diagnosis programs evaluate individuals for substance dependence and psychological disorders, then address both simultaneously. Excessive or chronic alcohol use can also lead to mood changes, confusion, memory loss, or dementia.
Physical Health
Alcohol use has a reputation for leading to liver issues, which is no surprise considering nearly 1 in 3 liver transplants in the USA are caused by alcohol-related liver disease.[2] Although consuming alcohol can damage the liver, it is harmful to other organs as well. Alcohol misuse plays a role in more than 200 conditions and diseases.[3] The physical consequences that continued alcohol consumption can have on the body consist of:
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk of numerous cancers (esophageal, liver, breast, oral, among others)
- Pancreatitis
- Erectile dysfunction
- High blood pressure
- Cardiomyopathy
- Stroke
- Gastric ulcers
- Liver damage
- Risk of alcohol poisoning
Although there is a possibility that these adverse effects can resolve after a person stops consuming alcohol, some destruction to the body or brain is irreversible. It’s important to stop introducing alcohol to the body to reverse damage to your liver and other organs potentially. The first step you must take in improving your health is to initiate recovery.
Alcohol Addiction Help Treatment Options
There is no “right” way to address or treat alcohol addiction. Numerous choices and treatment options are available to conquer an addiction to alcohol successfully. At Silver Sands, we understand that everyone is unique and will benefit from an individualized treatment care plan.
Silver Sands Recovery offers the following proven methods:
- 12 Step Rehab
- Holistic Addiction Treatment
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Extended Care Treatment
- Outdoor Therapy
- Detox Services Referral
Detox
Some individuals may require detox as the first step to recovery. This is typically recommended for those who have a physiological dependency on alcohol and experience withdrawals upon abruptly stopping alcohol use. Alcohol withdrawal can be harmful or even life-threatening without professional guidance. Common withdrawal symptoms include tremors, disorientation, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and seizures. Medical supervision will ensure safety and comfort throughout the detox process. Silver Sands is prepared to help initiate this first step to the life you deserve.
Treatment Length
The duration of alcohol addiction treatment depends on the specific individual’s needs. An assessment will determine whether inpatient or outpatient treatment is recommended and how long the process should last. Even after an individual completes treatment, they continue the lifelong journey of recovery. Each patient is equipped with the skills necessary to achieve a productive and healthy life of sobriety.
When Should I Seek Help?
You may wonder when it is the ideal time to seek professional help for alcohol addiction. If your alcohol use has kept you from gaining control of your life, it may be time to consider Silver Sands Recovery. You no longer have to suffer through failed attempts at giving up alcohol. Professional guidance can provide you with the support you need to succeed. Silver Sands is here to walk the path of sobriety alongside you.
The Recovery You Deserve in AZ
If you are concerned that you may be struggling with alcohol addiction, help is available. With professional support and a customized treatment plan, Silver Sands Recovery can help you regain the joyful life you deserve. Contact our experienced team to initiate the admission process or ask any questions you may have.
Sources:
[1]: https://ourworldindata.org/alcohol-consumption
[2]: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
[3]: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol#:~:text=Alcohol%20consumption%20is%20a%20causal%20factor%20in%20more,resulting%20from%20violence%20and%20road%20clashes%20and%20collisions
