Alcohol Addiction can be a serious problem that can cause people to drink in excess and have adverse effects on their lives. Some people with Alcohol Addiction can recover on their own but many need help from a trained counselor or addiction specialist. Many treatment facilities offer inpatient and outpatient rehab programs to help people recover from Alcohol Addiction. These treatment programs are often successful in helping people overcome the habit of drinking and live a healthy lifestyle that is free from substance abuse.
Several factors can lead to the development of Alcohol Addiction. For example, drinking can be used as a way to relieve stress, anxiety or depression and can provide an escape from problems in one’s life. Drinking can also lower a person’s inhibitions and make them more confident and relaxed in social situations. People who have underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, bipolar disorder or depression can use alcohol to self-medicate. This can result in a severe form of Alcohol Addiction called binge drinking.
Binge drinking can cause brain damage. Heavy alcohol consumption can affect the occipital, temporal and parietal lobes of the brain. This can result in blurred vision, slurred speech and poor judgment. It can also cause a lack of coordination and slow reaction times.
Alcohol can also have an impact on the cardiovascular system. It can increase the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. It can also weaken bones and lead to osteoporosis. Long-term alcohol abuse can also lead to liver disease, pancreatitis and cirrhosis. It can also damage the immune system and cause nutritional deficiencies such as thiamine deficiency (Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome).
If you suspect that you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol, it is important to seek help. There are a number of treatments available to treat Alcohol Addiction, including behavioral therapy and mutual-help groups. Behavioral therapy can include group and individual sessions with a licensed therapist who is skilled in treating alcohol addiction. Mutual-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, can provide support from peers who are in recovery.
It is very difficult for people with Alcohol Addiction to stop drinking on their own. They may need medically-supervised detox, which can help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Once people have stabilized, they can then start to work with a therapist to learn coping skills and address the underlying issues that drive their behavior. There are a variety of treatments for Alcohol Addiction, and it is important to find the right one to fit your needs. Talk to an admissions navigator today to get more information about the different treatment options and to see which ones are best for you.