Understanding the Chronic Alcoholic
Anyone can struggle with their drinking at some point in their lives. Some people limit their drinking to nights and weekends. In contrast, others will suddenly develop a binge drinking problem or start having frequent blackouts. Still, some drinkers have had a problem with alcohol since they can remember.
No matter what the drinking looks like, if there are issues when someone drinks, they are struggling far more intensely internally than just not drinking normally. Alcoholism is when a person experiences negative consequences and cannot control their drinking. It is also about a person’s emotional and mental health regardless of the alcohol.
Among people aged 12 or older in 2020, 28.3 million people had a past-year alcohol use disorder (alcoholism). The percentage of people with alcoholism was highest among young adults aged 18 to 25, followed by adults aged 26 or older, then by adolescents aged 12 to 17. (SAMHSA)
More About Alcoholism
People with alcoholism experience adverse effects on their minds, emotions, and bodies. Among all substance abuse problems, alcoholism affects the most people. There is a social acceptance of alcohol in nearly all celebrations, and the consumption of it is expected. Also, alcohol is always served when people go out for a meal or entertainment.
Despite its legal status, it is a mind-alerting substance that quickly leads to abuse and dependence. There are many factors that predispose a person to become an alcoholic, including a family history of alcoholism, trauma, abuse or neglect, and mental health disorders.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
The term alcohol use disorder or AUD is now used to describe a person with alcoholism. Drinking problems and negative consequences caused by a drinking problem are signs of alcohol use disorder. There are three levels of AUD, mild, moderate, or severe. In general, someone diagnosed with mild AUD struggles to control their drinking but may be able to quit long-term if needed.
A person with moderate AUD cannot refrain from drinking for extended periods, and a person with severe AUD cannot stop at all. Someone must meet more specific criteria to determine their level of AUD, and the first step is to seek professional alcohol use disorder treatment.
What Should I Do if My Loved One is Suffering from Alcoholism?
The problem with alcoholism is complex because many people who suffer from alcoholism deny the extent of their alcohol consumption or how it causes them problems. There are also struggles faced by families when dealing with alcoholics in their lives. It can take a long time before alcoholics and their families accept that they need help.
Most often, alcoholics are aware that they have a problem but cannot admit it because they see no other way out. You can help your loved ones by repeatedly offering them assistance. It is crucial not to give up if they don’t accept help right away since most alcoholics know they need help deep down.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment?
Detoxing from alcohol under medical supervision is the first step in recovering from alcoholism. Medications are prescribed to reduce anxiety and prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms from changing a person’s decision to become sober. Upon stabilizing in detox, they begin counseling and therapy.
We offer a wide range of evidence-based forms of behavioral treatment, intensive one-on-one counseling, and intensive small-group therapy to promote emotional healing. There are either 30 days or three months of inpatient alcohol rehab. Keeping people in treatment long-term is proven to help them stay sober.
Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Services
- Psychiatric Assessments and Treatment
- Medication-Assisted Treatments
- One on One Counseling
- Small-Group Counseling
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Holistic Therapy (acupuncture, meditation, massage therapy, yoga)
- Relapse Prevention
- Stress and Anger Management
- Alcoholism Meetings ( A.A., Mindfulness Recovery, Smart Recovery, Celebrate Recovery)
- Aftercare
Individualized Alcoholism Treatment
The treatment programs we offer utilize a full spectrum of methods proven to help a person get and remain sober. Because no two alcoholics have the same backgrounds, family histories, and relationships, the treatment programs are personalized for each person in the program.
We start with an individualized treatment plan and provide routine assessments, in-depth therapy, and ongoing aftercare support.