Alcohol Rehab Centers

Alcohol abuse is a serious issue. In this page we will investigate symptoms, causes, effects, and treatment options for alcoholism . If you or someone you know has a drinking, we urge you to seek out alcohol abuse rehab centers in your area to find a rehabilitation center near you. Clinics, programs, and treatment options are readily available locally.

Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is the destructive abuse of alcohol that causes problems and dangerous outcomes for the individual either at work, at home or in society. Alcohol abuse is not the same as alcoholism in that an individual suffering from alcohol abuse can still (to some degree) control the drinking whereas an individual suffering from alcoholism has lost control of the drinking and relies heavily on alcohol as a means to cope and to prevent withdrawal from the alcohol addiciton.

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism have many negative side effects on both the individual and those surrounded by the individual. There is treatment for alcohol abuse and there are alcohol rehab programs that specialize in helping individuals who suffer from mild to moderate alcohol abuse, alcoholism and alcohol addiction.

Alcohol Abuse and Addiction to Alcohol

Alcohol abuse and addiction to alcohol (alcoholism) can sneak up on an individual. Alcohol is a common bond in society, it’s how we share special occasions, celebrate and relax with friends and family. Unfortunately, when the signs of alcohol abuse and addiction to alcohol are not recognized early on the addiction can become a true problem in the life of the addict and those who care about the individual.

Alcohol abuse can be defined as a pattern of drinking that results in trouble with work, school or home activities. If during a one-year period an individual suffers from a failure to carry out regular responsibilities, drinks while driving, has legal problems related to the use of alcohol or continues to drink even though they have noticeable problems with their relationships with others as a result of alcohol then it is likely that the individual is abusing alcohol. Alcohol abuse is does not include any type of physical addiction or dependence on alcohol but when left untreated alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism.

Addiction to alcohol or alcoholism is a dependence to alcohol that is characterized by increased tolerance for the substance, feeling withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is stopped, and the inability to quit drinking despite efforts and decisions to quit. Individuals suffering from alcohol addiction will give up leisure activities to drink alcohol, continue to drink alcohol even when they know it causes physical and emotional problems with themselves and those around them, and will often drink more than they initially intent to. Alcoholics are physically dependent on alcohol unlike those suffering from alcohol abuse who have control over their drinking.

Anyone who drinks alcohol may become the victim of alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction. Studies have found that alcohol addiction (alcoholism) runs in families. This does not assure that if an individual has an alcoholic mother of father that they themselves will become an alcoholic, just that there is a genetic predisposition for such occurrence. Children of alcoholics are at a higher risk of becoming an alcoholic later in life, but this risk is not a guaranteed path to alcoholism.

Sometimes, a person who has no family history of alcohol addiction will still suffer from alcohol abuse and addiction to alcohol. There is no set number of drinks that is considered too many nor is there a set number of days to drink that is considered too many. Alcohol abuse is not defined in days or drinks but rather in terms of the effects that the use of alcohol has on the individual’s life. If drinking alcohol results in problems at work, at home or at school then the person is abusing alcohol and could be on the road to alcohol addiction.

Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Addiction

There are a number of recognizable signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse to look out for. Individuals who drink and are late to work, school or miss work as a result of the drinking are considered alcohol abusers. Additionally, people who suffer from alcohol abuse will not perform up to standards at work and school as a result of the alcohol abuse. Some people who suffer from alcohol abuse may even get injured at work as a result of their drinking.

Individuals who suffer from alcohol abuse may regularly blackout during their drinking and forget what happened. Additional signs of alcohol abuse include drinking and driving, getting arrested for crimes related to being intoxicated, hurting someone while drinking, or drinking despite the negative effects on certain health problems that are made worse as a result of the use of alcohol. All of these signs and symptoms can also be associated with alcohol addiction or alcoholism.

Some other signs of a drinking problem or alcohol abuse include drinking in the morning or drinking alone, switching the substance to reduce drinking (such as switching from beer to wine or from liquor to beer), feeling guilty about drinking or making excuses about a drinking habit. Individuals who suffer from alcohol abuse or alcoholism may not recognize these signs or symptoms but in most cases friends and family will. When family members notice a problem with alcohol they are usually correct in their assumptions that the individual needs help.

Becoming addicted to alcohol can happen to anyone in any amount of time. Most alcoholics will begin drinking socially or for fun but at some point the social drinking turns into drinking to cover or mask pain (emotionally or physically). Drinking as a means of covering something up or making one feel better is a sure sign of a drinking problem that needs to be treated. An alcohol addiction is characterized by a physical dependence on alcohol that is accompanied by withdrawal symptoms when the individual tries to quit drinking.

Effects of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Long term effects of heavy drinking include liver damage, damage to the nervous system, brain damage and damage to the heart. Certain health problems are caused directly by alcohol abuse and other pre-existing health complications are made worse as a result of drinking. Alcohol abuse is a contributing factor to stomach problems such as ulcers, it causes osteoporosis, is linked to breast cancer and increases the risk of high blood pressure. Additional negative effects of alcohol abuse are common for teens, the elderly, and pregnant women.

Alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction can be linked to many consequences in life such as legal problems, relationship problems, and health problems. Drinking and driving is a serious legal offense that can result in jail time, probation and even death. Every year thousands of people are killed as a result of accidents that result from drinking and driving.

Alcoholism Treatment and Alcohol Rehab Centers

Treatment for alcohol abuse consists of group therapy, counseling and education about alcohol. Some alcoholics and individuals who abuse alcohol may need medication to help them quit drinking. Alcohol rehab centers help individuals who suffer from alcohol abuse learn how to deal with problems in everyday life without alcohol. Alcohol addiction treatment will help the individual to learn how to overcome dependency and addiction to alcohol in a healthy manner. Recovery from alcohol abuse is a lifelong commitment and relapse is very common. Most alcohol rehab centers require inpatient residency of at least 30 days in order to safely detox from alcohol and begin formal treatment for alcohol abuse. Various family therapies are also available for those affected by an alcoholic or an individual who abuses alcohol.

Alcohol rehab centers will work to safely detox the individual from alcohol in a medical environment where the patient can be monitored around the clock and medication can be given as needed. People who suffer from alcohol abuse will not need detox because they are not physically dependent on alcohol but those who suffer from alcohol addiction (alcoholism) will need to safely detox and flush alcohol out of the body. Alcohol detox can help prepare the individual for treatment of alcohol addiction.