Our alcohol treatment programs offer specialized programs to help individuals overcome alcohol addiction. These programs focus on addressing the physical dependence and underlying psychological aspects of the disease, providing a pathway to recovery and improved quality of life. With proper support and treatment, individuals struggling with alcoholism can regain control and achieve lasting sobriety.
Why Is Alcohol Addictive?
Alcohol is addictive because it alters brain neurochemistry. Its primary targets are the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Alcohol increases the inhibitory effects of GABA, which has a calming and relaxing effect. Because of this, drinking alcohol can initially make one feel relaxed and have less inhibitions. Additionally, by depressing the central nervous system, it suppresses glutamate at the same time. Many people, especially those seeking stress relief or an escape from emotional discomfort, may find the ensuing slowing of brain activity to their liking.
Additionally, alcohol causes the reward region of the brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. This stimulates drinking, generating a positive feedback loop that motivates frequent consumption. The brain may modify its own natural synthesis of neurotransmitters as time goes on as it gets used to the presence of alcohol. This change may set off a cycle of increased tolerance, requiring people to drink more alcohol to experience the same effects. In the end, this process can considerably contribute to the emergence of dependence and addiction. This neurochemical effect of alcohol plays a crucial part in its addictive potential when combined with personal psychological factors and outside environmental stimuli.
What Are the Stages of Becoming an Alcoholic?
Although it's crucial to remember that not everyone's journey takes the same route, becoming an alcoholic often entails advancement through several distinct stages. These phases can offer a broad framework for comprehending how alcohol dependence develops.
The 4 stages of alcoholism include:
- Experimental stage: The earliest stage of alcohol experimentation is known as the experimental stage. In early adulthood or youth, it frequently happens. With the main emphasis on discovery and curiosity rather than reliance, drinking may be intermittent and social at this stage. At this stage, many people can limit their alcohol use and might not continue.
- Social stage: Some people may progress into the social stage as they move past the experimental stage. Here, drinking alcohol becomes more commonplace and is frequently associated with social occasions, get-togethers, or holidays. Drinking is viewed as a means to unwind, have fun, and socialize. While many people can still live in moderation, some may start to act in a riskier manner or consume more.
- Problematic stage: Alcohol usage changes from being primarily social to playing a larger role in a person's life during the problematic stage. They might begin drinking to help them deal with stress, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties. The onset of tolerance, or the requirement for higher doses to have the same result, is possible. This can be a turning point where some people start to encounter unfavorable outcomes, like interpersonal disputes, subpar work or academic performance, or legal problems.
- Dependence stage: At this point, alcohol has taken the lead position in the person's life. They could become physically and psychologically dependent, which is marked by symptoms of withdrawal when drinking is stopped. The person's capacity for self-control over alcohol use is significantly reduced, and they can find themselves drinking against their will. Responsibility and interpersonal connections frequently deteriorate, and there may be a lot of denial about how serious the problem is.
Questions about our Facilities or Programs?
Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have as you consider whether treatment at Banyan is right for you or your loved one.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
While many alcoholics realize they need treatment after hitting rock bottom, high-functioning alcoholics may never reach this point. Sometimes their family and friends need to confront them about their problem and help them realize they need treatment for alcohol addiction.
Some common signs of alcoholism include:
- Drinking in the morning
- Feelings of unease, restlessness, and irritability when not drinking
- Regular blackouts after binge drinking
- Drinking alone often
- Inability to go about daily duties without alcohol
- Neglecting responsibilities with work, school, or family
- Isolating yourself
- If a family member or friend has approached you about drinking before
- Tension in relationships with spouses, family, or friends
- Becoming tolerant to alcohol, needing more to achieve the desired effect
- Constantly looking for the opportunity to buy alcohol or drink
- Constantly thinking about drinking
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences like relationship problems, work problems, or legal issues
- Drinking to the point of blackout or memory loss
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking or nausea, when attempting to quit or cut back on drinking
- Failing in certain responsibilities as a result of drinking
- Frequently drinking alone or in secret to avoid the opinions of others
- Frequently drinking more than intended
- Making excuses for drinking, such as to cope with stress or anxiety
A person may also exhibit physical signs of alcohol abuse, including:
- Frequent and noticeable odor of alcohol on the breath
- Bloodshot or glassy eyes
- Slurred or impaired speech
- Unsteady or uncoordinated movements, stumbling, or loss of balance
- Tremors or shaking hands
- Flushed or puffy face
- Inappropriate or exaggerated emotional reactions
- Chronic fatigue or unexplained exhaustion
- Changes in appetite and weight loss or gain
- Deterioration of personal hygiene and grooming habits
- Skin problems, such as redness, acne, or sores
- Dilated or constricted pupils
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Nosebleeds or frequent bruising
- Swollen or bloated abdomen (signs of liver damage)
- Poor coordination and fine motor skills, difficulty with tasks requiring precision
An alcoholic may struggle to cut back on drinking because of the physical dependency they’ve developed. In most of these cases, the individual is unable to function without alcohol. However, getting help from our nationwide rehab center can make sobriety possible. In our treatment for alcoholism, a person with an alcohol dependency will receive individualized care for symptoms that are specific to their condition.
When to Get Alcohol Addiction Treatment
While many people believe that a person needs to hit “rock bottom” before they get alcohol abuse treatment, this is simply not the case. Some people will visibly hit rock bottom with their drinking habits, but others, like high-functioning alcoholics who appear to lead mostly normal lives, may never seem to reach this imaginary point. Drinking affects people in various ways. Just because you haven’t hit rock bottom doesn’t mean you don’t need help.
What Does Alcohol Abuse Treatment Look Like?
We offer comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment to help individuals achieve their recovery goals. Our nationwide rehab facilities provide a peaceful, calm, and comfortable setting, allowing patients to focus on their sobriety in a relaxing environment.
The first step of alcohol abuse treatment for most of our patients is medical detox. During this phase, patients can safely withdraw from alcohol under the supervision of our trained medical staff, who manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure the detox process is as comfortable as possible. This process aims to eliminate the body’s dependence on alcohol and remove harmful toxins. To prevent discontinuation of treatment or relapse, our rehab offers detoxification led by medical personnel who are equipped to administer medication for symptoms (as needed) and provide 24-hour care. Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not properly monitored and treated. The discomfort and pain associated with withdrawal can also lead to relapse, making it less likely that individuals will begin or stick with treatment.
At our alcohol rehab, we believe in helping patients heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually from the scars of their drinking. Once detox is complete, patients transition into our residential addiction treatment or another suitable program to address the underlying issues associated with alcoholism and prevent relapse. Our residential facility offers personalized therapy programs designed to help patients identify and cope with the negative thoughts and emotions that contribute to their addiction, promoting long-term sobriety and comprehensive healing.
Unlike outpatient alcohol rehabs, our residential facility offers personalized addiction therapy programs that help patients identify and learn how to cope with the negative thoughts and emotions that contribute to drug-taking behaviors.
With time, patients will gain a better understanding of their drinking problem and more control over their lives. Before leaving, they will focus on relapse prevention to solidify their sobriety and confidently reenter the real world. Our program includes structured schedules of treatment, relaxation, and self-work, fostering a supportive community of like-minded individuals in recovery.
Patients will learn healthy coping mechanisms and life skills while gaining a deeper understanding of their condition. Additionally, our rehab offers support for the spouses, parents, and siblings of patients through our family program. This program provides one-on-one and group therapy to support individual healing within the family unit, address enabling behaviors and codependency, and help rebuild relationships.
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Alcohol Treatment for Veterans
Our treatment center offers an alcohol treatment program specifically for Military personnel and Veterans. Our outpatient program allows clients to live at home and maintain their daily routines while participating in rehab. This option is ideal for those with mild to moderate alcohol use disorders who do not require medically assisted detox or 24-hour supervision. For those individuals who need a detox from alcohol, we also have inpatient veterans programs across the country.
Our alcohol treatment combines individual counseling, group therapy, educational programs, and aftercare services to help clients understand their alcoholism and develop relapse prevention strategies. It is generally more affordable and accessible than inpatient options, which are necessary for individuals with severe disorders requiring residential care.
Telehealth Alcohol Treatment
Telehealth alcohol treatment provides addiction services through remote communication technologies like videoconferencing, phone calls, and messaging apps. This approach allows individuals to receive evidence-based care without needing to visit a facility. It includes individual and group therapy, medical consultations, and medication management, either in real-time or through pre-recorded sessions.
Telehealth treatment is convenient and accessible, especially for those with limited access to in-person care, such as individuals in remote areas or with mobility issues. Benefits include access to a wide range of interventions, such as counseling and support groups, delivered via secure and confidential online platforms, making it an ideal option for those seeking more anonymity in their treatment.
Get Started Today
Banyan Treatment Centers is dedicated to assisting individuals and families on the path to recovery from long-term alcohol abuse. We are committed to delivering clear, precise, and medically informed information to help you or your loved one make informed decisions in seeking treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, our alcohol rehab program is here to provide professional, evidence-based care and support throughout the journey to sobriety.
Contact our Banyan rehab to learn more about our alcoholism treatment or other substance abuse treatment options. Call us today to get started at (844) 249-2654.
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Sources:
- NIH – Alcohol Facts and Statistics
- Mayo Clinic – Alcohol Use Disorder
- SAMHSA – Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health