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Alcohol Abuse & Addiction Recovery
Alcohol is both legal and widely consumed, and since it has become so normalized in our society, it’s often thought to be harmless. Among certain groups — such as college students and sports fans — consuming alcohol in large amounts is even celebrated. For these reasons, heavy alcohol consumption carries a higher risk of addiction; it’s estimated that approximately 15 million adults struggle with alcohol addiction. [1] Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, can lead to the development of health, social, and economic problems, and overcoming it often requires professional support. Read on to learn more about alcohol addiction and its symptoms, effects, and treatments for recovery.
What is Alcohol Abuse Disorder?
Alcohol addiction is also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD) and is defined as a pattern of alcohol abuse that involves the impaired ability to stop consuming alcohol despite adverse social, financial, and health consequences. AUD is a chronic relapsing brain disorder which causes uncontrolled and problematic drinking and can be caused by both environmental and hereditary factors, often accompanied by a co-occurring mental health disorder like anxiety or depression.
The symptoms of AUD can range from mild to severe depending on how long an individual has been abusing alcohol and the number of symptoms they are experiencing. The negative consequences of alcohol addiction often get worse over time, affecting not just an individual’s health but their career and personal relationships, putting a strain on a user’s family, friends, and employer.
Alcohol Detox & Withdrawl
Because alcohol is a depressant, it slows down brain function and nerve communication, so your body gets used to being in this depressed state when you consume alcohol heavily over long periods of time. When you choose to stop consuming alcohol, your body is forced to adjust, and this can cause alcohol withdrawal symptoms to manifest. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal will vary in severity based on how long an individual has been abusing alcohol, the amount of daily consumption, and if they have experienced withdrawal before.
Among the more serious problems are hallucinations or seizures within the first two days of withdrawal. The most severe side effect of alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs, which start 48 to 72 hours after your last drink and include vivid hallucinations and delusions, and in rare cases, fatal seizures.
Since the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be even more severe than many other drugs, it’s important to seek alcohol detox and treatment with the supervision of medical and clinical specialists who can guide you through alcohol addiction recovery in a way that’s safe and stable.
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Recovery from alcohol abuse and addiction can be challenging, but ultimately rewarding, as it allows you to live a happier, healthier life. The safest, most effective way to overcome alcohol abuse disorder is with the support of a team of addiction treatment professionals who will not only help you get clean from alcohol, but also, will help you build a support network and gain the tools you need to stay clean for the rest of your life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, our team at Native Journey is here to support you in every way possible. Reach out to us today at 480-590-6066 and let us help you take back control of your life.