People often view drinking alcohol as a way to relax after a hard day. In fact, the media paints the picture of alcohol being a must for celebrations and socializing. However, drinking too much has negative consequences. Here are some things that people should know about alcohol abuse and the need for alcohol abuse treatment.
Call Our Top Rated South Houston Alcohol Abuse Rehab Center
There is no shame in seeking help for alcoholism. About 16 million American adults struggle with alcohol dependency. Despite these significant numbers, most will never get the alcohol addiction help they need for sobriety. Finding a professional facility for alcohol abuse rehabilitation is the key to recovery, health and the life you deserve. Find out how to spot alcoholism, what treatment looks like, and where to get optimal recovery and support along the way.
What Is Alcohol Abuse? How Does It Differ From Alcohol Use Disorder?
First, it's important to note that alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder aren't the same. Many people use them interchangeably, but there are some differences.
Alcohol abuse happens when people drink too much on occasion. Their use of alcohol tends to result in poor judgment and risky behavior.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) refers to someone who's dependent on alcohol. In short, people with AUD need alcohol to function normally throughout the day. They typically drink every day, too. The longer they suffer from AUD, the more they have to drink to get the same effect.
Doctors consider AUD to be a chronic, relapsing brain disorder. When people have AUD, they're typically in a negative emotional state when they don't drink. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says that nearly 16 million people suffer from AUD.
What Are the Signs You May Need an Alcoholism Treatment Program?
The first step in treating alcoholism is identifying the disease. There are many signs of alcoholism, and these can be physical, behavioral and psychological. Some of the most common physical symptoms of dependence on alcohol include:
- Digestive problems and frequent stomach cramps
- Visible red blood vessels on the skin
- Redness on the face
- Liver problems such as cirrhosis
- Drastic and unintended weight loss or gain
Plenty of people can struggle with alcohol abuse and not display these signs of addiction. However, it is much harder to hide alcoholism when it comes to behavior. Alcoholics may have a disrupted sleep cycle, or they may display a change in personality. Some alcoholics are withdrawn and quiet in the mornings, but boisterous and outgoing in the evenings after drinking.
It’s important to keep in mind that there are stages of alcoholism. Someone who’s addicted to alcohol for several decades will have a tougher time in recovery than someone who has only recently begun abusing alcohol. The sooner treatment starts, however, the better. Postponing a visit to an alcohol addiction treatment center in Texas is rarely a good idea because your health is in jeopardy every day that you continue drinking.
What Do Experts Consider to be Alcohol Abuse?
To abuse alcohol, people have to drink a certain amount. The most recent guidelines note that men should drink no more than two drinks in a single day. Over the course of a week, they should drink no more than 14 drinks.
The number of drinks women can have in a day or week is lower. Women should drink no more than one drink a day or seven during a week.
Keep in mind, however, that these are just rough numbers. The number of drinks that people can safely drink varies depending on their age, weight and body type.
What does the NIAAA consider as a drink? The amount of alcohol for "a drink" depends on the type of alcohol. A 12-ounce beer, five ounces of wine, and 1.5 ounces of liquor are each one drink. As such men shouldn't drink more than two, 12-ounce cans of beer a day.
What Effects Does Alcohol Addiction Have on the Body and Brain?
Alcohol abuse has numerous adverse effects on the body. In the short term, it can alter people's moods. It decreases their inhibitions and impedes their judgment. As a depressant, alcohol can make them feel sad or depressed.
Drinking too much can also cause a hangover the next day. Hangovers cause dehydration, nausea, headaches and mental fogginess. These effects, however, typically last for a day.
In the long term, the abuse of alcohol can cause more severe problems. Studies show that regular abuse can cause memory issues. Heavy use of alcohol can also damage vital organs, especially the liver.
Alcohol also lowers the quality of sleep people get during the rapid eye movement sleep cycle. Some people assume that alcohol helps them sleep because it makes them fall asleep quicker. In reality, they get less restorative sleep. After drinking too much, they typically feel tired the next day and are unable to concentrate.
What is Our South Houston Alcohol Abuse Treatment Program Like?
Alcoholism treatment is not one-size-fits-all, but there is a rough protocol that most individuals will follow. Residents who begin an alcohol addiction treatment program should know what to expect. The journey begins with detox. That can take approximately one week, and it is the chance to break free from the chemical dependence on alcohol.
After detoxing in a hospital or other supervised facility, it will be time to move to a rehab program. In rehab, residents get to dig deeper and explore the underlying causes of addiction. This process can take time, but the exact duration of treatment depends on the individual.
Evidence-Based Care at a Premier Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center
The foundation of a successful alcohol addiction rehab program is a scientific, proven and evidence-based treatment plan. This often includes lots of therapy, including group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. It can also include pharmacological treatment. A wide range of these treatments is ideal because then residents can access the techniques that work best for them.
Holistic Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Alcoholism treatment should include evidence-based strategies, but a holistic approach can also offer some incredible benefits. Holistic care promotes total wellness, and that goes far beyond just treating the physical symptoms of addiction. Holistic care may include alternative treatments like meditation therapy or fitness therapy. All of these approaches contribute to wellness, fulfillment and a life of happiness without alcohol.
Contact the Alcohol Abuse Center at Kemah Palms Recovery® Today
At Kemah Palms Recovery® we provide high-end Houston substance abuse treatment programs for our residents. Residents can benefit from a comprehensive experience at our alcohol abuse center in South Houston. They can expect a comfortable atmosphere with targeted and customized Houston substance abuse treatment programs. The overall goal is not just sobriety, but health that can last a lifetime. We offer several programs to give our residents the best chance of overcoming drug and alcohol problems, including:
- Alcohol detox program
- Residential addiction treatment program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
- Chronic pain recovery program
Regarding holistic treatment options, we have many. We offer stress relieving services such as meditation, acupuncture, and yoga. We also provide therapeutic opportunities such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. Also, we invite our residents to take part in our healthy activities program.
Alcoholism is a challenge to overcome, but the right level of support can help. End your addiction today by starting down the road to sobriety. Contact Kemah Palms for help overcoming addiction. Reach out to our staff at 713-568-1210 for more information on our diverse addiction treatment options in South Houston.