in network with
ALCOHOL ADDICTION
Alcohol addiction impacts millions of lives worldwide every year. The long-term effects on individual health and society as a whole are far-reaching and devastating. Alcohol rehab centers in San Diego County like ours, work to provide preventative education and other resources for vulnerable demographics.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that 14.5 million Americans over the age of 12 have alcohol use disorder (AUD). Men are nearly twice as likely as women to develop AUD.
Another large factor in alcohol addiction is social drinking. Social drinking is an ingrained part of our national identity. It makes it difficult for some people to understand alcoholism. You see it on social media, TV shows, movies, and in the community around you at bars, restaurants, and clubs.
Alcohol is highly addictive and detrimental to a person’s health. Drinking above the recommended amount affects the brain, body, and general mental and physical health. This can lead to possible illness, addiction, or even death.
SIGNS OF ALCOHOL ADDICTION
- Often drinking more than intended
- Unable to stop drinking when you try
- Drinking a lot
- Feeling sick during or after drinking
- Experiencing moments where all your thoughts revolve around drinking
- Drinking or the side effects interfere with your ability to follow up on life, school, work, or other obligations
- Replacing activities you enjoy with drinking
- Drinking even when the health and mental health effects scare you
- Experiencing blackouts during or after drinking
- Requiring more drinks to feel the same effects
- Withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking
When to Seek Help
- Family history of alcohol use disorder
- Personal or family history of mental health or substance use disorders
- Acute or chronic stress
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Experiencing a traumatic event
- Frequent drinking socially or alone
- Binge drinking
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Holistic Treatment
Alcohol use disorder regularly overlaps with other conditions and their symptoms. It’s essential to pick an alcohol rehab center in San Diego that treats both substance use disorder as well as mental health conditions that arise.
Therapeutic Options
Medical professionals sometimes find it difficult to untangle them. A holistic approach is the most successful way to treat alcohol addiction. Facilities and community-based centers use the following types of treatment and therapies:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Contingency Management (CM)
- 12-Step programs
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Alternate therapies, including animal-assisted therapy
- Meditation-based therapy
- Mindfulness therap
12-Step Programs
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) pioneered the 12-Step method of recovering from substance abuse. Today the program is nearly universally accepted in private and state-run rehabilitation facilities as either a primary or secondary treatment. You can find out more about 12-Step programs by visiting the official alcoholics’ anonymous website.
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RISK FACTORS
According to the NIAAA, 4.2 million young people reported binge drinking at least once in the past month in 2019.
Adolescents and young adults have easy access to alcohol, and many transition from drinking to other substances. Attending college after high school graduation provides opportunities to use study and party drugs.
Risk factors for mental health disorders and medical conditions increase significantly for younger individuals who experience alcohol addiction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports “excessive drinking is responsible for more than 3,500 deaths and 210,000 years of potential life lost among people under age 21 each year.”
One of the best ways to help young people is through an inpatient treatment facility that uses an evidence-based approach.
HEALTH EFFECTS
PHYSICAL EFFECTS
Physical health effects of alcohol may not appear for years, making it harder for people to notice the connection between their health decline and drinking. However, anyone experiencing AUD may observe some or all of the following health side effects:
- Digestive issues, stomach upset, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Sexual dysfunction
- Osteoporosis
- Involuntary rapid eye movement and other eye conditions
- Memory issues
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Increased risk of dementia
- Reduced immune system
- Increased risk of cancer
Alcohol often reacts adversely to other substances, including medications that can lead to serious injury, illness, or death
MENTAL DISORDERS
Many people use alcohol to self-medicate and treat symptoms of underlying disorders. Addiction may also develop independently of other co-occurring conditions.
The prevalence of alcohol abuse makes AUD a widespread dual diagnosis. Some common co-occurring disorders found in people diagnosed with AUD include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD)
- Social phobia
- General anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
Alcohol use often creates an artificial sense of calm and composure, causing many people to use drinking to self-medicate and treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
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WE ARE HERE
For you
DON'T WANT TO MAKE THE MOST IMPORTANT CALL OF YOUR LIFE
Despite the prevalence of alcohol abuse, it is often misunderstood by the general public. You may feel isolated in your fight against the side effects and damage caused by alcohol side effects. Fortunately, you are not alone. Local, national, and international resources are available to help you recover from your alcohol addiction.
At Channing House Recovery, we strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment where everyone has the opportunity to heal and create a better life.
