Alcohol Addiction, Treatment & Recovery

An alcohol addiction is a chronic disorder that can include excessive alcohol consumption, loss of control over consumption and a negative emotional state when not drinking alcohol. Once an alcohol dependence has developed, it can be extremely hard to stop or control alcohol use regardless of the social, physical or psychological consequences. Alcohol abuse can show itself in various ways, but typically, an individual may have a substance abuse problem if they drink alcohol often and can’t stay sober for an extended period of time.

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down the brain and can cause several short-term effects, such as increasing pleasurable feelings and blunting negative emotions. These effects can lead to increased alcohol use, especially during stressful situations. 

Drinking alcohol may provide temporary relief, but heavy drinking can cause enhanced negative emotional states in between consumption. This can result in heavier alcohol use, creating a never-ending cycle that’s difficult to break. As alcohol problems continue, they can cause adverse changes in how the brain communicates, making it more difficult to think and move. 

Heavy alcohol abuse can also cause organ damage in the liver, pancreas and heart. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that heavy drinking is associated with several cancers, including in the liver, breast, head and neck. Long-term alcohol use can also cause other serious health risks, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Stomach ulcers
• Brain and nerve damage
• Digestive problems
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dementia

Detox is often the first step of substance abuse treatment and involves removing all traces of alcohol from the body. It provides a safe environment under the supervision of medical professionals to minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of alcohol overdose. Length of detox depends on the severity of your alcohol addiction.

A residential treatment program offers customized 24-hour care for individuals struggling with a severe alcohol use disorder. Upon admission, you’ll receive a treatment plan outlining the services needed to overcome your drinking problems. These services typically include various therapies, such as:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy

You may also attend support groups similar to Alcoholics Anonymous or engage in holistic approaches, including yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy and experiential therapy. Residential programs are ideal for individuals who have tried and failed to stop drinking in the past or are at high risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. 

A dual diagnosis refers to someone struggling with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Co-occurring disorders can present very similarly, making them hard to treat. A combination of therapy, medication, life skills education and support groups may be used to treat the conditions simultaneously for best results.