ALCOHOL ADDICTION TREATMENT

Alcohol addiction impacts millions worldwide and is a major risk to our physical and mental health. Research indicates that drinking alcohol is linked to multiple diseases, injuries, and including addiction itself.

Fortunately, many individuals struggling with alcohol problems can find help through different treatment options available at PROMIS.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol addiction, often referred to as alcohol abuse or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a condition where individuals cannot control their drinking even when it harms their health and disrupts important parts of their lives, such as relationships, family, social activities, work, or school.

Drinking occasionally might not lead to addiction, but it becomes a problem when it creates issues with others and impacts our daily functioning. In such cases, a diagnosis of AUD may be given, which can range from mild to severe. It is important to note that even mild or moderate AUD can still cause significant damage to the individual, their families, and the community.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol significantly affects the body and causes problems for different organ systems. When consumed, alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, affecting the central nervous system and changing mood and behaviour. Initially, it may create feelings of relaxation and happiness, but drinking too much can harm cognition and coordination, which leads to risky actions and accidents.

Alcohol disrupts the communication pathways within the brain and influences its overall functionality. Excessive use of alcohol impairs the brain regions responsible for balance, memory, speech, and judgement, leading to an increased risk of injuries and other adverse consequences. It can also cause changes in brain cells, including a reduction in their size.

Symptoms Of Alcohol Use Disorder

A diagnosis of AUD can be assigned if the individual exhibits at least two of the following symptoms within 12 months:

The individual frequently consumes alcohol in greater quantities or for longer periods than initially intended and has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop drinking.
A considerable amount of time is dedicated to obtaining alcohol, consuming it, or managing its consequences.
The individual often feels strong cravings or a compelling desire to drink alcohol.
Alcohol use negatively impacts responsibilities at work, school, or home.

The person continues to drink despite experiencing problems in personal relationships.
Alcohol consumption takes precedence over other significant activities.
The individual persists in drinking even when facing ongoing physical or mental health issues related to alcohol.
There is a marked increase in tolerance which is characterised by requiring larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects, or the individual no longer experiences the same effects from the same quantity consumed.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are evident.

Note that these are the most common signs of addiction however, people are diverse, and addiction can affect them in many different ways. It’s important to recognise that not every individual will show these signs, with some people being able to manage daily obligations such as attending work.

Health Consequences Of Alcohol Addiction

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to many health issues, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Chronic drinkers often face liver damage, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. It is also inked with gastric problems such as ulcers and pancreatitis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and an increased risk for several types of cancer. Furthermore, long-term abuse may weaken the immune system, which makes them more susceptible to diseases like pneumonia.

In addition to physical complications, alcohol addiction has detrimental psychological effects that impact one’s mental well-being. It may cause or exacerbate mental health conditions like anxiety disorders or depression. The reliance on alcohol in dealing with stressors impairs problem-solving skills while hindering personal growth and self-esteem development.

Causes Of Alcohol Addiction

The exact causes of alcohol addiction remain unknown. However, the following factors can make you more prone to developing the condition.

Genetics

We provide comprehensive treatment plans that have multidisciplinary approaches and are customised to address the needs of our clients.

Psychological Factors

Our mental health professionals utilize evidence-based treatments where their effectiveness is backed up by research and clinical trials.

Drinking At An Early Age

We provide clients with holistic mental health care from the beginning of their recovery journey until they completely reclaim their wellness. We also provide them with strategies that can be used to manage stressors and help them navigate their daily lives.

Mental Health Conditions

People with a history of mental health issues are at a higher risk of developing alcohol addiction. Clinical observations indicate that substance abuse often coexists with mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person stops drinking alcohol, they often experience mild withdrawal symptoms like slight anxiety, headaches, stomach issues, and trouble sleeping. However, these symptoms can worsen and lead to more serious conditions, such as alcohol withdrawal delirium, which can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

Mild symptoms can also develop into alcohol hallucinosis, where the person may see or hear things that aren’t there, usually resolving within 48 hours after stopping alcohol. Furthermore, some individuals may have seizures just a few hours after they quit drinking.

Mental Health Treatment at PROMIS

PROMIS offers a wide range of treatments for alcohol addiction. We provide personalised treatment plans to suit your unique and specific needs. Here are some of our programmes designed for people struggling with alcohol addiction.

Alcohol Detox

Detoxification, or detox, is an important part of the treatment program and can be one of the toughest stages of recovery. During this time, treatment experts offer you full support as you may face intense withdrawal symptoms in the first few days after stopping alcohol use.

The alcohol detox process includes different methods to help you manage the body’s responses to alcohol use, tolerance, and withdrawal. After detox is finished, professionals evaluate whether you are ready to move on to further treatment and therapy options.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy, also known as talk therapy, is a personalised method used by mental health experts to address the unique needs of each person. This process includes setting personal goals, managing symptoms, and creating coping strategies in a one-on-one setting. It helps individuals understand their thoughts, feelings, and actions by looking at their past, focusing on the present, and planning for the future using different therapeutic methods.

Some of the most common individual therapies for treating alcohol addiction are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a treatment method where several people receive help at the same time instead of having one-on-one sessions. This group environment creates a support system that may help you connect with others who have similar goals.

In group therapy, members share and discuss their personal stories related to their challenges and effective ways to cope that can help others in the group. Some groups focus on specific issues like addiction, anxiety, depression, or trauma, while others work on improving social skills and confidence. However, all group therapy sessions aim to remind participants that they are not alone in their feelings and experiences.

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment provides a structured environment to help you overcome alcohol addiction. Patients stay at the facility for a period that can last from a few days to several months, depending on their needs.

This type of care offers round-the-clock support from trained professionals and is usually recommended for those who find it hard to manage their recovery alone, for those who do not respond well to outpatient treatment, and for individuals in unsupportive living situations.

This treatment helps individuals develop skills for life after rehab, focusing on effective ways to deal with triggers, the importance of sobriety programs, and strategies to prevent relapse.

Contact Us Today And Get Help For Alcoholism

Not everyone who drinks alcohol develops addiction, but if you see yourself drinking more often, think about getting help right away. At PROMIS, we offer top-notch care for alcohol and substance use addictions. Our program is comprehensive and tailored to fit each person’s specific needs, preferences, and goals.

Here at PROMIS, we are committed to providing you with one of the best opportunities to care for your mental well-being. We cater to individuals from every walk of life and tailor our mental health treatment plans specifically to your unique needs. Whether it is anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar, or anything else – we are here to help you reclaim your mental wellness.

Get alcohol addiction help today and begin the journey to sobriety with PROMIS