Are you into heavy drinking and can’t get away with it, no matter how you try controlling it? Are you tired of dealing with it? Here’s how you can help yourself deal with alcohol problems, which may lead to substance use disorder that could affect your behavioral health and mental health.

You might be asking why self-restrictions are not working on you because if you’re already into alcohol addiction, third-party intervention is a must – rehab for alcohol addiction is necessary to overcome alcoholism and regain control of life.

Alcohol use disorder is a term that often refers to alcoholism, also called alcohol addiction. Alcoholism is a chronic and compulsive urge to consume alcohol and an inability to stop. Alcohol use disorder is a term that includes alcohol abuse, which is a misuse of alcohol without an addiction.

The critical distinction with alcoholism is that it includes addiction, a genuine inability to stop using a substance. Rehab for alcohol addiction is necessary to overcome alcoholism and regain control of life. Our team at Illinois Recovery Center is here to help support you during your recovery. You’re not alone!

How Does Alcoholism Develop?

When people use alcohol habitually, it alters their brain chemistry and makes their bodies develop a tolerance. Tolerance means that it takes more alcohol to feel the same. Consuming large amounts of alcohol leads to dependence, which means the person becomes ill from not drinking. In addition to feeling sick, the person can experience withdrawal symptoms. While some symptoms are uncomfortable, others can be dangerous. Addiction is a brain disease since it involves physical changes to the brain.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Signs Of Alcohol Addiction

The signs people show, or symptoms they experience depend on several factors. People may recognize these warning signs in themselves or loved ones:

  • Drinking more than planned.
  • Tried to cut back without success.
  • Spend considerable amounts of time being sick or hungover.
  • Alcohol cravings cause severe distraction.
  • Difficulties at work, school, or social functions.
  • Inability to stop drinking despite adverse consequences.
  • New legal or financial troubles.

Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal

When a person tries to stop drinking and is dependent, these are some symptoms of withdrawal that may exist:

  • Dizziness
  • Shakiness
  • Irritability
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Sleep pattern disturbance
  • Racing heart
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

Fever, hallucinations, and seizures are more serious withdrawal effects, called delirium tremens. Anyone with severe symptoms or severe depression should seek immediate medical attention. Since misuse leads to brain changes, withdrawal also leads to changes as the brain tries to adjust without alcohol. Medical professionals should monitor people who are going through withdrawal because they stop using alcohol.

Effects Of Alcohol Misuse

One crucial factor is how long the misuse lasts. There are both short-term and long-term effects of alcohol use disorder.

Short-Term Effects Of Alcohol Addiction

Immediate misuse of alcohol can have several harmful consequences.[5] These are some common examples:

  • Poorer overall health or alcohol poisoning.
  • Injuries from falls or accidents.
  • Risky sexual or financial choices due to lack of inhibition.
  • Violent or abusive behaviors.

Long-Term Effects Of Alcohol Addiction

When people misuse alcohol for months or years, there are long-term effects. These are some common effects:

  • Chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
  • Higher risk of throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon cancer.
  • Memory and learning problems.
  • Mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
  • A weakened immune system and alcohol dependence.
Treatment Methods For Alcohol Addiction

Treatment Methods For Alcohol Addiction

When people seek treatment for alcoholism, therapists and medical professionals use a comprehensive approach composed of a combination of programs and counseling. Illinois Recovery Center, a treatment facility, believes in utilizing evidence-based type of treatment methods, including:

Treatment typically begins with detox, which is medically supervised to monitor people for dangerous symptoms. At the same time, medical professionals provide medication to help manage uncomfortable symptoms. Treatment also begins, which may be in a residential setting first. This means that the person stays in a facility 24/7 for a specific time.

Some people may use an outpatient program structure instead. The outpatient treatment plan does not involve staying in the facility. Depending on individual needs, treatment may be several days weekly or daily. Sessions may last a few hours or more. Residential treatment is better for people in riskier living situations or those with a high risk of relapse. Outpatient treatment option is better for people with multiple responsibilities, a lower risk of relapse, and a supportive living environment. Alcohol addiction tends to be associated with high relapse risk.

Treatment also includes multiple types of therapy, such as CBT, DBT, and holistic therapy. Therapists may use individual, group, and family therapy structures to help people interact with others, gain personal help, and work through family issues.

During recovery, people learn more about their behaviors or triggers and their causes of them, as well as how to change, cope with stress, and deal with triggers. Holistic therapies in alcoholism treatment support better overall wellness and help people develop healthy habits.

Importance Of Rehab For Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism treatment is necessary since alcohol addiction is a brain disease. People who misuse alcohol often have an underlying or co-occurring mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Dual-diagnosis treatment for alcoholism addresses both issues simultaneously. Treating only the addiction and leaving the co-occurring disorder untreated raises the risk of relapse.

alcohol treatment

When a person receives primary care or treatment for every aspect of addiction, including mental health problems, family issues, and individual needs, the chances of staying in recovery are higher. Health professionals’ help is essential to receive the appropriate healthcare and therapy plan for individual needs.

Finding Alcohol Addiction Treatment In Illinois

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, the treatment center Illinois Recovery Center is here to help. 

Illinois Recovery Center offers treatment services to help patients heal and bring hope to recover from addiction. With medical detox and residential programs, we take the need for supervised care seriously. 

As a treatment provider, our facility is a tranquil, safe, clean place for you or your loved one to detox and start the recovery journey for those eager to undergo substance abuse treatment.

We are supportive advocates who use a holistic approach to help every person improve overall wellness, develop healthier habits, and beat the cycle of addiction. Our team will happily answer your questions about insurance, programs, and anything else. 

To learn more about alcohol rehab in Illinois and get help with Illinois Recovery Center, you may contact us. We are here to help you find freedom!

References

FAQ

  • What is the most effective treatment for alcohol dependence?
  • What can be done to stop alcoholism?
  • What is the most common form of treatment for alcoholism?

Published on: 2021-10-04
Updated on: 2024-10-17

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