Alcoholism and Alcohol Rehab Alcoholism is a serious disease and the problem is growing. The National Council On Alcoholism And Drug Dependence statistics reveal that approximately 18 million Americans suffer from alcohol abuse.
Each year more than 100,000 Americans die from alcohol related deaths and alcohol is a factor in nearly half of all traffic fatalities. Over half of the men and women in the United States report that one or more of their family members have an alcohol abuse problem.
According to the National Institute On Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism, alcoholism is a disease that has four main components:. Craving – An overwhelming need to drink. Loss of Control – An inability to put the drink down. Physical Dependence – After a period of heavy drinking withdrawal symptoms occur such as nausea, shaking, and anxiety. Tolerance – Needing greater amounts of alcohol to obtain a “high” Alcohol Abuse Complications
The complications to the body from alcohol abuse may include damage to the brain and central nervous system, liver disorders, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular problems, diabetes complications, sexual and menstrual dysfunction, birth defects, neurological complications and increased risk of cancer.
There is no cure for alcoholism. Even if an alcoholic has long-term sobriety, he or she remains susceptible to relapse. To guard against a relapse, an alcoholic must avoid drinking alcohol. There is treatment for the disease and a chance to build a healthier lifestyle. Addiction treatment generally depends on the severity of alcoholism and alcohol abuse. It may include the following:
Detox and withdrawal-a process of safely removing alcohol from the body lasting from a period of days to weeks.. Assessment and treatment for medical problems related to physical damage from the disease. Drug addiction treatment-some medications are used to reduce the craving for alcohol or to produce severe physical reactions such as nausea and vomiting if one drinks while on the medication. Drug treatment does not cure alcoholism nor will they remove the desire to drink.. Individual/Group Counseling-There are effective methods of counseling that help the alcoholic to identify feelings that trigger the urge to drink and alternatives to manage those feelings.
Checking in to a drug rehab or alcohol rehab program is an excellent method of treatment for alcohol abuse. There are many types of addiction treatment or alcohol treatment programs.Some offer alcohol detox and inpatient addiction treatment and others offer shorter-term residencies, sober living or outpatient counseling. When researching drug rehabs, ask what addiction treatment services they offer.If you are looking for an alcohol treatment program, alcohol rehab program or drug rehab program you can call 1-800-511-9225, a national alcohol treatment program helpline.
