Alcoholism Treatment at First Step to Freedom

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is a serious medical problem that needs medical and psychotherapeutic treatment. Alcoholism and treatment typically begin with medical detox, followed by alcohol rehab and aftercare support. Alcohol rehab forms the basis of most treatment programs, with a range of cognitive, behavioral, and motivational methods applied on a residential or outpatient basis. If you or anyone you know is struggling with an alcohol use disorder, First Step to Freedom can help with Alcoholism Treatment.

What is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcoholism is a broad classification that includes both alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse is defined by the ongoing, patterned consumption of alcoholic beverages – despite negative consequences. Binge drinking is one form of alcohol abuse, with this pattern of abuse defined as more than four drinks for men and more than three drinks for women in a single two-hour drinking session. Binge drinking and other forms of alcohol abuse are known to cause a range of physical and psychological health problems – with people who drink excessively also likely to experience significant social and productivity problems. Alcohol abuse can easily lead to addiction over time, especially for people who begin drinking in the early years of life. A range of treatment methods can be used to treat alcohol abuse, including detox, rehab, and aftercare support programs.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction or dependence is a form of alcoholism defined by compulsive drinking patterns despite negative consequences. Alcohol dependence is often recognized by the existence of tolerance and physical-somatic withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Medically assisted detoxification is often required to break the bonds of alcohol addiction, including the administration of benzodiazepine drugs such as Valium and Librium. Alcohol dependence can cause serious medical problems if left untreated, including brain damage, liver disease, and heart disease. At First Step to Freedom, a range of treatment methods are used at to tackle this serious issue, including medical detox, cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step support groups, group counseling, family therapy, relapse prevention, and much more.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

People react to alcohol consumption in many ways, with some people becoming addicted quickly and others able to drink regularly without developing serious problems. It’s important to note, however, that regular excessive consumption of alcohol is likely to cause physical and psychological health problems if left untreated.

Common signs of alcoholism include uncontrolled drinking habits, being unable to cut down consumption levels, needing to drink more to experience the same effects, experiencing physical-somatic or emotional-motivational withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is discontinued, drinking in dangerous situations, and needing alcohol to unwind or relax. People with drinking problems often feel guilty about their drinking or go to extreme lengths to cover up the extent of their drinking.

Treatment for Alcoholism

Treatment programs for alcoholism vary widely, with common treatment programs including crisis intervention, medically assisted detox, family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, 12-step support groups, SMART Recovery, sober living environments, and relapse prevention programs. These programs are typically applied on a sequential basis, with the physical aspects of addiction dealt with before the psychological aspects. Generally speaking, patients are more likely to need medical assistance when physical withdrawal symptoms are present, including the administration of Valium, Serax, Antabuse, Campral, naltrexone, and other medications.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with an alcohol use disorder, First Step to Freedom is here to help. Just call our caring recovery advocates today at (888) 415-8810 for information.