Managing alcohol addiction isn’t easy. Unfortunately, people across the United States and here in New England struggle with alcohol use and addiction. Because alcohol is easy to get and a significant part of social life, it can seem less harmful than other substances. In reality, alcohol is highly addictive and can cause long-term adverse health effects, including premature death. Getting help for alcohol use can be easier than people think. Alcohol addiction treatment centers are ready to help.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol, don’t quit cold turkey. Seek help from an alcohol addiction treatment center like A Better State in New Hampshire. Substance use treatment programs are ready to help you recover. Call us at 781.412.1488 to discover more about our alcohol rehab program.
Is It Time for Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Alcohol addiction is increasingly common. Unfortunately, knowing when substance use turns into addiction is hard. Casual and social drinking can quickly turn into a habit. Addiction occurs when alcohol interferes with life, and the body craves it. Like other addictive substances, alcohol changes a person’s brain chemistry. This is a natural response to addictive substances that cause cravings and withdrawals. Other symptoms it’s time for treatment include:
- Secretive drinking
- Drinking during the day
- Drinking at work or school
- Thinking about alcohol all the time
- Worrying about your next drink
- Changes in sleep
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Mood swings
- Increased depression
While alcohol may temporarily relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, it makes them worse over time. Because alcohol depresses the nervous system, it can worsen depression, especially for those with unprocessed trauma or other co-occurring mood disorders.
What Happens During Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Alcohol Rehab Center?
The first step of alcohol addiction treatment is detox. It takes about a week for alcohol to leave the body, allowing the brain to recover from dehydration and withdrawal. During detox, the brain slowly adjusts to making new chemicals supplied by alcohol. This can cause painful withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings. In treatment, medically-assisted treatment can help reduce cravings and prevent medical complications.
Today, most alcohol rehab programs provide dual diagnosis treatment to simultaneously address mental health and addiction. Today at least 50% of people struggling with alcoholism have co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, unprocessed trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or bipolar disorder. Dual diagnosis focuses on a holistic approach rather than treating one disease at a time. This provides better, individualized care and lowers the risk of relapse.
Therapy is a touchstone of substance use treatment. From individual to group, and family therapy, clients uncover the root cause of alcoholism, heal trauma, and develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are the leading behavioral therapies in addiction treatment. They help clients assess and change behavior. Today, most programs combine these with alternative therapies, like yoga and art therapy, for holistic healing.
How to Get Help for Alcohol Addiction and Abuse
If you’re worried about getting help for alcoholism, know you are not alone—unfortunately, many people struggling with alcohol attempt to quit cold turkey. Most times, cravings and withdrawal can lead to relapse, overdose, and alcohol-related death. Working with a substance use treatment program is easier than people think.
Today, there are alcohol addiction treatment programs in New Hampshire and across New England providing accessible treatment options. If you can’t take time off from work or school, outpatient treatment can offer the same level of care with the flexibility you need. Begin by looking at local and state government resources and check with your insurance company for coverage information. If you are feeling overwhelmed, there are crisis hotlines ready to help.
Never trust a program that offers “quick fixes” or lacks licensed therapists. Alcoholism is a treatable disease. Checking with local AA meetings and local doctors or therapists can also help you find the program you need, often without a long wait.
Learn More About A Better State’s Alcohol Rehab in New Hampshire
Don’t wait. Alcohol addiction is treatable. Contact us at 781.412.1488 to find an alcohol rehab program today.
