What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol use disorder, commonly known as alcoholism, involves a cycle of unhealthy or uncontrollable substance use that persists even after it starts to cause physical, emotional, or professional problems.
Alcohol addiction affects more than 14 million Americans over the age of 12. The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that only 7% of people with alcohol use disorder were treated for the condition during the previous year.
Over time, this type of addiction can cause serious personal, psychological, and physical problems. An estimated 380 people in the United States die every day from alcohol overdose or serious medical complications that accrue from long-term excessive drinking. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, excessive drinking is the cause of one in five deaths of people in the United States between the ages of 20 and 49.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction can manifest in several ways, as outlined by the American Psychiatric Association’s criteria for diagnosing alcohol use disorder:
- Individuals may find themselves drinking more alcohol than intended, more often than intended—often exceeding personal limits.
- Despite repeated efforts, individuals may struggle with unsuccessful attempts to cut down on their drinking habits.
- Individuals may spend significant portions of the day either drinking alcohol or recovering from its effects.
- Those with an alcohol addiction may have a persistent preoccupation or obsession with when and where they will consume their next drink.
- Individuals may experience a decline in the ability to fulfill family responsibilities or perform effectively at work because of drinking.
- Those struggling with alcohol addiction may continue to consume alcohol despite resulting relationship problems and health issues.
- Individuals may limit pleasurable or important activities in favor of drinking.
- High-risk behaviors are more common among those with an alcohol addiction.
- Individuals may need to drink larger quantities to achieve the desired level of intoxication.
- Individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms, like tremors, nausea, or anxiety, when not drinking, further indicating alcohol dependency.
The magnitude of alcohol addiction can range from mild to severe. The early stages of alcohol use disorder might involve experiencing two or three of the above signs. Moderate addiction consists of the presence of four or five of the above signs. Severe alcohol use disorder will involve the presence of six or more of the above signs.
Because alcohol use is more socially acceptable than illicit drug use, it can be difficult to recognize disordered alcohol consumption in loved ones. Very often, friends and family members experiencing an alcohol addiction will conceal their alcohol misuse, making identifying the disorder challenging.
Some common signs a loved one is experiencing alcohol addiction include the following:
- Inattention to personal hygiene
- Uncharacteristic secretiveness or lying
- Sudden job loss
- Theft
- Hiding bottles of alcohol
- Social isolation
- Dramatic shifts in mood
- Loss of friends
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the most significant indications of alcohol addiction is the inability to cease drinking due to fear of experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms. Without a safe environment, like Beach House Rehab’s inpatient alcohol rehab in Florida, alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Individuals who have long been exposed to alcohol have significant changes in their bodies. They may suffer a heart attack, seizure, or simply stop breathing from not having access to alcohol over a short period. People with long-term alcohol use disorder or underlying medical conditions are more likely to experience severe, potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal from alcohol includes the following symptoms:
- Heart palpitations
- Seizures
- Fever
- Inability to breathe steadily
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nightmares
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Sweating
- Significant Anxiety
- Changes in blood pressure
Because of the potentially dangerous effects of alcohol withdrawal, it is imperative to go through the detoxification process under close medical supervision at accredited treatment centers for alcohol addiction to ensure safety and comfort. Withdrawal symptoms can vary widely in severity and may include:
- Severe anxiety and depression
- Physical complications (e.g., TBD
- Delirium Tremens (DTs)
- Cardiovascular issues
- Seizures
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Undergoing a medically supervised detox ensures your loved one receives appropriate monitoring, symptom management, and support to minimize the risks associated with withdrawal.
Alcohol detox in Florida not only enhances safety but also increases the likelihood that your loved one will have a successful transition to inpatient care for alcoholism.
If you are concerned about a loved one’s alcohol addiction, our inpatient alcohol rehab and medical detox center in Florida can help. Beach House Rehab offers safe, personalized, and medically monitored alcohol addiction treatment in Florida.
What Are the Different Types of Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Inpatient alcohol rehab facilities, like Beach House Rehab, offer several evidence-based treatment programs for substance use disorders and addiction. They include:
- Medically supervised detox
- Inpatient (Residential) rehab
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP)
- Mental health treatment
- Military addiction treatment
- Aftercare programs
How Long Does Alcohol Rehab Last?
The length of time required for rehab programs at inpatient treatment centers for alcoholism varies from person to person. Each program is customized to meet an individual’s unique needs. Here are some factors that impact the length of treatment:
- Severity of the disorder
- Length of time the individual has been misusing alcohol
- Presence of a co-occurring mental health disorder
- Physical health
- Past treatment history
- Insurance coverage
How Can Friends and Family Support Those in Recovery?
When someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, it can have a profound impact on the entire family system and relationships with friends and coworkers.
In addition to inpatient treatment for alcoholism, friends, family, and the community can play an active role recovery in several ways:
- Provide emotional support: Offering love, encouragement, and emotional support can help motivate your loved one in their recovery journey.
- Understand their experience: Taking the time to learn about alcohol addiction and understand what your loved one is going through and how to best support them.
- Create a supportive environment: Eliminating triggers and temptations in their daily life (e.g., avoiding alcohol-related activities or gatherings) can help prevent relapse.
- Encourage professional treatment: Motivating them to seek professional support and guidance.
- Assisting with practical needs: Helping with daily responsibilities, childcare, or other practical needs can help alleviate some stress.
- Be a nonjudgmental listener: Being available to listen without judgment provides a safe space for people to express their feelings and concerns.
- Encourage healthy habits: Promoting healthy activities (e.g., exercising, hobbies, volunteering, etc.) supports their well-being and reinforces positive lifestyle changes.
At Beach House, we also provide family addiction counseling to prioritize your wellness throughout their recovery journey. Our program aims to:
- Educate and provide insights into your loved one’s recovery journey
- Support and healing through individual and group therapy
- Offer guidance for improving communications
- Provide guidance in setting healthy boundaries
- Guide relapse prevention
How Do Psychiatrists Treat Alcoholism?
Psychiatrists help identify mental health disorders that may have led to substance misuse and help identify any negative health effects acquired during addiction.
Psychiatrists also play a key supportive role during the detoxification process. Because addiction negatively impacts brain chemistry, the medical expertise of psychiatrists is essential for safe and sustainable recovery.
What Are the Aftercare Treatments for Alcohol Addiction?
Aftercare is critical for maintaining long-term sobriety. When considering your inpatient alcohol rehab and addiction treatment options, it’s important to review their aftercare program.
Essential components include:
- Recovery-related peer support and interaction
- Sober events and activities
- Meetings and reunions
- Volunteer opportunities and charity events
- Referrals to family therapy and clinicians
After completing alcohol inpatient treatment or an outpatient program at Beach House, individuals may continue using these services as long as they like.
Beach House Center: Our Approach to Inpatient Alcohol Rehab
Beach House is a leading inpatient rehabilitation center for alcohol and addiction treatment located in Florida. Our team offers a stellar record of providing effective substance use disorder treatment programs for a diverse population of patients. We strive to foster a healthy rapport and connection with our patients, crafting individualized alcohol addiction treatment programs depending on their needs, health, and history of substance use.
We offer specialized treatment modalities like bio-bed and biosound therapy, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation for alcohol addiction treatment in a nontraditional setting.
We understand the struggle with alcohol addiction. At Beach House, we believe the opposite of addiction is love and connection. Learn to love yourself again, discover the powerful connections within the recovery community, and find freedom from addiction.
To learn more about our inpatient alcohol rehab center in Florida or to find out about our admission criteria, contact our admissions counselors today.