Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that occurs when a person drinks alcohol excessively. It can lead to a range of health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and cancer. AUD is a progressive condition, meaning it typically gets worse over time.
Symptoms of AUD include drinking more alcohol than intended, continued use despite negative consequences, and increased tolerance to alcohol.
Treatment at iKare treatment center for AUD typically involves psychotherapy, medication, and support groups. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for the best outcome.
Causes Of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a condition that is characterized by an inability to control one’s drinking, as well as a preoccupation with alcohol. AUD can lead to a number of problems, including health complications, financial difficulties, and relationship problems.
There are a number of different causes of AUD, including genetic factors, psychological factors, and social factors. Treatment for AUD typically includes some combination of counseling, medication, and support groups. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. With treatment at iKare, many people with AUD are able to achieve long-term sobriety.
Major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and antisocial personality disorder are among the psychiatric conditions that are frequently linked to alcoholism. However, it is unclear whether these co-occurring conditions are caused by alcoholism or contributed to the emergence of an alcohol use disorder and may vary from person to person.
According to some research, personality disorders like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder can also lead to AUDs. Thus, having one or more of these psychological disorders may raise a person’s risk of becoming alcoholic.
Signs & Symptoms Of Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a pattern of harmful drinking that makes someone unable to control their consumption or deal with the consequences. The most common symptoms of AUD include drinking more than intended, feeling the need to drink in order to relax or feel better, and being unable to control or cut down on consumption. Other signs and symptoms include neglecting responsibilities at work or home, Drinking in situations where it is physically dangerous, such as while driving, and continuing to drink even though it is causing relationship problems.
If you or someone you know is showing these signs, it is important to get help from a medical professional as soon as possible. If left untreated, AUD can lead to severe health problems and even death. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, please seek help from your doctor or a qualified mental health provider.
Alcohol Treatment Programs
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) can be successfully controlled and treated, just like many other chronic, relapsing diseases, even though there is presently no cure for them.
People with AUDs can overcome their drug misuse problems and maintain sobriety with the support of professional treatment at a rehabilitation facility. A course of treatment will probably be helpful if you or someone close to you is dealing with AUD.
You have a range of alternatives to treat your AUD, including detoxification, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, behavioral therapies, medication, and peer support groups, if you’re thinking about receiving professional treatment for problematic alcohol use.
Alcohol Detoxification
Detoxification, or detox, is the first step in recovering from an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The goal of detox is to rid the body of alcohol and allow the individual to begin the process of recovery. Detox can be a difficult and dangerous process, however, and it is important to detox under medical supervision.
There are three general stages of alcohol detox: early, middle, and late. Early detox typically lasts for the first few days after abstaining from alcohol and is characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, shaking, and headaches.
The middle stage of detox usually lasts for a week or two and is characterized by symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, and nausea. The late stage of detox typically lasts for a month or more and is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and cravings. While detoxification alone is rarely sufficient in helping a person achieve long-term abstinence, it is an important first step toward recovery.
Residential or Inpatient Rehab Services
Patients receiving inpatient or residential AUD therapy must live and stay in the rehab facility round-the-clock. The length of inpatient alcohol treatment varies; it may involve brief stays of 3-6 weeks that may or may not be followed by attendance at an outpatient rehab.
Some people need to stay for extended periods of time 6-12 months in therapeutic communities (TCs), which offer highly structured programming and support for community reintegration.
A person can concentrate solely on their recovery and developing the necessary coping skills to live life as a sober person when they are kept away from distractions and environments where they may be exposed to people, places, or events that can cause an alcoholic relapse. This is why inpatient and residential rehab stays are beneficial.
Outpatient Rehab Services
Outpatient rehab services provide a variety of benefits for those struggling with addiction. First and foremost, they offer a more flexible treatment option for those who may not be able to commit to an inpatient program.
Outpatient programs also allow patients to gradually reintegrate into their everyday lives, which can be a crucial step in the recovery process. In addition, outpatient rehabs typically feature a multidisciplinary team of specialists who can address the unique needs of each patient.
From therapists and counselors to medical doctors and nutritionists, this team approach ensures that all aspects of recovery are addressed. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, outpatient rehab may be the right step on the road to recovery.
Behavioral Therapies For Alcohol Abuse
There are two types of behavioral therapy that have been shown to be effective in treating alcohol abuse: cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps patients to identify the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their drinking, and to replace them with healthier coping strategies.
Contingency management provides rewards for abstinence from drinking, such as vouchers for free meals or movie tickets. Studies have shown that both of these therapies can be effective in helping patients to reduce their drinking or achieve sobriety.
Final Verdict
Treatment for alcoholism can take several forms, and patients can need to deal with detox and clinical prescription assistance at times. Our experts at the I-kare alcohol recovery center in Florida are well-equipped and ready to help people struggling with alcohol abuse improve their lives and achieve sobriety.