subject: Alcoholic Rehab Centers [print this page] Alcoholism is a problem that affects millions of people. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that about 18 million people in the United States have an alcohol use disorder either persistent alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Alcoholism is associated with a range of dangers, including health problems, psychological problems, crime, accidents and suicide.
Alcoholism, also called alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction, is a chronic disease, involving a destructive pattern of alcohol, tolerance to or withdrawal from and an ability to control alcohol use. Many alcoholic rehab centers exist across the United States to provide treatment for this disease.
There are numerous signs and symptoms of alcoholism, some of which include: being unable to limit or control the amount of frequency of ones drinking, being unable to stop drinking once drinking begins, binge drinking, drinking alone or in secret, developing a tolerance to alcohol, experiencing negative outcomes directly related to ones drinking, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to have a drink, having blackouts, or hiding alcohol.
No one sign or symptom confirms an addiction to alcohol, but someone who exhibits several of the signs mentioned above may be dependent upon alcohol. If you suspect that you or a loved one has a problem with alcohol, it is important to consult with a physician, an addiction specialist, therapist or other expert who can diagnose the condition and recommend treatment options.
Treatment options may include outpatient therapy, participation in a 12-Step support group, a partial hospitalization program, medically monitored detoxification and/or residential treatment. Treatment protocols may include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, 12-Step programs, relapse prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or forms of recreation therapy.
An aftercare component of treatment is crucial in order to prevent relapse. Setting up an aftercare plan that includes a transition to sober living, support group participation, and follow-up treatment is instrumental in maintaining sobriety.
Alcoholism can wreak havoc with ones life, in terms of productivity, relationships, overall quality of life and physical health. Excessive drinking can cause liver disorders, digestive problems, heart problems, diabetes complications, neurological complications and an increased risk of cancer.
Some individuals may be more prone to alcoholism than others. Some known risk factors for developing an alcohol problem include a family history of alcoholism, and depression or anxiety. Age is also an issue, as those who begin drinking at an early age are at a higher risk of alcohol abuse. Gender is also a factor, as men are more likely than women to be alcoholics.
Rehab centers should provide supportive environments that will help patients learn a new way to live, free from the bonds of addiction. Those suffering from alcoholism are living lives that are out of control. Treatment can provide a new beginning and allow for the pursuit of a happier, healthier and more productive future. The rehab experience should provide the participant the opportunity to explore the underlying reasons for their addiction, rediscover their passions and interests, and create a long-term recovery plan that works for them.
