Alcohol Addiction And The Best Rehab Centers For Treatment
With over 50% of Americans eighteen and older admitting to be regular drinkers (more than twelve drinks a year), and nearly 15% admitting to be infrequent drinkers (1-11 drinks a year), most of us are very familiar with alcohol and its effects on the human body. Typically consumed in social situations, alcohol is a natural relaxer. People typically enjoy the happy and confident buzz, making them feel more self-assured and lively at bars, tailgates parties, and get-togethers with friends. And while a couple drinks every once in a while is safe when people use it responsibly, alcohol use can often turn into abuse.
Encompassing hard liquor, wine, and beer, people find themselves intoxicated at different levels depending on their metabolism and type of drink consumed. A standard drink is 12oz beer, 5oz wine, and 1.5oz hard liquor. Consuming more than four or five drinks over the course of two hours is considered binge drinking. Those who binge drink are more likely to become dependent on alcohol later in life, and with 15 million people struggling with addiction, it is more important than ever that people understand the negative effects of alcohol.
Many people have experienced the negative effects of alcohol over the course of their lifetime during and after drinking. Some of the most common are:
- Impaired Coordination
- Relaxed Inhibitions
- Slurred Speech
- Blurred Vision
- Blacking Out
- Irregular or Slowed Breathing
- Depressed Immune System
These short term effects can be extremely dangerous. Impaired reasoning can lead to multiple risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex and drunk driving. Alcohol addiction threatens more than just the addict; it can put many other people in danger if the drinker is behind the wheel of a vehicle.
After a period of binge drinking many people experience these hangover side effects:
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Impaired Memory
- Aches and Pains
After years of prolonged alcohol abuse, many people find their bodies in poor shape. Such extended drinking patterns can be life-threatening and can cause:
- Liver Disease
- Thiamine Deficiency
- Learning and Memory Problems
- Sleep Disturbances
- Increased Risk of Cancer
- Increased Risk of Diabetes
- Heart or Respiratory Failure
Many women who are alcoholics do not stop drinking when pregnant, leading to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, resulting in their children being born with poor respiratory development, learning disabilities, and distinct facial features.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Depending on the level of addiction, addicts often have the choice of either inpatient or outpatient treatment. If the addiction is severe, many facilities will recommend an inpatient program, so that they can monitor their patients 24 hours a day to avoid any medical complication that arises from detoxification, such as delirium tremens.
There are two detoxifying drugs that rehabilitation centers typically use. Naltrexone is the most common and it is used to block the euphoric feeling associated with alcohol consumption. Disulfiram is a more extreme route, causing vomiting and headaches when alcohol is consumed, making it completely unappealing to those who may be close to relapse. Many facilities may also administer thiamine for alcoholics in recovery, which helps improve brain functioning and memory.
After detoxification, patients undergo counseling to learn life skills and behaviors to cope with possible triggers and potential relapse. Cognitive-behavioral treatment is the most common type used. Once rehab is completed, doctors recommend that the addict continue with counseling in the form of Alcoholics Anonymous or other similar groups.
Get Help at RehabCenter.net
If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol addiction, get help today. Our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you on your path to recovery and answer any questions you may have. Contact us at the number above.
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