Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Alcohol is the most widely used addictive substance in the United States.
According to SAMHSA's 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 29.5 million Americans ages 12 and older had alcohol use disorder in the past year — yet fewer than one in ten received any form of treatment.
If you are struggling with your drinking, what you are dealing with is a recognized medical condition, and it is one that responds to treatment. There is a way forward.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by the compulsive and uncontrollable consumption of alcohol. Also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder, it is a complex condition that with a constellation of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with alcohol addiction is the first step toward recovery.
Alcohol addiction — or alcohol use disorder — exists on a spectrum, from mild to severe. The DSM-V offers guidelines for determining how severe one’s disorder truly is. Answer yes or no to each of these questions:
Alcohol is often taken in more significant amounts or over a more extended period than was intended.
There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from using alcohol.
Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol.
Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill significant role obligations at work, school, or home.
Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of drugs.
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol.
Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol, or another drug (or a closely related substance,) is taken to relieve or avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
If you could answer “yes” to even one of these prompts, you may have a problem with alcohol. If you answered “yes” to two or three, your disorder is likely mild. Four to five “yes” answers indicates a moderate disorder, and six or more is severe. Only a doctor can truly diagnose you, but being honest with yourself is the first step towards changing things.
Alcohol Addiction & Your Health
Alcohol addiction takes a toll on both the mind and body. Prolonged and excessive alcohol use can lead to a wide range of health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, neurological damage, and mental health disorders. It is crucial to recognize the consequences of alcohol addiction and seek professional help to address them effectively.
Alcohol Addiction: Signs and Symptoms
Identifying the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction can be challenging, as they may vary from person to person. Some common indicators include an increased tolerance for alcohol, withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit, neglecting responsibilities, and strained relationships. Review the statements above for more indications that your drinking may be a problem. If you or a loved one are noticing any of these warning signs, it may be time to seek help.
Alcohol Addiction: The Causes
Alcohol addiction is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It is essential to explore these root causes to develop a holistic approach to recovery. By addressing underlying issues such as trauma, stress, or co-occurring mental health disorders, individuals can find the path to lasting sobriety. This can be achieved through a variety of addiction treatment modalities, such as EMDR, CBT, talk therapy, group therapy, and other rehab treatments.
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
Recovery from alcohol use disorder requires more than willpower and more than a few days off the bottle. It requires time, clinical support, and a foundation in recovery that holds up after treatment ends. At Owl's Nest Recovery, we treat alcohol addiction through a full continuum of outpatient care on our 13-acre campus in Florence, SC.
Because alcohol withdrawal can be medically serious, some people need to complete a medically supervised detox before beginning treatment at Owl's Nest. Our admissions team can help you determine whether that applies to your situation and coordinate the right first step. Once you are medically stable, our program is ready for you.
Treatment at Owl's Nest combines 12-Step recovery with evidence-based clinical therapy across our PHP, IOP, and outpatient levels of care. Your clinical team will build a treatment plan tailored to your history, your mental health needs, and your goals in recovery.
For many clients dealing with alcohol use disorder, that plan includes individual therapy using CBT or EMDR to address the underlying causes of drinking, group therapy to build community and accountability, family therapy when appropriate, and holistic practices like daily yoga and mindfulness that support the physical healing that goes alongside the emotional work.
Life After Addiction Treatment
Recovery from alcohol addiction is an ongoing, lifelong process. At Owl's Nest Recovery, we give our clients the tools, skills, and confidence necessary to navigate life beyond treatment. Our comprehensive aftercare programs, support groups, and relapse prevention strategies empower individuals to maintain sobriety and create a fulfilling and meaningful life in recovery.
Recovery from alcohol use disorder is not just possible, it is what happens here every day. Our alumni community spans the country, and many of our staff members are in long-term recovery from alcohol themselves. If you are ready to stop the cycle, our admissions team is ready to talk. Call today or verify your insurance online to take the first step.