The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism asserts, “Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and works.” Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and works by slowing down vital functions in one’s body. The feelings elicited when an individual ingests alcohol occur because of the way the substance interacts with one’s neurotransmitters. Alcohol use disorder (AUD), also known as alcoholism, is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, (DSM-5), as a chronic brain disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, alcoholism is a “pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect, or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.” There are a variety of treatment options available for individuals struggling with alcoholism. Below are some suggestions that may help you find an alcohol treatment center that best suits your nuanced recovery needs:
- Tap into your network: Word of mouth can be an excellent resource, ask friends, family, your primary care doctor, or even a hospital if they can offer any recommendations for a reputable alcohol rehab clinic.
- Search the Internet: An Internet search can provide you with certain websites that have compiled lists of accredited substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs, such as Psychology Today.
- Know what it costs: Though the costs and fees associated with attending a rehab clinic varies, attendees are often responsible for paying for treatment, so it is important to be aware of your financial obligation.
- Pick the program format that is best for you: Rehab programs can be structured as either inpatient treatment facilities or outpatient treatment clinics. Individuals that are unable to reside away from home for the duration of the treatment program will benefit from outpatient treatment, conversely people that are able to reside away from home for treatment may benefit from inpatient treatment.
A quality treatment program will be acutely aware of the fact that everyone recovering from alcoholism deeply benefits from a customized and tailored treatment plan, which will be carefully developed for each participant. The treatment center will be able to integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches, depending on one’s needs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), expressive arts therapies, and more.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse and/ or addiction, we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-258-6792. You are also welcomed to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
