While many people can have a glass of wine with dinner or may indulge in the occasional night out drinking, others have a problem with alcohol. They can’t help but get carried away when they drink socially with their friends or when they drink throughout the day. No one ever plans to become an alcoholic, but because drinking alcohol is so highly accepted in society, many may start by drinking a few beers, but then their drinking develops into full-blown alcoholism. For these people, an alcoholism treatment program like the ones offered at Clearbrook Massachusetts and Clearbrook Pennsylvania may be able to help, but the first step is recognizing that there is a problem.
Why Do People Abuse Alcohol?
People abuse alcohol for various reasons, which can be attributed to both individual and environmental factors. When they are experiencing emotional or psychological difficulty, some people may resort to alcohol as a coping mechanism. It can act as a momentary haven from stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, or other underlying mental health problems. Because of the momentary relief that alcohol’s intoxicating effects offer, people can temporarily forget their issues or become emotionally numb. A genetic predisposition to alcoholism may also exist in some people, rendering them more prone to addiction.
Environmental factors also play a significant role in alcohol abuse. Societal norms and peer pressure can influence individuals to consume alcohol excessively. Social gatherings, parties, and events often revolve around alcohol consumption, making it difficult for individuals to avoid or moderate their drinking. Moreover, the easy availability and accessibility of alcohol both contribute to its abuse. Easy access to alcohol, such as in stores, bars, or even at home, can make it tempting for individuals to consume more than they should, leading to a pattern of abuse. Additionally, exposure to family members or friends who have alcohol-related problems can also increase the likelihood of alcohol abuse, as it normalizes and reinforces the behavior.
Why Is Alcohol Addictive?
The effects of alcohol on the brain’s reward system and its capacity to cause both physical and psychological dependency are the causes of alcohol addiction. When alcohol is consumed, dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward, is released, creating a pleasurable experience that increases the urge for more alcohol. Alcohol tolerance develops as a result of the brain’s gradual adaptation to its presence, which means bigger doses are needed to experience the same amount of pleasure.
Moreover, alcohol affects various brain functions, including the inhibition of the central nervous system, leading to sedation, relaxation, and temporary relief from stress and anxiety. As the brain adjusts to the presence of alcohol, it undergoes changes in its functioning, resulting in physical dependence. Abrupt cessation or reduction of alcohol intake can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, anxiety, sweating, and even seizures. These uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms act as a powerful motivator for continued alcohol use, perpetuating the cycle of addiction.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse
- Drinking more than intended on a regular basis
- “Blacking out” frequently
- Neglecting life’s responsibilities
- Financial problems
- Legal problems stemming from drinking
- Increased tolerance to alcohol
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Drinking at all points of the day
- Making excuses about drinking habits
- Drinking alone
- Trying to quit but not being able to
If you or a loved one is exhibiting many of these signs, then an alcohol treatment program might be the next step for you to take. This is where symptoms can be addressed by industry professionals who have your best interest in mind. Pursuing care at our inpatient alcohol rehab center could change your life for the better.
Our Alcohol Treatment at Clearbrook
At both Clearbrook Treatment Center locations, we understand that an addiction to alcohol is more than just drinking too much or too frequently. Addiction can be costly to a person’s physical health, mental health, and relationships. People can suffer from legal problems, financial issues, and more as their addiction spirals out of control. It is important that alcohol addiction treatment addresses all of these issues.
The first step for most of our patients will be alcohol detox. With the supervision of our trained staff, this process helps to remove the toxins from the patient’s body safely so that they can begin to focus on the other aspects of healing from alcohol addiction. After successful completion, patients will then transition into our residential addiction treatment program at our alcohol treatment center.
At our Clearbrook rehab centers, we believe in a comprehensive approach to alcohol abuse treatment, so we expose our patients to a variety of therapies and programs during the recovery process. Patients will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a therapist as well as participate in group therapy sessions with other people who also struggle with alcohol abuse. From cognitive-behavioral therapy to art therapy and many more in between, patients will partake in programs that focus not only on healing their minds, bodies, and souls but also on preparing them to return to their normal lives without having to lean on alcohol to get through the day. Getting sober is only half the battle, so we do our best to prepare patients to stay sober long after they walk out of our front doors.
Getting Help for Alcoholism
If you or a loved one needs a Northeast addictions treatment center, then reach out to us today. We have been helping people with various addictions for decades and can help you or your loved one get on the road to recovery. Contact us to learn more.
Related Reading
