There is a common misconception that alcohol is not as dangerous as other drugs, because it is commonly consumed in social settings and legal for purchase. This could not be further from the truth. Alcohol, like other substances, poses many health risks and negative consequences when consumed in excessive amounts. While many are able to drink alcohol without becoming dependent, countless Americans struggle with alcohol addiction yearly.

Alcohol dependency happens when a person is no longer able to drink in moderation and loses the ability to control their use, despite adverse effects such as legal troubles, employment difficulties, and family issues. If you or someone you know is addicted to alcohol, seeking professional alcohol addiction treatment is imperative to your overall health and wellbeing.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the U.S., with 17.6 million people, or 1 in 12 adults suffering from alcohol abuse or dependence. This number does not include the several million who engage in harmful, binge drinking patterns each year. [1]

Alcoholism is not the side effect of one reason or another, instead many underlying causes can play a role in why someone becomes addicted to alcohol, including genetics, a personal trauma, and social surroundings. Becoming dependent on alcohol does not happen overnight. It is a complex process influenced by many neurobiological and environmental factors. Positive reinforcement, such as alcohol-induced euphoria, is a driving force for continued consumption despite harmful consequences. Overtime, the body and brain become accustomed to alcohol, needing it more often to function properly. [2]

Like any other addiction, the alcoholic doesn’t set out with the intention to become addicted. Often times, their drinking begins in social settings, maybe while in college or having a few after-work cocktails with their co-workers. At some point, their drinking crosses the line from recreational to habitual, and soon they find themselves in a downward spiral. This does not make them a bad person; it simply means they have an illness and need help from treatment professionals to overcome their disease.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

If you or someone you love has become addicted to alcohol, then you may have experienced withdrawal symptoms at one point or another. Oftentimes, the fear of withdrawal prevents a person from seeking help, perpetuating the cycle of addiction further. Nevertheless, with the proper medically monitored detox protocols in place, you can begin recovering from alcoholism in a safe and comfortable manner.

Alcohol is one of the most dangerous substances to detox from, thus doing so under the supervision of medical professionals is imperative. In Banyan Heartland’s alcohol detox program, our number one priority is our patient’s safety and comfort. Our detox team will assess your history and symptoms, and create individualized treatment plans to address your needs. When appropriate, our physicians will administer medications to mitigate the symptoms of withdrawal.

Alcohol withdrawal can begin as early as 2 hours after a person’s last drink and can persist for weeks afterward. It is crucial to seek help immediately if you are currently experiencing any of the following withdrawal symptoms:

    • Shaky hands
    • Anxiety
    • Headaches
    • Nausea & Vomiting
    • Sweating
    • Insomnia
    • High blood pressure
    • Hallucinations
    • Disorientation and confusion
    • Delirium tremens (DTs)
    • Seizures

Alcohol Detox at Banyan Heartland in Gilman, IL

Receiving a proper medical detox for alcoholism is a crucial step in the treatment process and will enable you to take the necessary steps for a life of recovery. While it is of utmost importance, it’s important to note that the completion of a medically monitored detox is not the same as a completion of treatment.

Once all of the toxins have been rid from your body and you now have the mental clarity to move forward, you will be able to start working on the underlying causes of your illness in our alcoholism treatment program. Here, our therapists will work one-on-one with you to devise customized treatment plans tailored to your needs. This stage of treatment is essential to ongoing success, as its objective is to address the reasons for your drinking and how to prevent future use.

Admitting you have a problem with alcohol is the first step towards getting your life back. If you find yourself struggling with alcohol, or know someone who is, do not be ashamed to ask for help. Please contact our team at Banyan Heartland today to see how we can help you overcome your disease and take back control of your life.

 

Sources:

  1. National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. – Facts About Alcohol
  2. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – Neurotransmitters in alcoholism: A review of neurobiological and genetic studies

Most Insurance Plans Accepted

At Banyan Detox Heartland our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs treatment from drug and alcohol addiction are able to get the help needed to assist them on the road to recovery. If you don't have insurance contact us to inquire about alternate methods regarding treatment for yourself or a loved one.

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