ALCOHOL ADDICTION
Alcoholism is characterised by the inability to stop or control drinking habits despite the negative consequences they cause and is the most severe form of alcohol abuse. It results from a person drinking alcohol repeatedly and to excess, to the point they become dependent on or addicted to alcohol, and feel unable to function normally without it. Today, it is commonly referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol addiction is more common than most people think. Because alcohol is the most commonly consumed addictive substance, it can seem less harmful than other drugs. In reality, alcohol is highly addictive. People have used alcohol for centuries to self-medicate for mood disorders, unresolved trauma, physical and emotional pain. Alcohol addiction treatment is the safest and most-effective way to mitigate withdrawal, and prevent relapse.
Help is a phone call away. If you are in need of immediate treatment for Alcohol Addiction please call Sahara Wellness Center
1-888-322-5989
WHAT IS ALCOHOLISM, OR ALCOHOL USE DISORDER?
Alcoholism has been known by a variety of terms, including alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Today, it’s referred to as alcohol use disorder.
It occurs when you drink so much that your body eventually becomes dependent on or addicted to alcohol. When this happens, alcohol becomes the most important thing in your life.
People with alcohol use disorder will continue to drink even when drinking causes negative consequences, like losing a job or destroying relationships with people they love. They may know that their alcohol use negatively affects their lives, but it’s often not enough to make them stop drinking.
Some people may drink alcohol to the point that it causes problems, but they’re not physically dependent on alcohol. This used to be referred to as alcohol abuse
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ALCOHOLISM?
AUD is a highly complex condition, and the exact causes are still unknown.
However, it is recognised that certain people have a stronger reaction to alcohol than others, making them more susceptible to addiction. Research has also identified a number of risk factors which are likely to play a role in the development of AUD, including:
Family history of alcohol use disorder
Genetics and physiology
Environmental
Social
Mental health disorders (including anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia)
History of trauma
Using alcohol at an early age
High levels of stress
Peer pressure
Changes in brain structure and function (caused by alcohol).
Support and treatment that get to the root cause of any addiction – and address any co-occurring disorders – make it possible to recover and enjoy long-lasting sobriety and wellness.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLISM?
The detrimental effects of alcohol abuse and addiction are extensive.
The physical, emotional and mental consequences of any addiction can be pronounced; however, they often take a much longer time to reveal themselves with AUD.
Short-term side effects of alcohol abuse include:
headaches
nausea and vomiting
slow reaction times/poor reflexes
reduced brain activity
lowered inhibitions
temporary blackouts or short-term memory loss
blurred vision
difficulty breathing
mood swings
erratic/violent behaviour.
As alcohol can enter almost all tissues of the body, prolonged abuse causes physical damage in addition to a decline in mental and emotional health.
Without appropriate help and support, alcohol abuse will result in significant long-term effects, including irreversible damage.
Long-term effects of alcohol abuse include:
anxiety disorders
brain damage
compromised immune system
depression
diabetes complications
gastritis
heart disease
increased risk of some cancers (including bowel, breast, liver and mouth)
liver disease
pancreatitis
stroke
tremors the morning after drinking.
Besides causing serious mental, physical and emotional health disorders, long-term alcohol abuse can lead to major social problems, such as divorce, unemployment, domestic abuse and homelessness.
Finding help and support in the early stages of alcohol abuse can significantly improve long-term recovery chances.
ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT AT SAHARA WELLNESS CENTER
Sahara Is Here To Help And Heal
At Sahara Wellness Center, our addiction therapy and programs offer a unique, personalised addiction recovery approach.
Our cutting-edge, tailored treatments offer one of the only non-12-Step approaches that focus specifically on each individual’s mental health needs. We believe that good mental health is the key to recovering from any addiction.
With our strategic approach, therapeutic methods, and clinical staff with decades of experience, Sahara Wellness Center provide the setting, resources, and tools necessary for deep transformational healing and a full recovery.
We are proud of our addiction therapy and rehab programs’ high success rate and are more than happy to provide any further information you may need.
Admitting you have a problem and seeking professional help is the first step to a fulfilling, healthy and happy life.
If you are having problems with alcohol abuse, or are concerned about a loved one, please contact us to discuss treatment options. We are here and ready to help.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF ALCOHOLSIM
As alcohol is legal and widely accepted in most societies, it can be difficult to tell the difference between casual use and abuse.
However, this complex disease commonly follows four distinct stages. Each stage specifies signs and symptoms that can help determine when someone has developed a problem, and the extent of its impac
THE EARLY STAGE
The early stage begins with an increased drinking pattern, which can be drinking more frequently and/or drinking larger quantities. Binge drinking is a common sign of a drinking problem in the making. Other signs include:
drinking to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression or boredom
developing a greater tolerance for alcohol
blacking out as a consequence of heavy drinking.
THE MIDDLE STAGE
It becomes more obvious that there is a problem at this stage, to the drinker and those around them. Due to drinking large quantities of alcohol regularly, dependence grows, triggering cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Signs will include:
anxiety
agitation
increased heart rate
nausea and vomiting
loss of appetite
obsessively thinking about alcohol and the next drink.
During this stage, people often begin to have difficulties meeting responsibilities at work, home, socially and/or financially. They start to experience other negative effects as a direct result of their drinking, such as mood changes, unpredictable behaviours and physical illness.
THE LATE STAGE
Physical dependency and addiction will be firmly established by this stage. Serious consequences to physical, mental and emotional health from years of alcohol abuse will be apparent, resulting in, for example:
inability to maintain a job
social and interpersonal problems
unable to function normally in daily routines
lack of motivation for self-care, with personal hygiene and appearance suffering
increased physical complications.
THE END STAGE
This final stage signals that control has been lost completely around drinking, and a range of alcohol-related medical issues will be experienced. Heavy, long-term alcohol abuse causes damage to vital organs, including the kidneys, liver and brain. At this stage, a person is at high risk of:
poly-substance abuse
severe withdrawal symptoms, including tremors and hallucinations
life-threatening health issues, such as cirrhosis, jaundice, pancreatitis, cancer, heart failure and alcohol dementia
Even at this stage, alcoholism is treatable. It is never too late to ask for help. Every individual’s experience will be different, but recognising signs and symptoms as soon as possible – and seeking professional help – will significantly improve the chances of reversing any damage and making a full recovery.
ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT AT SAHARA WELLNESS CENTER
Sahara Is Here To Help And Heal
At Sahara Wellness Center, our addiction therapy and programs offer a unique, personalised addiction recovery approach.
Our cutting-edge, tailored treatments offer one of the only non-12-Step approaches that focus specifically on each individual’s mental health needs. We believe that good mental health is the key to recovering from any addiction.
With our strategic approach, therapeutic methods, and clinical staff with decades of experience, Sahara Wellness Center provide the setting, resources, and tools necessary for deep transformational healing and a full recovery.
We are proud of our addiction therapy and rehab programs’ high success rate and are more than happy to provide any further information you may need.
Admitting you have a problem and seeking professional help is the first step to a fulfilling, healthy and happy life.
If you are having problems with alcohol abuse, or are concerned about a loved one, please contact us to discuss treatment options. We are here and ready to help.
WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR AUD DIAGNOSIS?
To be diagnosed with AUD, individuals must meet certain criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Anyone meeting any two of these 11 criteria, during the same 12-month period, would receive a diagnosis of AUD. The severity of AUD – mild, moderate, or severe – is based on the number of criteria met.
The criteria are:
continued use of alcohol despite it persistently causing social and interpersonal problems
continued use of alcohol despite knowing the physical and psychological problems it is causing or exacerbating
experiencing cravings to use alcohol
putting alcohol above everything else and failing to meet obligations at work, home, etc.
spending a great deal of time getting, using or recovering from alcohol
drinking larger quantities or for longer periods than intended
having a continuous desire (or failed attempts) to cut down/stop alcohol use
reducing or avoiding social, recreational and/or work activities due to alcohol use
using alcohol in situations where it is dangerous, for example, drink-driving
developing a tolerance for the effects of alcohol – needing to increase amounts to achieve the desired effects
having withdrawal symptoms, which can only be relieved by using more alcohol.
It is important to understand that AUD will become progressively worse without expert help and support, resulting in devastating consequences across all life areas.
The first step to recovery is recognising the warning signs as soon as possible, and acknowledging we need help. AUD is treatable, and there are many effective treatment options available.
ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT AT SAHARA WELLNESS CENTER
Sahara Is Here To Help And Heal
At Sahara Wellness Center, our addiction therapy and programs offer a unique, personalised addiction recovery approach.
Our cutting-edge, tailored treatments offer one of the only non-12-Step approaches that focus specifically on each individual’s mental health needs. We believe that good mental health is the key to recovering from any addiction.
With our strategic approach, therapeutic methods, and clinical staff with decades of experience, Sahara Wellness Center provide the setting, resources, and tools necessary for deep transformational healing and a full recovery.
We are proud of our addiction therapy and rehab programs’ high success rate and are more than happy to provide any further information you may need.
Admitting you have a problem and seeking professional help is the first step to a fulfilling, healthy and happy life.
If you are having problems with alcohol abuse, or are concerned about a loved one, please contact us to discuss treatment options. We are here and ready to help.
COMMITMENT TO YOUR RECOVERY
Your path to getting your life back from addiction begins with our compassion and Clinical excellence. From the second your call is answered by our Clinical Care Team Member you will know that you have made the right choice. That is just the beginning, from the moment you arrive at Sahara Wellness Center, you begin the process of healing. Our caring and compassionate staff will take care of your every need, so that our Doctors and Counsellors can help you safely and comfortably overcome your addiction. Our evidence-based approach includes combining medicated- assisted detox (if necessary), one-on-one therapy, group sessions, recreation, wellness, nutritional support and many other effective proven modalities. Sahara Wellness Center provides Clinical Excellence at every level to insure the greatest chance of success for your recovery.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
If you, or someone you know is suffering from some form of addiction, then it’s likely a symptom of a bigger issue. Sahara Wellness Center takes a holistic and medical approach on your whole profile and we treat all of you, not just your addiction. It’s never too late to reach out to us for help.