How is an alcohol addiction treated?
Alcohol addiction is initially treated through the process of detoxification, for many this is the first stage of treatment. Detoxification is the process of removing toxins, poisons or other impurities. In the specific case of an addiction to alcohol, detox refers to the process through which a person rids their body of alcohol. The detox from alcohol will occur in a safe environment such as a rehabilitation centre, where qualified professionals can continuously monitor the comfort as well as safety and continued health of the individual during their alcohol addiction treatment.
Our bespoke detoxification programme takes into account the individual needs of each client and we endeavour to start the process on admission to New Leaf Recovery.
Fortunately, at New Leaf Recovery we offer a comprehensive alcohol rehabilitation programme for those in need of alcohol rehab. This programme can begin once the initial alcohol detox has taken place.
What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is usually predicated by a pattern of drinking in excess to the point of intoxication. Compulsive drinking on a regular basis eventually creates a chemical dependency, causing the body to crave alcohol. The individual then becomes unable to control the desire or need to drink, despite the consequences, therefore causing an addiction.
Although alcohol is considered a legal substance, it is the primary drug of choice in our society because of its widespread availability. Alcoholism has no social, economic, or cultural boundaries. Nearly 10% of adults in the UK abuse alcohol.
The pervasive effects of alcohol abuse and addiction can manifest to varying degrees on a physical, psychological, and behavioural level. While often used initially as a means of coping with stress, or the emotional challenges in one’s life, over time alcohol can eventually cause the reverse effect, as the ability to function becomes more and more impaired.
Signs & Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Someone suffering with an alcohol addiction can experience anxiety, irritability, palpitations, tremors, insomnia and depression, all of which can lead to the desire for more alcohol to relieve these symptoms.
Alcohol also alters the transmission of nerve impulses, so users can experience a loss of balance, numbness of the hands and feet, and tremor.
The prolonged use of alcohol disrupts the brain’s chemistry to such a degree that the person’s cognitive abilities are severely impaired, resulting in a loss of judgement, slowed reaction time, and unpredictable or erratic behaviour.
Signs that you may be struggling with alcoholism and should seek support:
- You have built up a tolerance to alcohol, meaning that you need to drink more to feel the same effects.
- You drink heavily on your own, even to the point of passing out.
- You have intense cravings for alcohol, to the extent that they affect your mood and concentration levels.
- You miss out on special occasions due to your drinking habits.
- You feel like alcohol has taken over your life.
- You lie or are deceptive about your drinking habits.
- You continue to drink despite the negative effects it has had on your home, work, social life, or mental health.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to reach out for help.
Risks of Alcohol Addiciton
Physically, an alcohol addiction can also lead to severe liver damage and scarring (cirrhosis), high blood pressure, inflammation of the digestive system, impotence, and malnutrition. It increases the risk of cancer of the larynx, liver, oesophagus, and colon.
Over-consumption of alcohol over a short period of time can also lead to blackouts. This condition, called Anterograde Amnesia - the inability to recall recent events. When the blood alcohol concentration increases rapidly over a short period of time, it blocks the brain’s ability to retain short-term memory during that time.
The impact of alcohol addiction is not only disabling to one’s health, but it also affects personal relationships with loved ones, professional performance, social interactions, and the ability to manage the responsibilities of daily life. Because many people who are dependent on alcohol are unable to recognise that they have a serious problem; the initial, and probably the most important, step for alcohol addiction treatment is admitting that the problem exists.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Help
At New Leaf Recovery, we understand the struggle of facing an addiction alone. Our dedicated team at our alcohol rehab centre tailor our innovative alcoholism treatment program to address your needs — body, mind, and spirit—so you can get your life back on track.
The complete recovery journey at New Leaf will ensure you receive the highest standard of alcohol addiction help to achieve a sustained recovery. Contact us today via our online contact form, email us at info@newleafrecovery.co.uk or call us on 0300 999 0330.
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Our Complete Recovery Journey - from your initial enquiry, all the way through treatment and beyond into ongoing support, New Leaf Recovery are there to guide and support you.
New Leaf offers a complete journey of treatment - from initial detoxification and rehabilitation to ongoing support, including aftercare, family support, and beyond into long-term recovery.
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