Alcoholism Treatment in West Palm Beach FL (877) 804-1531
Alcoholism is a medically recognized disease which is progressive and chronic. This means that this disorder will get worse over time without treatment and that there is no "cure." However, alcoholism treatment offered in drug rehabilitation centers has been shown to significantly impact alcohol addiction. Rehabs seek to treat this disorder by allowing patients to detox, attend therapy sessions, and use aftercare resources.
For more information on available alcoholism treatment programs in West Palm Beach, contact Drug Treatment West Palm Beach. Call confidentially at (877) 804-1531.
History of Alcoholism
Mass whiskey production, due to a surplus of corn, led to epidemic drinking problems. These problems were the catalysts for Alcohol Prohibition law 1919 to 1933. The law banned the manufacture and sale of alcohol, but didn't stop people from drinking. It did lead to exponential growth of organized crime which sold alcohol illegally. Prohibition was repealed in 1933. Alcoholism treatment was not a widely available option at this time.
Now, there are treatment plans to help people with alcoholism. Alcoholism treatment is a recognized necessity to help those with the disease as most can't stop by themselves.
Alcohol Abuse VS. Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol abuse is drinking excessively without developing a physical dependence. A person may be engaging in binge drinking. Binge drinking, having four to five or more drinks in one period of time, causes the same health risks and negative results caused by alcoholism. Repeated binge drinking may lead to alcoholism, but isn't an addiction on its own.
Alcohol addiction is characterized by a person experiencing withdrawal every time they try to stop drinking or drink less. Their thoughts, activities, and future goals are likely to revolve around drinking or obtaining alcohol. Additional signs include:
- Drinking occupies the person's thoughts
- Physical cravings for drinking are present
- No control over how often drinking occurs
- No control over the amount of drinks ingested
- Withdrawal symptoms happen when there is a decrease or complete stop to drinking
- More drinks are needed to experience the same effects
Late onset alcoholism is alcoholism beginning after 45 years of age. People experience traumatic or depressing circumstances and go from drinking socially to abusive drinking.
Alcoholism Treatment
A number of complications can occur if an addict does not seek treatment. Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by abusing alcohol for long periods of time, which is an inflammation in the liver. Alcohol dementia is caused by alcohol creating nervous system defects leading to memory loss and dementia. Long term use of alcohol has been linked to cancer in the mouth, throat, colon and liver.
Medical detox is the first step in treatment. The detox should be administered in a facility under the supervision of qualified professionals. Alcohol withdrawal is a serious undertaking as it can be severe and sometimes lethal. Medical supervision allows patients to detox without worrying about serious health complications or discomfort. This can allow them to fully relax and embrace the idea of treatment without the temptation and emotional trauma caused by home or "cold turkey" detox.
After detox, therapy can then begin. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy and other therapeutic methods are held in group and individual sessions. Therapy seeks to help addicts identify what causes them the most stress and how that stress is linked to their drinking. Therapists can teach patients to learn to cope with negative emotion and feeling overwhelmed without substance abuse.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) is a prescription medication used to help stop abusive drinking. Antabuse helps a recovering substance abuser refrain from drinking by making hangover symptoms appear almost immediately after drinking.
If you or a loved one need help finding alcoholism treatment in West Palm Beach, we are here to help. Contact Drug Treatment West Palm Beach today at (877) 804-1531 for information on available treatment options.