Over time, brain chemistry is significantly altered, and your body becomes totally dependent on alcohol for basic bodily functioning. This creates a vicious cycle of alcohol dependence that spirals out of control and becomes an addiction problem.
Despite what many people think, alcohol is an extremely addictive substance. Alcohol is a powerful central nervous system (CNS) depressant that slows brain functioning, and it significantly impacts autonomic body functions such as heart rate and respiration. When this occurs, the brain increases the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine which stimulates nerve activity and heightens arousal. In order to feel the pleasurable sedative effects that alcohol produces, people need to increase the amounts they drink to achieve that effect.
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States. According to data from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 85.6 percent of people ages 18 and older reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime. Alcohol is part of America’s social fabric; it is front and center of many social functions. Widely available and legal, many people feel that alcohol is “safe.”
Is Alcohol Addictive?
This article will take a deeper look into why alcohol is extremely addictive, the signs of alcohol addiction, and how to treat alcohol addiction. Most importantly, you will know where to find professional help for your alcohol addiction. If you are looking for alcohol treatment and are asking yourself, “where is an inpatient alcohol rehab near me?” call Safe Harbor House toll-free today.
If you struggle with an addiction to alcohol, an inpatient alcohol rehab center provides you the best chance at long-term health and sobriety. With its comprehensive programs, 24/7 support, and safe environment, an alcohol inpatient treatment program will give you the tools and support you need to achieve lasting recovery. Despite its obvious advantages, you may be unsure if an inpatient alcohol rehab is the best choice for you.
What are the signs of Alcohol Abuse?
The signs of alcohol abuse can be categorized in three ways: physical signs, mental and emotional signs, and behavioral signs. The following are the common physical signs of alcohol abuse:
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Blurred vision
- Hangovers
- Malnutrition
- Liver damage, including cirrhosis of the liver
- Brain damage, particularly among adolescents
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Sexual dysfunction
- Seizures
- Poor hygiene
- Weakened immune system
The following are common mental and emotional signs of alcohol abuse:
- Increased anger and irritability
- Blackouts
- Memory impairments and impaired decision making
- Greater risk of developing depression or anxiety
- Increased tolerance
- Cravings
- Increased drinking to avoid physical and psychological withdrawal
Lastly, the following are common behavioral signs associated with alcohol abuse:
- Risk-taking behavior
- Belligerent or aggressive behavior
- Drinking before socializing or other situations which may produce anxiety
- Secretiveness and hiding your drinking from others
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Not engaging in activities they once enjoyed
- Relationship issues and issues at work and school
- Public intoxication, assault, drunk driving, or other legal issues
How to Treat Alcoholism
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, seeking immediate treatment at an inpatient alcohol rehabilitation facility is absolutely crucial to your recovery. The program and services featured at an inpatient alcohol rehab center will give you the tools and support you need to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Perhaps the most important component of an alcohol rehab center is detoxification. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and painful to endure. If you have underlying health issues or are addicted to other substances besides alcohol, those withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- anxiety
- tremors
- insomnia
- fatigue
- mood changes
- stomach and other gastrointestinal issues
- increased blood pressure or heart rate and heart palpitations
- hallucinations
- seizures
During detoxification, experienced medical personnel will administer medications and employ other interventions to gradually wean you off of alcohol. You will be closely monitored in a safe and secure environment as you become physically and mentally stable.
Before you enter an intensive inpatient alcohol rehab program, staff will conduct a comprehensive evaluation. Experienced professionals will evaluate your current physical and mental health and conduct lab tests and other diagnostic measures. From this evaluation, they will create an individualized treatment plan suited to your unique and specific needs. This customizable treatment plan can include the following:
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- 12-step support groups or similar self-help groups
- Life skills training
- Relapse prevention
- Holistic therapies such as animal therapy, art therapy, and music therapy
- Recreation and exercise programs
- Nutritional therapy
- Aftercare programs
- Sober living programs
Where Can I Find an Inpatioent Alcohol Rehab Near Me?
Are you in need of alcohol inpatient services? Are you asking yourself, “where can I find an inpatient alcohol rehab near me?” Safe Harbor House is your first choice if you are in the Costa Mesa area or in Southern California. We are a family-owned rehab facility with over 25 years of addiction treatment and counseling experience. We offer evidence-based programs and services that will help you get and stay sober. You are unique in your addiction treatment needs and goals. Because of that, we will design a customized program that meets those unique and specific needs.
Your transformation begins today. Call Safe Harbor House toll-free right now.
