Getting treatment at licensed alcohol rehab center can help you begin to put the pieces back together.
By simply reading this page, you will learn about why treatment at a rehab center may be the right choice for you or a loved one and how to start the healing process today.
We are here to help you and your loved ones heal from the painful damage that alcohol can cause, and begin to live a healthier, happier life. To help you find what you are looking for, feel free to click on the section you want below, or simply read through the page:
You are not alone- Alcohol abuse is more prevalent than you might think. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 17.6 million Americans, or 1 in every 12 adults, suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence. Fortunately, Denver Recovery Center is a leading alcohol rehab center in Colorado that can help you and your loved ones get back to living a normal and healthy life.
Table of Contents
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Addiction occurs when your life becomes dependent on a certain substance or behavior. Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. Therefore, it makes sense that so many people have become addicted to it across the country.
Addiction can take hold of someone in many forms. Oftentimes, alcoholism begins in the home, sometimes long before you take your first sip of alcohol. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), more than 10% of US children live with a parent who suffers from alcohol related issues. This kind of upbringing leads to increased numbers of alcohol related issues in the children as they become adults.
Even if you don’t drink everyday, you may have a problem with alcohol. Binge drinking is a growing epidemic in America today. Abusing alcohol in this way can lead to just as many problems in your life as drinking moderately every day.
The bottom line is that if alcohol plays a starring role in your life, you may be addicted to alcohol.
How Does Alcohol Affect Your Brain and Body?
Alcohol can affect every brain and body a little bit differently. Some people can consume more alcohol and be less affected than others. But when over-consumed, alcohol does have certain side effects for everyone.
First of all, when you consume alcohol it passes into your bloodstream. Once it has entered your blood, it then quickly passes to your central nervous system (CNS) and your brain. All of your bodily systems will feel the effects of the alcohol, but the CNS is particularly sensitive. That’s because alcohol passes through the blood-brain barrier, reaching your neurons directly. Once alcohol reaches this point, these cells are changed, resulting in changes in a person’s behavior.
Alcohol also reduces the communication between your brain and your body, making coordination more difficult and causing noticeably slurred speech. It can also lower your inhibitions, causing you to do things you would never have done if you were sober.
Over time, chronic and heavy alcohol use can cause a person to suffer from permanent brain damage and loss of memory.
What Are the Signs of Addiction?
There are many signs to look for if you think you or your loved one are addicted to alcohol. Most commonly, addiction is seen in people who continue to use alcohol despite the problems that it causes in their life, whether it’s legal trouble or problems with their job, family or health. They may also drink every day, often drink alone, or even feel guilty about the amount of alcohol they consume.
There are also many physical and behavioral elements to look for if you are concerned that your loved one might be addicted to alcohol. They include:
Physical
- Blackout drinking
- Dizziness
- Shakiness
- Physical cravings
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
Behavioral
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Compulsiveness
- Self-destructive behavior
- Lack of self-control
- Guilt
How to Get Someome Help for Alcoholism
It can be very painful to watch a loved one struggle with the harmful effects of alcoholism. However, it is important to remember a few key points when doing so. First of all, remember that you cannot force the person to seek help or be admitted into a treatment center. Treatment will work best when the individual acknowledges they have a problem and are ready and willing to seek help.
Some other key things to remember when trying to help someone suffering from alcoholism include:
- Keep open lines of communication
- Do not make any ultimatums
- Do not pass judgement
- Offer plenty of resources
- Be supportive
- Don’t enable them or drink around them
- Educate yourself
- Be patient
The best way to effectively help someone suffering from an addiction may be to encourage them to seek treatment. If you have reached this point, let Denver Recovery Center help. Our program offers a wide variety of options to suit every person suffering from alcoholism. Our goal is to provide you the ideal plan that will work for your individual needs. Let us help you find your path to sobriety.
What is Going Through Withdrawal Like?
Almost every American adult has drank alcohol at some point in their life. Many individuals are able to drink on a regular basis without any major issues. But, for others, alcohol withdrawal can be a very serious thing.
The more often someone drinks, the more tolerant their body becomes to the effects of alcohol. Unfortunately, the body and the person’s brain may also become more dependent on the substance. When the person begins to sober up and the effects of the alcohol wear off, an alcohol dependent person may begin to suffer from withdrawals that are anywhere from mild to severe and even life-threatening.
There are three main stages of alcohol withdrawal:
Stage One: Usually begins about six to eight hours after last alcohol consumption. This stage can include anxiety, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, fatigue, tremors, and inability to think clearly.
Stage Two: Usually begins one to three days after last alcohol consumption. During this phase of withdrawal, the person will likely experience higher blood pressure, irregular heart rate, general confusion, increased sweating and irritability.
Stage Three: Usually begins three days after last consumption of alcohol. Under the most severe conditions, this stage of withdrawal can include delirium tremens (DTs), hallucinations, fever and seizures. While DTs only occur in a small percentage of people withdrawing from alcohol, it can be fatal if not addressed.
All symptoms of withdrawal usually resolve themselves within 5-7 days, however heavier drinkers or people who have been abusing alcohol for a long period of time, may require clinical observation and proper health care to safely go through these three stages.
What Kinds of Treatment Are Available Near Me?
If you’ve done your research and come to the conclusion that you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism, you are probably asking yourself, “what kind of alcohol treatment facilities are near me?”
Whether you or your loved one needs an inpatient alcohol rehab or an outpatient program, Denver Recovery Center has you covered. When you enroll in our treatment center, you’ll start with an evaluation. An intake counselor will assess your needs and discuss your treatment options. From there, you’ll need to make a decision about what type of program is right for you.
How to Find the Best Alochol Treatmemt for You?
It is important to remember that every individual who suffers from an addiction to alcohol is unique, and so are their needs. The treatment program you choose should provide therapy conducted by a licensed professional as well as follow up care for when you return home to avoid possible relapse. The best programs will customize their treatment programs to meet your needs and the needs of your family.
Here is a list of things you should look for when considering an alcohol rehab facility near you:
- Care should be provided by licensed professionals
- There should be various levels of treatment options
- They should take into consideration your personal needs and the needs of your family
- The treatment program should be customized to address your specific issues and needs
- There should be a good mix of both group therapy and individual therapy sessions
- There should be an aftercare element to help prevent relapse
The staff at Denver Recovery Center is proud to make each of these issues a priority. We know that no two clients are the same. By focusing on the individual needs of each client, we are able to customize each treatment path to better help the individual find their road to sobriety.
While alcohol addiction can take a toll on the lives of the person suffering from the disease as well as the people who care about them, it is possible to lead a successful and enjoyable life without it. Take the first steps toward freeing yourself from alcohol with alcohol addiction treatment by calling our hotline today.