What Is Addiction?
Addiction is a medical condition categorized by a compulsion to use substances despite any harmful consequences. Classed as a brain disorder, addictions can impact anyone and require medical treatment just like any other physical or psychological illness.
Although you may typically consume alcohol on special occasions, you may use alcohol to mask difficult emotions and temporarily enhance your mood. This is because substance use offers an artificial dopamine rush, which the brain often craves.
Many things in life can offer you a rush of happy hormones, such as exercise or listening to music. However, substances provide this faster. When used over a prolonged period, substance abuse hijacks the brain’s natural reward system, leading alcohol misuse to turn into an addiction.
When you develop an addiction, you will begin to prioritize the high alcohol provides over other things, such as work, socializing, or self-care.
What Does Alcohol Addiction Treatment Look Like?
Treatment for alcohol addiction usually takes place in a specialized rehab facility, such as our alcohol rehab center. Though treatment differs and is personalized to each person’s needs, all substance abuse treatment programs commence with detoxification.
Detoxification, or detox, rids the body of all traces of alcohol. This treatment can take as little as a few days to a few weeks, depending on the length and severity of your AUD. Other factors such as your age, medical history, and any other drugs in your system will be considered.
What Does Alcohol Withdrawal Look Like?
During a detox, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, and some can even be dangerous. This is why it is necessary to detox under medical supervision at a treatment center or outpatient centers.
Possible withdrawal symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Mood instability
- Anxiety and depression
- Vivid dreams
- Seizures
Medication is available to alleviate particular withdrawal symptoms. At Ebb Tide, we will ensure that your detox is as safe and comfortable as possible under the care of our medical team.
What Does the Road to Alcohol Recovery Look Like?
Detox is only the start of addiction treatment, and sadly, relapse is common. We understand that long-term recovery is possible with appropriate treatment and ongoing support at Ebb Tide. Our mission is to bridge the gap between treatment and recovery by providing customized treatment plans.
We believe it is essential to uncover why you turned to alcohol for a successful recovery. For long-term recovery, we also know you need a clear mind as well as a clear body. At Ebb Tide, we will provide you with the tools and support necessary to enjoy a long, fulfilling, and happy life in recovery.
If you use alcohol to self-medicate or cope with trauma or other co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, treatment options may include therapy. During therapy, you will have the opportunity to uncover any underlying conditions and develop the tools to cope with them.
At Ebb Tide, our specialized therapists provide compassionate care and treatments such as individual action therapy and evidence-based therapies (EBT). Here, we work with you on a one-to-one basis to provide you with a space to navigate your thoughts and feelings, helping you learn new habits and positive coping mechanisms that will enhance your recovery and well-being.
You will also receive a full report and aftercare plan, enabling you to receive continued help through our outpatient programs after your stay. To maintain your sobriety and continue your addiction recovery, we may also recommend attending support groups.
If you are concerned about your drinking, don’t delay; call Ebb Tide and see how we can help you.