Alcohol consumption is commonplace in our society. Even alcohol misuse to some extent is sadly considered normal, especially on special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. And yet, alcohol abuse is worse for you than you might think. You might even have a drinking problem and not even know it.
400 Executive Center Dr. Suite 209 West Palm Beach, FL
Alcohol Detox Florida Covered by Medicaid
Alcohol consumption is commonplace in our society. Even alcohol misuse to some extent is sadly considered normal, especially on special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. And yet, alcohol abuse is worse for you than you might think. You might even have a drinking problem and not even know it.
What Are the Dangers of Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse occurs when you participate in harmful drinking. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that men limit their drinking to two or fewer drinks in a day. Meanwhile, women are advised not to drink more than one drink containing alcohol each day. However, this varies depending on individual specifications.
Short-term risks of harmful drinking, or binge drinking as it is otherwise known, can lead to accidents such as a head injury, violent behavior, or alcohol poisoning, which may lead to losing consciousness or vomiting. Typically, if you or someone you know participates in binge drinking, you or they may consume more than the recommended daily amount of alcohol. However, there is no guaranteed safe level of alcohol.
Like many other people, you may not realize that you are abusing alcohol and may even believe that you do not need help. Although it is common to be in denial, it is essential to be honest with yourself. Not only is alcohol addictive, but it can wreak havoc on your health and life.
Prolonged alcohol abuse can cause a wide range of health problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Liver disease
- Digestive issues
- Chronic pancreatitis, which can lead to pancreatic cancer
- Cancer of the liver, lung, mouth, throat, breast, colon, esophagus, or rectum.
- Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) – a type of dementia.
If you are concerned about your drinking and its possible health consequences, talk to someone at a treatment center or alcohol rehab. It’s never too late to seek outpatient or residential treatment and take control of your drinking. Admitting you might have a problem is a brave and vital first step to addiction treatment and recovery.
Treatment for alcohol and drug addiction is available at Ebb Tide. Here at our beautiful waterfront treatment facilities, you will receive tailored, specialized care designed to help you beat alcoholism and maintain sobriety.
What Is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a substance use disorder (SUD). As a depressant drug, alcohol slows down neural activity and reduces brain function.
Across the United States, AUD is a significant problem. In 2019, nearly fifteen million people over the age of 12 were reported to have an AUD.
It can be hard to determine whether you are struggling with alcoholism, and it can also be challenging to determine whether a loved one is suffering from an AUD. This is because many people living with a drug and alcohol addiction hide it from other people or convince themselves that their drinking is not a problem.
Understanding the signs of substance abuse might help you recognize alcoholism in yourself or someone else. Though they vary, they often include:
- Excessive drinking
- Being intoxicated at inappropriate times
- Hiding the extent of alcohol consumption
- Being secretive
- Memory loss
- Decline in self-care
- Cognitive impairment
- Withdrawal from social engagement
- Prioritizing drinking over other commitments
- Engaging in risky behavior, such as drink driving
- Engaging in law-breaking behavior, such as shoplifting
- Denying a drinking problem
- Wanting to stop drinking but being unable to
If you suspect that you or someone you know might have an alcohol addiction, reaching out for help and medical guidance is best. To support you or your loved one, we offer addiction treatment programs to suit all needs at Ebb Tide.
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.