Alcoholism and Treatment in Linden, NJ

Almost all adults in America have had an alcoholic drink in their lives, with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism putting the figure at roughly 87%. Alcohol is one of only a few substances that is extremely addictive, yet legally available for purchase without any type of prescription, leading to it being regularly abused. In fact, the abuse of alcohol is so widespread that it has become socially acceptable in many circles. Tragically, this can make it extremely hard for someone suffering from alcoholism to realize that they are in need of treatment. While it’s true that many people can use alcohol regularly without developing a problem, patterns of excessive or frequent drinking can quickly lead to alcoholism.

Almost an Epidemic

Out of every three visits to emergency rooms that result in treatment are related to alcohol abuse. Alcohol-related fatalities are the third-leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S., making it clear that many people wait too long to get treatment, or never consider getting treatment at all. The NIAAA reported in 2013 that an estimated 16.6 million Americans suffered from an alcohol abuse disorder, while a much smaller number of people were currently receiving treatment.

Mechanisms of Alcohol and its Abuse

Alcohol use raises levels of dopamine (the so-called pleasure hormone) within the brain, resulting in a mild euphoria and sense of well-being. Just a small amount of alcohol is often enough to put a person in a good mood, increase their confidences, and lower their inhibitions. Many users refer to this as a “buzz.” When this pattern is repeated over and over, the way the brain produces and uses dopamine changes to account for the frequent presence of alcohol. The more alcohol is consumed, the more tolerance the brain develops for its effects, leading people to drink more or combine drinking with the use of other mind-altering substances in order to achieve the same results. Eventually, these behaviors result in alcohol dependence, which is officially diagnosed by the presence of withdrawal symptoms in the absence of drinking.

Withdrawing From Alcohol

The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be reliably categorized into three levels of severity. Which symptoms are experienced, and in what degree of severity, depends on a number of factors which include the individual’s level of alcohol tolerance as well as his or her personal background and medical history.

Mild Symptoms

These include anxiety, sleeplessness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, shaking, lack of focus, moodiness, loss of appetite, and heart palpitations.

Moderate Symptoms

Moderate symptoms include fever, heart arrhythmias, confusion, severe moodiness, and hypertension. Individuals with these symptoms are best cared for under the supervision of professional health care providers.

Severe Symptoms

Individuals presenting with symptoms in this category should undertake detox in a medical environment with round-the-clock supervision from doctors and other trained professionals. These symptoms, which include hallucinations, seizures, psychosis, and delirium tremens, can be debilitating and even life-threatening.

Conclusion

With proper treatment, alcoholism can be effectively controlled, and individuals can enjoy the benefits of a lasting recovery. If you would like more information about treatment for alcoholism, please contact Drug Detox Centers Linden today at (908) 368-4232.

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