Alcohol addiction can affect anyone. While experts have conducted a lot of research to try and determine if any factors, including race, genetics, or sex, have a direct influence on alcoholism, there still hasn’t been a single cause found. Yet, it is true that genetics and behavior can all contribute to a person’s alcohol addiction.

Alcohol addiction is a disease that causes alterations in the brain. This means that it may be impossible for an individual struggling to control their impulses.

This guide will explain alcohol addiction, its signs, and treatment options. Whether you’re searching for alcohol addiction treatment in Atlanta or another location, you will find useful information right here.

Alcohol Addiction Symptoms

Many times, it can be challenging to recognize alcohol addiction. Alcohol is easily accessible, unlike heroin or cocaine. Drinking is also a part of many people’s lives. This means that it can be difficult to tell when a person is experiencing a real addiction problem or whether they are someone who just likes to have a couple of drinks sometimes.

Here are some symptoms associated with alcohol addiction:

• Increased use of frequency or quantity
• Drinking alcohol first thing in the morning, at work, or other inappropriate places
• Having a high tolerance for alcohol
• Isolating oneself from loved ones and friends
• Hiding the addiction
• Depression, lethargy, or other emotional problems
• Loss of job, arrest, or other run-ins with the law

Over time, symptoms may worsen as the addiction progresses. This is one of the main reasons why it’s critical that you pay attention to red flags early on.

It can be difficult to treat alcohol, but not impossible. Yet, in order for treatment to be successful, the individual with an alcohol addiction must have an interest in getting sober. It’s never recommended to force a person to stop drinking, especially if they just aren’t ready.

Here are several treatment options available for alcoholism:

Rehab

Rehab is typically the go-to treatment for those suffering from alcohol addiction. Both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs are available. Inpatient programs can run anywhere from 30 days to a full year.

Inpatient programs are helpful in assisting individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms and overcoming challenges that get in the way. Outpatient rehab provides patients with help on a daily basis. The patient will continue to live in their own home.

Support Groups

Support groups such as Alcohol Anonymous offer 12-step programs for those addicted to alcohol. Other programs, including Sober Recovery and SMART Recovery, are also options. It’s imperative for patients suffering from addiction to get involved in some type of support group, regardless of the one they choose.

Support groups are beneficial in that they provide those struggling with addiction with the opportunity to share their experiences with others while developing new friendships.Support groups are also great because they provide help in the event that the patient relapses.

Additional Options

Those suffering from alcohol addiction may also take advantage of additional treatment options such as counseling, drug therapy, or changing their diet.

It’s possible for doctors to prescribe certain medications to aid in certain conditions. For instance, if a person suffering from alcohol addiction is depressed and using alcohol to self-medicate, antidepressants may be prescribed. Other medications can also help patients in the recovery process of addiction.

Therapy is also helpful for individuals looking for different ways to cope with stress as they navigate the recovery process. Therapy also helps to prevent patients from relapsing.  Alterations to a person’s diet can help with the effects of alcohol addiction. For example, it can help those who have either lost or gained weight as a result of alcohol addiction.

Jane