Alcoholism Treatment Irving
Alcoholism and Alcoholism Treatment
Alcoholism is a progressive and chronic disease including:
- Difficulties controlling the amount and frequency of drinking
- A preoccupation with it
- A continuation of drinking despite the problems it causes
- Needing increasing amounts to obtain the same effects (physical dependence)
- Withdrawal symptoms when decreasing or stopping drinking
People with alcoholism can't:
- Predict the quantities they will drink
- Control the duration they will drink
- Control the resulting consequences from drinking
Alcoholism treatment is necessary for recovery. Fortunately, alcoholism treatment is available for those who need help to stop drinking. To uncover the various care options available to those needing help with an addiction, please contact (877) 804-1531.
History
The concept started when the connection was made with excessive drinking and how it was causing life problems. Before that, there was no concept of the disease and alcoholism treatment didn't exist.
Magnus Huss, a Swedish physician, coined the term Alcoholismus Chronicus as a medical term for being habitually inebriated and the damage excessive consumption caused. In 1849, this recognition begins the official history of the disease.
In the 19th Century, mass production of whiskey in the United States caused widespread drinking problems. Prohibition, from 1919 to 1933, banned the manufacture and sale of it. This did not prevent drinking and resulted in the rise of organized crime and a black market for the substance. Prohibition was repealed in 1933.
Abuse vs. Addiction
Alcohol abuse is excessive drinking without the development of dependence while addiction is dependence upon it completely. Abuse can occur in response to stressful events or as tolerance develops, the person drinks more to get the same effects, sometimes resulting in blackouts. Binge drinking is an example of abuse.
Symptoms
- Craving – It occupies the thoughts and then physical cravings occur.
- Loss of control – The individual has no control over when and how much of it is consumed.
- Physical dependence - Withdrawal symptoms happen when there is a decrease or stop in consumption.
- Tolerance - More of the substance is needed to reach the desired effect.
Detox
Once a person agrees to treatment, the next step is detox. It is recommended that a detox be conducted in a facility under the supervision of qualified medical professionals. Withdrawal can be painful and sometimes even fatal. Medical supervision for emergencies and to keep the individual as comfortable as possible is needed.
Alcoholism Treatment
Rehab programs based on the 12-step approach are effective in addiction treatment. Behavioral therapy addressing the connection between drinking and harmful consequences can be effective treatment. Individual and group psychotherapy is also a part of treatment.
Late Onset Alcoholism
Late onset alcoholism is developing the disease later in life, after the age of 45. Circumstances that precede going from a social drinker into alcoholism can include divorce, death of a loved one, feelings of isolation, loss of a job or loss of income and many more.
Dangers
The more serious complications include:
Alcoholic hepatitis - Abusing for long periods of time may cause inflammation in the liver and may also destroy or scar liver tissue (cirrhosis).
Alcohol dementia - Prolonged and heavy drinking can cause nervous system defects leading to confusion and dementia.
Cancer – A link has been made to cancer in the mouth, throat, colon and liver.
Getting Help
If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction and need help finding rehab centers now, call Irving drug treatment centers for more information at (877) 804-1531 now.