Alcohol Use Disorder

For a majority of people, drinking alcohol is simply a way to relax. For an estimated 16 million people in the United States with alcohol use disorder, excessive drinking endangers themselves and the people around them.

Also a level of alcoholism, this condition hinders a person’s ability to control what he drinks. The person also becomes preoccupied with alcohol. Drinking continues even when doing so causes problems. Eventually, the person needs to drink more to have the same desired effect.

This unhealthy use of alcohol puts your safety and health at risk. Unless you seek treatment in a peaceful setting, you may also experience other alcohol-related problems.

Alcohol Use Disorder Signs and Symptoms

Fortunately, there are signs and symptoms that indicate your alcohol use is unhealthy. Some common things to look for include:

• Cravings and strong urges to use alcohol
• Recurrent use that leads to failing at home, school and/or work obligations
• Interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by drinking are not enough to quit
• Reducing or completely giving up activities you once enjoyed
• Threats to your physical safety are not enough to stop drinking
• Previous efforts to cut down on drinking are unsuccessful
• Spending more time obtaining, drinking and recovering from the effects of alcohol

In some cases, you will continue to drink even if alcohol has led to a psychological or physical problem. Stopping on your own or what is commonly known as “cold turkey” usually doesn’t work. Having this condition means your tolerance level requires markedly increased amounts before you are intoxicated.

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

Your needs to overcome alcohol abuse determines the type of treatment you receive. Careful evaluation followed by personalized planning ensures an individualized recovery track. No one can overcome this addiction for you, so you shouldn’t expect to get better at someone else’s pace.

From intervention to an intensive outpatient program to individual and group counseling, counselors will help you stop drinking and improve your quality of life.

With this in mind, you may undergo one or a combination of the following treatment options.

• Detox and Withdrawal: Some treatment facilities have partnerships with offsite centers to help you start with a clean slate. A medically managed program ensures you begin this journey in a safe environment.
• Dual Diagnosis: Some Men struggle with alcohol use because they also have an underlying mental health disorder. Anxiety, depression, or any other condition may require dual diagnosis treatment with a therapist.
• Learning Skills Plan: Regaining control over a substance that ruled your life will likely conjure up some unpleasant memories. To begin a new journey, you’ll need new coping skills. This part of the treatment process often includes behavior change techniques and coping strategies.
• Partial Hospitalization: It’s not unusual to have alcohol-related health problems while trying to restart your life. Most health problems improve once you stop drinking, while others may require continued medical treatment.
• Aftercare Support and Relapse Prevention: Once you begin this journey, knowing that you have support to cope with lifestyle changes strengthens your resolve. Support groups and aftercare programs are part of the process to help you avoid setbacks.

Find Sustainable Recovery for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder programs shouldn’t take a “one-size-fits-all” approach. You want to know if a facility only relies on one approach or if it provides a variety of treatment methods. Knowing what the facility expects from you during treatment is also essential.

A better life is waiting for you. Just because your journey began with using alcohol doesn’t mean you have to remain on that path. Serenity Lodge, an accredited drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility, offers beautiful surrounding for our Clients looking for a new way of life.

Our amenity-rich, 22-acre facility gives you the time and space necessary while recovering from alcohol. In addition to evidence-based addiction therapy, we also offer an array of amenities, including:

• 1,500 square foot gym
• Golf
• Meditation therapy
• Pool

Alcohol addiction doesn’t have to control your life. You don’t have to manage this alone. Speak with a member of our staff by calling (855) 932-4045 to begin your road to recovery.