Alcoholism
Learn More About Alcoholism
An Overview Of The Signs And Treatments For Alcoholism
Do you or a loved one have a problem with alcohol? If so, you need to seek help immediately. Alcoholism is a serious disease that can lead to death if left untreated.
Atlanta Recovery Place is a Georgia outpatient rehab center that provides a comprehensive and evidence-based alcohol addiction treatment program. Contact us today to learn more about how our treatment plans can help you during the recovery process.
What Are the Signs of Alcoholism?
Several signs may indicate that someone has a drinking problem. Some of the most commonly seen signs of alcoholism include:
- Drinking alcohol in secret or feeling the need to hide alcohol from others
- Lying about how much alcohol you drink
- Experiencing blackouts or memory loss after drinking alcohol
- Missing work, school, or essential commitments due to drinking
- Drinking alcohol first thing in the morning, after work, or before bed
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about your drinking
- Needing alcohol to relax or feel better
Should you or someone you love display any of these signs, it is crucial to seek help immediately. Since alcoholism is a progressive disease, signs and symptoms of abuse will only worsen over time.
Therefore, alcoholism can lead to serious health problems, financial ruin, and even death without treatment.
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What is Alcoholism Treatment?
There are many different treatment options available for alcoholism. The best alcohol rehab programs will tailor treatment to the individual’s needs. However, there are some common elements of alcohol addiction treatment, such as:
Detoxification
First, alcohol treatment begins with detoxification of the body. During this process, alcohol is removed from the body. It is essential to detox under medical supervision, as alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous.
See: What Is An Outpatient Detox Program?
Rehab
After detox, patients will typically enter an outpatient rehab program. Typically, this will involve individual and group therapy, as well as skills training to help you recover from alcoholism.
Aftercare
Finally, after completing rehab, it is vital to have a solid aftercare plan in place. This may include attending 12-step meetings, therapy, or working with a sober coach.
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What are the Causes of Alcoholism?
Unfortunately, there is no single cause of alcoholism. However, certain risk factors may make someone more likely to develop alcohol addiction. These include:
- Genetic predisposition: If alcohol addiction runs in your family, you may be more likely to struggle with it yourself
- Mental health disorders: People with co-morbid mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression are more likely to turn to alcohol to self-medicate
- Stressful life events: Experiencing stressful and traumatic life events can also trigger alcohol abuse
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How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?
Drinking alcohol can have many short and long-term effects on your physical health. These include:
- Slurred speech
- Impaired vision
- Difficulty walking
- Slow reaction time
- Impaired memory
- Lack of focus
- Poor judgment
- Increased risk of injuries and accidents
GABA and Glutamate: Alcohol’s Effects on the Brain
Alcohol affects the brain by altering GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) neurotransmitters and glutamate levels. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to promote relaxation and sleep.
When alcohol binds to GABA receptors, it increases GABA activity. This leads to the alcohol’s sedative effects.
Another neurotransmitter, Glutamate, is responsible for excitatory signals in the brain. When alcohol binds to glutamate receptors, it inhibits glutamate activity. This can lead to problems with learning and memory.
In addition, this interaction also relates to neuroplasticity which encourages the development of the continued need to consume alcohol as marked by alcoholism.
Neuromodulators: Alcohol’s Effects on the Brain
Similarly, alcohol also affects the brain by altering levels of neuromodulators. Neuromodulators are chemicals that help to regulate neurotransmission.
Alcohol alters the levels of two essential neuromodulators, dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.
Similarly, the neurotransmitter serotonin helps to regulate mood. When alcohol increases dopamine activity, it leads to the alcohol’s pleasurable effects.
When alcohol decreases serotonin activity, it can lead to feelings of sadness and anxiety.
Over time, alcohol abuse can lead to serious health problems such as liver damage, heart disease, and cancer.
Intestinal Serotonin: Alcohol’s Effects on the Gut
Aside from impacts on the brain, alcohol also affects the gut by altering levels of intestinal serotonin. Intestinal serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate gastrointestinal motility.
When alcohol decreases intestinal serotonin activity, it can lead to problems with digestion, such as diarrhea and nausea.
Dopamine: Alcohol’s Effects on the Kidneys
In addition to neurological function, alcohol also affects the kidneys by altering dopamine levels. This neurotransmitter is crucial for the regulation of proper kidney function.
When alcohol decreases dopamine activity, it can lead to problems with kidney function, such as an increased risk of urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
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What are the Long-Term Effects of Alcoholism?
The long-term effects of alcoholism are far-reaching. Not only does alcohol addiction take a toll on your physical health, but it can also lead to problems with your mental health, relationships, and finances.
Some of the most regularly seen long-term effects of alcoholism include:
- Liver damage: Alcohol abuse can lead to fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis
- Heart disease: Alcohol abuse can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke
- Cancer: Research has found that alcohol abuse increases your risk of developing cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, liver, and breast
- Mental health problems: Alcoholism can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders
- Relationship problems: Alcoholism can damage your relationships with your family, friends, and significant others
- Financial problems: Alcoholism can lead to job loss, financial debt, and bankruptcy
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How Do Mental Health Disorders Impact Alcoholism?
Mental health disorders and alcohol abuse often go hand-in-hand. Approximately 50% of people with alcohol addiction also suffer from a mental health disorder.
This is because alcohol can be used as a way to self-medicate for mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
Additionally, studies have shown that mental health disorders can increase your risk of developing alcohol dependency.
Some of the most commonly seen mental health disorders that are associated with alcohol abuse include:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Anxiety Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Schizophrenia
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
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"ARP saved my life. Simple as that. When I gave up on myself, ARP was there every second of the way to push me to be the best and drag me out of the deep hole I was in. There are so many great things I could say, so it’s gonna be hard to condense everything. The staff is wonderful."
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"I got to ARP in October of 2021 And they were all very welcoming and real. That was the first thing that made it easy to adapt into this new environment. The apartments were extremely nice and the girl community there was solid. During my stay at ARP I was able to work on me mentally, physically, and eventually spiritually. The counselors there are all great."
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" have tried to get clean since 2006. Finally I found ARP and they saved my life! These people truly care. They went above and beyond for me and many others. The place is super nice, they take the clients out for bowling, movies, and much more. I recommend this place to anyone struggling with addiction and wants to get there life back!"
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"ARP is a really amazing resource in getting sober. I’ve had many close people in my life go through ARP and thrive after they finish the program there. The staff there is very friendly and goes above and beyond in helping their clients."
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"I was desperate at 40 years old & completely without resources. A friend made a call and I ended up at Atlanta Recovery Place. They took me in without insurance or any money. I did, however have a desire to change my life and they all saw that in me and gave me a chance. I recently celebrated 1 year of recovery from all substances. My journey began here and I will always be grateful and happy to have been a part of the ARP community. Sincerely, thank you all!!!"
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"I have really enjoyed being at Atlanta recovery place. The staff here genuinely care about the clients, and are passionate counselors. I have been to other recovery places, and have not felt the same enthusiasm. The staff are also very welcoming, and willing to help with what each client personally needs. "
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Are There Outpatient Programs for Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Yes, there are outpatient programs for alcohol addiction treatment. Outpatient alcohol treatment programs allow you to live at home and continue working or going to school while receiving alcoholism treatment.
Treatment typically includes individual therapy, group therapy, and 12-step meetings. Outpatient programs can benefit people with a robust support system at home who don’t need the structure of an inpatient program.
See: How To Find The Best Outpatient Alcohol Programs Near Me to find an Atlanta alcohol program near you!
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Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Atlanta Recovery Place
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, please know that help is available. Our alcohol rehab center in Atlanta offers comprehensive treatment plans that can help you to start on the road to recovery.
The alcohol addiction treatment programs at Atlanta Recovery Place are designed to meet your unique needs, and we will work with you every step of the way to help you achieve sobriety.
Contact us today to learn more about our outpatient program for alcohol treatment in Atlanta!