Alcoholism

Learn More About Alcoholism

An Overview of the Signs & 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.

Take Action Now

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.

Learn About Treatment

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.

recovery is possible

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

Your Recovery is Our Priority

Atlanta Recovery Place has caring representatives available 24/7 to help you or your loved one when dealing with substance abuse. Request a 100% confidential callback now to start your journey.

Learn About Alcoholism

How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?

Short and Long-Term Effects

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.

Take Control Today

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

recovery is possible

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)
See: The Connection Between Depression And Addiction

Get Help Now

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!

Working with a diverse network of partners

We Work With Most Major Insurance Providers

Most major health insurance providers with out-of-network benefits will help cover the cost of our Atlanta treatment program. Call us or email us to find out your coverage options when seeking treatment for drug & alcohol abuse.

recovery is possible

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.

Don't Wait any longer

Recover Now.