Alcohol Addiction and Treatment
Treating Alcohol Addiction
Many people drink to socialize or relax. However, alcoholism is a serious, progressive disease that gets worse over time. Some believe alcohol is harmless because it is legal – in reality, addiction to this substance is extremely common and can jeopardize your health, employment, and relationships. At The Augustine, we provide a holistic, transformative treatment experience for people trapped in the cycle of alcohol addiction.
Alcoholism is a National Health Crisis
Alcohol-related problems — which result from drinking too much, too fast, or too often — are among the most significant public health issues in the United States.
Many people struggle with controlling their drinking at some time in their lives. Approximately 17 million adults ages 18 and older have an alcohol use disorder (AUD) and 1 in 10 children live in a home with a parent who has a drinking problem.
Consequences of Drinking Too Much
Alcohol begins to affect your body from the moment you take the first sip. Within ten minutes, you may already see the immediate effects of this substance. They often include a lack of inhibition, confusion, memory problems, slurred speech, difficulty concentration, and motor impairment. In high amounts, it is possible to experience a coma, breathing problems, and even death.
There are other immediate consequences of drinking. Specifically, you are more likely to be injured due to risky or violent behavior, or to be the victim of a car crash. Suicide and homicide are also correlated with alcohol intake.
Over the long term, alcohol use disorder can have significant health effects. Heart problems like cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, stroke, and high blood pressure may develop. Heavy drinking also impacts the liver, leading to steatosis (fatty liver), alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Drinking weakens your immune system and can increase the likelihood of several types of cancer.
For these reasons, it is crucial to identify alcohol abuse as early as possible, so treatment can begin.
What are the Signs of Alcoholism?
A person’s alcohol problem can be plotted on a spectrum – it may be mild or severe. This disease is progressive, which means that it won’t resolve over time. In reality, a person’s addiction normally worsens as the years go on. Identifying the symptoms of alcoholism can be helpful in convincing your loved one that it’s time to seek professional help.
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How is Alcohol Addiction Treated?
At The Augustine, we have created a haven for recovery. Our proven approach helps you to identify trauma, emotional difficulties, relationship issues, and other factors which have contributed to your substance use. Our staff members will then help you to process, address, and overcome these dynamics for lifelong sobriety.
We believe that everyone can (and does) recover, which is why we have built a program specifically for those seeking a transformative experience. Our individualized treatment plans use approaches proven to help men and women learn to experience their emotions and develop the tools to recover from alcohol dependency. Specific examples include:
- One-on-one therapy sessions
- Expressive and experiential therapy
- Education about addiction and recovery
- Proper nutrition and regular consultation with dietary staff
- Group sessions to teach behavior modification and emotion management
- Family therapy (family participation optional)
- 12-Step facilitation
- Onsite and offsite 12-Step meetings
- Weekly psychiatric consultations
- Trauma awareness and recovery
Recovery Is One Phone Call Away
If you’re ready to face your addiction to alcohol, or if you have questions about alcohol addiction for a loved one, give us a call at (904) 217-0480. You can speak directly to one of our alcohol treatment specialists and learn more about our facility, our professional staff, alcohol treatment options, insurance, and more.
