Alcoholism Treatment in Louisville, KY
Alcoholism is one of the most common addiction disorders. Many people who are suffering from an addiction to alcohol do not seek treatment. This could be because of the fear of the stigma of being in a rehabilitation center, or because they are not aware that they have a problem. Alcohol is a widely used drug and is considered socially acceptable in many ways, making it difficult for people to identify when their drinking has become a serious problem.
Seeking alcoholism treatment has become easier thanks to the efforts of medical researchers. Classified as a legitimate disorder, alcoholism can now be treated at any number of treatment centers. For more information on alcoholism treatment options, contact Louisville Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.
How Does Alcohol Abuse Transition To Addiction?
Not everyone who abuses alcohol develops an addiction. However, when they do, the transition occurs due to the internal chemical reactions that occur when a person drinks. When alcohol enters the body, it permeates the esophagus and the lining of the stomach getting right into the bloodstream. It then gets to the brain and central nervous system. Once there, it stimulates certain processes in the body while blocking others.
Dopamine is released as alcohol stimulates the brain. When a person continues to drink on a frequent basis and in high amounts, the body adjusts to it, becoming dependent on the signal from alcohol to perform certain actions. As a result, the brain becomes unable to produce dopamine in a healthy, regulated way unless the person continues to drink. This chemical dependency is a physical addiction.
The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse
Around 88,000 people die every year as a direct result of abusing drinking, and another 10,000 lose their lives in alcohol-related car accidents. Long-term drinking abuse causes or contributes to a number of devastating illnesses, including:
- Liver and heart disease.
- High blood pressure and stroke.
- Various cancers, including those of the mouth, liver, colon, and breast.
- Cognitive dysfunction, including memory and processing problems.
Alcohol Intervention
For those with a loved one who has an addiction to drinking, an intervention can help encourage the loved one to enter alcoholism treatment.
An intervention involves becoming educated about alcoholism and staging a meeting between the loved one and concerned friends and family members. A select group of attendees talk to the loved one about how the addiction has affected them, and the loved one is encouraged to get help.
A professional interventionist can help increase the chances that the intervention will lead to treatment.
Alcoholism Treatment
Alcoholism treatment starts with medical detoxification, during which drugs are administered to help relieve withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol. These include tremors, anxiety and depression, hallucinations, and seizures as well as a highly dangerous condition known as delirium tremens, or DTs, which is fatal for five percent of those who experience it without medical supervision.
After detoxification, a number of treatment therapies are employed to address the complex psychological aspects of addiction. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps patients address the harmful thoughts and behaviors surrounding the addiction, and motivational interviewing, which helps patients identify their own personal reasons for working toward recovery.
After treatment is successfully completed, a relapse prevention program is individualized and set in place to help prevent a relapse of the addiction. The aftercare plan will include a number of essential components, including ongoing counseling and continued monitoring of the recovery process.
The first step towards recovery from substance abuse is entering treatment. If you are not sure which rehab program is suitable for you or a loved one, we can help. For inquiries about drug and alcohol addiction treatment, contact Louisville Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.