Alcohol Rehab Raleigh NC

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is a serious problem that affects millions of Americans each year. Detox and alcohol rehab is often required to break the bonds of alcohol addiction, with a range of medication and psychotherapy programs initiated to support the recovery process. Alcohol rehab generally takes place after detoxification, with different programs available depending on the operational philosophy of each treatment center. Alcoholism causes a number of physical, social and mental problems. Alcohol rehab programs can support alcoholics through each stage of the recovery process. Alcohol rehab centers are located throughout the United States, with some facilities also offering medical detox services. To discuss opportunities for treatment, dial Raleigh Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.

What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism is recognized medically as alcohol use disorder, a broad classification used to describe a wide range of problematic drinking behaviors. Alcoholism includes both alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence, with two of the following symptoms needing to manifest for someone to be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder: drinking large amounts over a long time period, facing difficulties cutting down alcohol use, spending a lot of time obtaining or drinking alcohol, craving alcohol, not fulfilling responsibilities because of alcohol, alcohol use resulting in social problems, alcohol use resulting in health problems, drinking in risky situations, experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use, and developing tolerance.

What is rehab?

Rehab describes the process of treating drug and alcohol use disorders with medical and psychotherapeutic programs initiated to treat the precedents of addiction. The programs offered during alcohol rehab depend greatly on the extent of addiction and underlying philosophy of the treatment center. According to a study by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, Rational Recovery Systems, and Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, treatment facilities differ widely when analyzed on the Spiritual Belief Scale. This scale measures adherence to either the disease model of addiction or free will model of addiction, with 41 percent variance found between providers. Behavior therapy and counseling are widely used during rehab, with relapse prevention and aftercare also playing an important role.

Negative effects of alcohol

The extensive and long-term use of alcohol has been associated with a number of health problems, including epilepsy, cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholic dementia, heart disease, pancreatitis, polyneuropathy, sexual dysfunction, peptic ulcers and nutritional deficiencies. Long-term and problem drinkers are also at a greater risk of developing alcoholic liver disease, cardiovascular disease, malabsorption and cancer, with damage to the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system also possible. Alcoholism is also associated with a number of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety and severe cognitive problems. Interpersonal and social problems have also been linked with alcoholism. Drinkers are also at a greater risk of committing criminal offenses such as child abuse, rape, domestic violence, burglary and assault.

Treatment for alcoholism

Treatment for alcohol use disorder depends on the extent of abuse. Physically dependent patients need to go through an extensive medical detox period. Medications are often prescribed to treat a physical-somatic withdrawal syndrome while psychotherapy is applied to treat an emotional-motivational withdrawal syndrome. Cognitive behavior therapy, motivational therapy and family therapy can all be used to treat the precedents of alcoholism, with conventional counseling approaches like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) also highly useful. Relapse prevention techniques and systems are also used to encourage a sustainable and long-term recovery, both during residential treatment and aftercare programs. If you or anyone you know is living with an alcohol use disorder, it's important to make contact with a rehab center as soon as possible. Talk to someone about options today at Raleigh Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.