What is Alcohol Dependence

Millions of American adults struggle with drinking problems every year, and many of them feel hopeless that they’ll ever be able to break the addiction. Fortunately, many effective treatment options are available for those struggling with alcohol dependency.

Keep reading to explore all the alcohol dependence treatment options available and discuss which ones could be best suited for you or your loved ones!

Atlantic Recovery Center is a top-rated drug and alcohol rehab center in Davie, Florida. Contact us today to learn how we can help you or a loved one overcome alcohol abuse.

What is Alcohol Dependence?

Dependence on alcohol is a serious issue affecting millions of people around the world. Commonly known as alcoholism, this illness is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to drink even when significant consequences may arise due to its use.

It is the most common form of addiction and can lead to physical, mental, and spiritual problems in those who cannot control their consumption.

What Are the Signs You are Alcohol Dependent?

When someone has a severe drinking problem, they must recognize the signs that they may be developing a dependency so they can take steps toward getting help before things worsen further.

Some of these warning signs include:

• Needing to drink more often to achieve the same result or feeling
• Engaging in risky behaviors or neglecting responsibilities at home, work
• Severe mood swings, depression, and anxiety, among other mental health issues
• Stomach aches
• Sleeping disorders
• Tension headaches
• High blood pressure
• Liver damage
• Heart failure

The CDC advises that if your drinking habits are causing serious consequences in any area of your life, you will likely need professional help from an addiction specialist.

How Does Drinking Alcohol Affect the Body?

Alcohol is a toxic substance that affects many organs and functions in the body when consumed. It impacts nearly every body system and can lead to short-term and long-term health consequences. When absorbed into the bloodstream, alcohol acts on different systems within the body to produce its effects.

Brain

The most important and immediate effects of alcohol are on the brain, as it controls thought and behavior.

Nervous System

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, which causes a person to become impaired in their thinking, motor control, and reflexes.

Cardiovascular System

Alcohol also affects the cardiovascular system. It can cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammation of the walls of the arteries.

Digestive System

Alcohol affects the immune system by suppressing its ability to fight infection.

It is important to note that the effects of drinking alcohol can vary from person to person, depending on factors like age, gender, and overall health.

What Are Health Problems Related to Alcoholism?

Long-term alcohol use can lead to a variety of health issues, including:

Liver Damage

Heavy drinking can lead to an accumulation of fat in the liver and inflammation, which can cause permanent scarring over time (cirrhosis).

This can affect how well the liver can filter toxins from the body.

Pancreatitis

Over time, alcohol can damage the pancreas and lead to pancreatitis, a condition that causes severe abdominal pain, digestive problems, and weight loss.

Heart Disease

Excessive drinking can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and cardiomyopathy (weakening the heart muscle).

Cancer

Heavy drinking increases your risk for certain types of cancer, including head and neck, liver, breast, and colon cancer.

Memory Problems

Long-term alcohol use can lead to impaired cognitive function and memory loss.

No matter how much alcohol you consume, it affects your health in some way. It’s important to drink responsibly and know the risks associated with drinking so that you can make informed decisions about your health.

How Does Alcoholism Impact Alcohol Addiction Recovery?

Alcoholism can affect the ability of an individual to recover from an addiction. Since alcohol is a depressant, it slows down brain function and diminishes the capacity for decision-making.

When someone is alcohol dependent, they may be more likely to relapse into old patterns of behavior or fall victim to cravings that could lead them to drink again.

Additionally, alcohol addiction can interfere with the ability to attend substance abuse treatment. To make progress in recovery, an individual needs to be able to focus on their goals and remain open-minded in therapy sessions.

If someone is struggling with dependence, they may not be able to fully participate in treatment due to its effects on the brain and body. For an individual to successfully recover from dependency on alcohol, they must have a comprehensive plan for their recovery.

How is Alcohol Dependency Treated?

Individuals battling an alcohol dependency must seek assistance with this process from trained professionals who specialize in helping treat addictions as well as from support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

Through AA meetings, individuals can forge relationships with others struggling through similar situations while educating themselves about how best to manage their cravings.

Additionally, attending therapy sessions geared toward recovering addicts can prove beneficial.

Therapy enables them to share difficult stories without fear of judgment while gaining life skills needed for proper coping strategies when triggers arise later on down the line.

Atlantic Recovery Center is an Alcohol Treatment Center in South Florida

If alcohol dependence is a significant issue in your life, contact Atlantic Recovery Center about our alcoholism treatment program.

Our seasoned team of addiction experts and counselors can offer transformative assistance to those grappling with alcohol dependency.

Our caring professionals are committed to helping you break free from addiction through comprehensive treatment plans that include therapy and aftercare programs.

Through this approach, we strive to empower our clients with the tools they need for sustained long-term recovery and a healthier future!