Pacific Bay Recovery has been providing treatment for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder for over a decade. Alcoholism is a disease that requires the expertise and dedication of addiction treatment specialists. At Pacific Bay Recovery, our alcohol rehab Carlsbad team not only understands its complexities, but has achieved exceptional success rates.
About Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcoholism is a complex substance use disorder that has no single causal factor, but rather an array of possible causes. While science has identified certain potential risk factors, such as genetics, family history, environmental, and personality traits, much remains unknown.
Alcoholism is considered a relapsing disease of the brain. Chronic drinking causes the interplay in the brain’s reward network and neural pathways that results in addiction. The addiction cycle is fueled by alcohol seeking behaviors, alcohol consumption, and withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms then prompt repeated alcohol seeking behaviors, and the cycle repeats.
The only known cure for alcoholism is sustained long-term sobriety. Getting and remaining sober is difficult but possible with the support of the treatment team at Pacific Bay Recovery.
Recognizing an Alcohol Use Disorder
Pacific Bay Recovery is a leading alcohol rehab serving Carlsbad that can help individuals assess whether they have an alcohol use disorder, and its severity. Our clinical team will sit down with you to conduct a thorough evaluation of your drinking habits.
Alcohol use disorder is the term used in the DSM-5 to diagnose and stage the disease. A stage of mild, moderate, or severe refers to the duration of the chronic disordered drinking, and various criteria. Symptoms of alcohol use disorder may include:
- An inability to limit or quit drinking alcohol
- Increased tolerance that results in higher consumption over time
- Compulsive need to have alcohol supply available and opportunities to drink
- Alcohol cravings
- Secretive behaviors, such as hiding alcohol and lying about consumption
- Continued drinking despite the negative effects on health, work, and relationships
- Withdraw socially
- Neglects responsibilities at home and work
- Uses alcohol in risky situations
- Has alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the absence of alcohol availability
What to Expect in Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal
For most individuals entering treatment, a medically monitored detox will be the first step in the recovery timeline. Alcohol detox is sometimes unpredictable, which is why it should never be attempted without medical supervision. Our expert detox team monitors the client’s progress and administers medications as needed to help reduce withdrawal discomfort.
Symptoms may range from mild to severe, and even life threatening. During the initial intake interview and assessment, our team is able to gauge the severity level to some extent based on these factors:
- Duration of alcohol use disorder
- Daily consumption level
- Prior detox attempts
- General health status and age
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
- Poly-substance abuse
Alcohol Detox Timeline
The alcohol detox timeline will vary from one individual to the next depending on the above factors. However, it does follow a fairly predictable 3-stage pattern. Upon quitting alcohol, the emergence of withdrawal symptoms will occur within 6-24 hours.
Phase 1: The first phase of detox features emerging symptoms and lasts one to two days. Symptoms might include hand tremors, interrupted sleep, foggy thinking, heart palpitations, mood swings, headaches, sweating, nausea and vomiting.
Phase 2: The second phase of detox features peak severity of symptoms and lasts about two days. These might include mental confusion, increase in blood pressure, irritability, hallucinations, and seizures. It is during this phase that the severe withdrawal symptoms called delirium tremens might emerge, but just 5% are affected.
Phase 3: During the final phase of detox, symptoms will start to slowly subside. However, post-acute withdrawal syndrome is not uncommon, with some symptoms that may persist for weeks.
Alcohol Rehab Carlsbad Addiction Treatment
Pacific Bay Recovery rehabilitation program is second to none, and is the next stage of alcohol use disorder recovery. The purpose of alcohol rehab is to guide individuals toward making changes in behaviors that kept them trapped in the addiction cycle. Residential rehab provides a safe, structured treatment environment and a daily schedule of therapy sessions and recovery activities.
Here are the treatment activities you will be engaging in during rehab:
- Psychotherapy. You will participate in CBT and/or DBT to learn better ways of responding to triggers, emotions, and stress. These therapies help you to change the disordered thought patterns that kept you trapped in the addiction cycle.
- Groups. In group therapy sessions you will join peers to discuss topics that revolve around recovery, and share your personal experiences.
- Family therapy. Family therapy during the treatment program is helpful for both the individual in rehab and the family members.
- Classes. You will learn about how alcohol impacts the brain, and learn new coping skills to help reinforce sobriety.
- Relapse prevention. Each individual in treatment will create his or her own unique relapse prevention plan.
- Holistic methods. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga classes, meditation, art therapy, and deep breathing, help to restore mental wellness.
Twelve Step. 12-Step themes from Alcoholics Anonymous are included in the treatment program.
Alcohol Recovery Care Planning After Treatment
After completing residential treatment, there are many actions to take to help reinforce sobriety. Getting well is a process that unfolds over time, involving continuing care as well as establishing a healthy lifestyle.
Recovery support includes such things as outpatient therapy, sober living if needed, and joining a local A.A. community. These actions will be further strengthened by self-care activities, such as:
- Get in shape. Create a weekly fitness routine that promotes an active lifestyle. Consider gym workouts, hiking, cycling, rowing, running, or daily walks.
- Improve sleep quality. Stick to a regular sleep schedule, limit caffeine, and unplug from your smartphone an hour prior to bedtime.
- Eat healthy foods. Avoid sugary and salty snacks, and eat lean proteins, veggies, fruits, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lots of water.
- Learn to relax. Managing stress is essential in recovery. Try yoga, mindfulness, guided meditation, focused breathing techniques, or massage.
- Nurture a sober network. Having a sober support network is critical to avoiding relapse. Get a sponsor, create friendships with peers in recovery, and select a friend or family member as a trusted source of support.
Pacific Bay Recovery is a leading alcohol rehab serving Carlsbad, CA. We provide the full spectrum of recovery services to help clients develop the life skills, behaviors and attitudes that lead to long-term success. Reach out to our admissions team today.