Where to Go for Alcohol Help

Alcohol use disorder can happen to anyone. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 28.1 million U.S. adults struggle with alcoholism. Fortunately, there are many resources available to provide support and treatment for individuals who are ready to embrace sobriety. Read on to learn where to go for alcohol help.

About Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder covers a spectrum of disordered drinking behaviors, including mild, moderate or severe alcohol abuse and addiction. Certain factors may influence a person’s risk of becoming alcoholic. These include family history of alcoholism (genetics), personality traits, or co-occurring mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, or trauma.

Alcohol dependency develops over a period of time due to chronic alcohol abuse. The brain makes adaptations to the dopamine released by the effects of alcohol, which leads to increased tolerance. The person begins to crave alcohol, and to need it in order to avoid feel sick. This is what causes the alcohol addiction cycle. When someone becomes alcoholic, they slowly lose their ability to control their drinking and can’t stop even if they want to.

Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcoholism isn’t always obvious to others, as some people have a high tolerance for alcohol and do not appear intoxicated. They may function normally socially, at work, and at home, but are functional alcoholics.

Usually, the signs of alcohol use disorder are noticed by others. Alcohol abuse changes their appearance, the personality, and performance level at work. Mostly, it is the behavioral changes that reveal someone’s problem with alcohol.

Common traits of alcohol use disorder include:

• Increased tolerance that then leads to higher consumption
• Being unable to cut back or quit, drinking, even though they want to
• Alcohol cravings
• Devotes much time to obtaining alcohol, drinking, and recovering from drinking
• Lies about their drinking
• Has memory blackouts
• Neglects daily responsibilities
• Avoids social events so they can drink alone
• Has legal problems, such as a DUI, divorce, or child custody challenges
• Keeps drinking despite mounting problems related to alcohol
• Has trouble in relationships at home, at work, and socially
• Withdrawal symptoms emerge when alcohol wears off

When several of these traits are present, it is considered alcohol use disorder. It is nearly impossible to stop drinking once alcohol dependence and addiction take hold. Keep reading to learn where to go for alcohol help.

Where to Get Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

When looking for where to go for alcohol help, you’ll find there are two different types of alcohol treatment programs. Outpatient rehabs are best for treating mild or emerging alcohol use disorder, or as a step down after residential treatment. Inpatient is best for the treatment of moderate to severe alcohol use disorder and dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis refers to a co-occurring mental health disorder with the alcoholism.

• Outpatient Rehab. Outpatient treatment programming offers different levels of care, including partial hospitalization program or intensive outpatient program. The outpatient option allows the person to continue living at their home residence for the duration of treatment. 
• Inpatient Rehab. Inpatient, or residential, treatment programming offers on-site housing and a structured, supportive environment. Individuals are provided with round-the-clock support and a more intensive treatment approach.

Steps to Take Before Entering Alcohol Recovery

When you’re ready to enroll in a rehab program, here are some steps to take that can help the process go smoothly:

1. Research rehabs. Decide which type of rehab is best suited for your alcohol use disorder and select two or three to call or visit.
2. Put support in place. Ask family members to participate in the healing process by inviting them to join the family sessions.
3. Contact insurance. Contact your insurance provider to learn what is covered under the plan. They will be able to provide the details and an estimate for out-of-pocket expenses. 
4. Plan you your absence.  If you choose a residential rehab program, make plans for any childcare arrangements and for your finances ahead of time.

Alcohol Detox and Withdrawal

Once someone has decided to stop drinking and enter recovery they will need the support of a trained detox team. These professionals are medically trained to safely guide the person through the various stages of detox and withdrawal. Without this support, most people would not be able to endure the discomfort of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and give up.

When the individual stops drinking, their brain is flooded with chemicals as it attempts to stabilize, which causes withdrawal symptoms. Here is how alcohol detox unfolds:

• Early symptoms. The first day or two features irritability, tremors, nausea, sweating, fatigue, headache, foggy thinking, decreased appetite, increased blood pressure, and insomnia.
• Peak symptoms. The next 48 hours features agitation, severe sweating, mental confusion, fever, hallucinations, and seizures.
• PAWS. The final stage is called post-acute withdrawal syndrome, during which most symptoms begin to resolve. Some symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disruptions, do linger for several days or weeks.