How to Get Help for Alcoholism

Managing alcohol addiction isn’t easy. Unfortunately, people across the United States and here in New England struggle with alcohol abuse and addiction. Because alcohol is easy to get and a major part of social life, it can seem less harmful than other substances. In reality, alcohol is highly addictive and can cause long-term negative health effects, including premature death. Getting help for alcohol abuse can be easier than people think. Finding alcohol addiction treatment can offer the support you or a loved one needs.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol, don’t quit cold turkey. It’s important to seek help from an addiction treatment center to assist with potential withdrawal symptoms. Substance abuse treatment programs are ready to help you recover.

Is It Time for Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

Alcohol addiction is increasingly common. Unfortunately, knowing when substance use turns into addiction is hard. Casual and social drinking can quickly turn into a habit. Addiction occurs when alcohol interferes with life, and the body craves it. Like other addictive substances, alcohol changes a person’s brain chemistry. This is a natural response to addictive substances that cause cravings and withdrawals.

Other symptoms it’s time for treatment include:

Secretive drinking
Drinking during the day
Drinking at work or school
Thinking about alcohol all the time
Worrying about your next drink
Changes in sleep
Changes in personal hygiene
Mood swings
Increased depression

While alcohol may temporarily relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, it makes them worse over time. Because alcohol depresses the nervous system, it can worsen depression, especially for those with unprocessed trauma or other co-occurring mood disorders.

What Happens During Alcohol Addiction Treatment?

The first step of alcohol addiction treatment is detox. It takes about a week for alcohol to leave the body, allowing the brain to recover from dehydration and withdrawal. During detox, the brain slowly adjusts to making new chemicals that were supplied by alcohol. This can cause painful withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings. In treatment, medically-assisted treatment can help reduce cravings and prevent medical complications.

Today, most alcohol rehab programs provide dual diagnosis treatment to simultaneously address mental health and addiction. Today at least 50% of people struggling with alcoholism have co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, unprocessed trauma, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Dual diagnosis focuses on a holistic approach rather than treating one disease at a time. This provides better, individualized care and lowers the risk of relapse.

Therapy is a touchstone of substance abuse treatment. From individual to group, and family therapy, clients uncover the root cause of alcoholism, heal trauma, and develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress. CBT and DBT are the leading behavioral therapies in addiction treatment. They help clients assess and change behavior. Today, most programs combine these with alternative therapies, like yoga and art therapy, for holistic healing.

How to Get Help for Alcohol Abuse

If you’re worried about getting help for alcoholism, know you are not alone—unfortunately, many people struggling with alcohol attempt to quit cold turkey. Most times, cravings and withdrawal can lead to relapse, overdose, and alcohol-related death. Working with a substance abuse treatment program is easier than people think.

Today, there are alcohol addiction treatment programs in New Hampshire and across New England providing accessible treatment options. If you can’t take time off from work or school, outpatient treatment can provide the same level of care with the flexibility you need. Begin by looking at local and state government resources and check with your insurance company for coverage information. If you are feeling overwhelmed, there are crisis hotlines ready to help.

Never trust a program that offers “quick fixes” or lacks licensed therapists. Alcoholism is a treatable disease. Checking with local AA meetings and doctors or therapists can also help you find the program you need, often without a long wait.