Alcohol abuse and addiction represent one of the most challenging battles many face in their lifetime, often silently and behind closed doors. The journey towards sobriety is fraught with hurdles, both physical and emotional, and deciding to seek help for alcohol addiction is a monumental step toward recovery.
Royal Life Detox emerges as a beacon of hope for those grappling with alcohol dependence, offering a sanctuary where healing begins not just with the body, but with the mind and spirit as well. Our alcohol detox approach acknowledges the complexity of addiction, ensuring that every individual’s path to recovery is as unique as their story.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic and debilitating disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the compulsive desire to consume alcohol despite negative consequences and an inability to control one’s drinking habits.
Affecting over 10 million Americans, alcoholism is a physical and chemical dependence on alcohol, no different than illegal narcotics. Excessive drinking can lead to broken relationships, declines in physical health, or even fatality. Alcoholism can be a lifelong struggle, but with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible.
What Causes Alcoholism?
Often, alcoholism starts as social drinking before it progresses into dependency. However, various factors can contribute to the development of alcoholism including:
- Genetic predisposition
- Family history of alcoholism
- Environmental factors such as exposure to excessive drinking at a young age
- Psychological or emotional issues like stress, depression, or anxiety
While some people may be more genetically prone to developing alcoholism, it is not a predetermined fate. Even without it, people who grow up in a household where alcohol abuse is normalized have a far greater risk of developing alcoholism later in life. On the other hand, people without a family history of alcoholism are still capable of developing an addiction. In these cases, they may start drinking alcohol to cope with difficult emotions or situations, leading to increased consumption and eventually addiction.
The Link Between Mental Illness and Alcoholism
Individuals who struggle with psychological issues such as depression or anxiety may turn to alcohol as a means of self-medication. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of dependence, as alcohol only temporarily relieves symptoms and can ultimately worsen mental health. Another common contributing factor to the development of alcoholism is stress. Many people use alcohol as a way to cope with the pressures of everyday life, but this coping mechanism can quickly spiral out of control and turn into a full-blown addiction.
Signs of Alcoholism
It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcoholism early on to seek help and prevent further harm.
Some common signs of alcoholism include:
- Drinking alone or hiding one’s drinking habits
- Being unable to control the amount of alcohol consumed
- Feeling a strong urge to drink and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drinking
- Drinking alcohol in risky situations
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences on personal relationships or health
- Making excuses for excessive drinking or denying that there is a problem
- Developing a tolerance to the effects of alcohol
If you recognize the signs and symptoms of alcoholism in yourself or a loved one, it is important to seek professional help immediately. Alcoholism is a serious disease that can have severe consequences if left untreated. Taking the next steps toward treatment can help you safely transition to a life of sobriety. It is very important that if you are making this decision, you do so under medical supervision because of how dangerous alcohol withdrawal can be.
Alcohol Addiction Facts
In 2018, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) found that 14.4 million American adults had alcohol use disorder (AUD). They also found that 400,000 adolescents under the age of 18 suffered from AUD. They define AUD as “a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.” The scary part of this is that only 7.9% of adults and 5% of children received any form of treatment in that year. The NIAAA also discovered that approximately 88,000 American’s die every year due to Alcohol Abuse. This is the third leading cause of death in our country.
Dangers of Alcohol Abuse
As with any disorder, AUD can range from mild to severe cases. Typically, one of the main determining factors about severity involves the user drinking to the point that alcohol consumption causes distress or harm to the drinker or others. While it is never wise to overdo it with any toxic substance, overconsumption of alcohol can lead to a ton of health problems. Alcohol can affect the brain, heart, liver, pancreas, and immune system. Alcoholism can also increase the risk of developing certain cancers, including mouth, esophageal, throat, liver, and breast cancer.
The most common detriment caused by AUD may be cirrhosis of the liver, a serious medical condition that leads to liver scarring and ultimately, liver failure. Cirrhosis is treatable, but not curable. If left unchecked, Cirrhosis could lead to serious medical complications, or even death. Though AUD is highly treatable, fewer than 10% of people with the disease seek treatment.
Should I Seek Treatment for Alcohol Abuse?
Overcoming an alcohol use disorder can be extremely difficult on your own. For most men and women, treatment is essential. Without the medical supervision and the assistance of a certified and accredited detox facility, withdrawal from alcohol, especially prolonged misuse, may prove fatal. In fact, alcohol is the most difficult and dangerous substance to detox from.
Because We Care, Royal Life Detox is committed to providing the safest, most affordable and most effective medication-assisted alcohol detox program. This is followed by carefully structured, individualized medical regiments, an intensive therapy program, and extensive aftercare options. If you or someone you love is suffering the grips of alcoholism, it is imperative that you seek professional assistance.
The Role of Denial In Alcohol Addiction
Denial is a significant barrier for many individuals who struggle with alcoholism. It can be challenging to admit that you have a problem, especially if it means facing potential judgment or consequences from loved ones. However, denying or minimizing the issue only prolongs the damage that alcohol addiction can cause.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Withdrawal from alcohol, like any chemical dependence, is physically and emotionally taxing on anyone involved. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary in severity depending on your age, alcohol and other substance use, past history of withdrawal, and peak blood alcohol levels.
Alcohol withdrawal is typically broken down into three stages, each characterized by a particular set of symptoms which include:
The first stage of alcohol withdrawal symptoms (8 hours after the last drink) includes:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Insomnia
The second stage of alcohol withdrawal symptoms (24-72 hours after the last drink) includes:
- Rise in blood pressure and body temperature
- Quickening of heartbeat
- Reduced mental acuity
The third stage of alcohol withdrawal symptoms includes:
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Seizures
- Agitation
- Delirum tremens (DTs)
- Risk of death
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or others following alcohol consumption, you may have AUD and require medical detox. It is very important that if you are choosing to end a dependency to alcohol, you do so safely and with professional assistance. Withdrawal from alcohol can be extremely dangerous or even fatal.
Alcohol Detox Centers
A lot of fear and uncertainty arise as people begin the detox process, which is why detox centers must prioritize creating a supportive and caring environment. Alcohol detox programs aim to make the alcohol detoxification process as smooth and comfortable as possible. During treatment, guests are monitored throughout the detoxification process, and medical staff is on-site 24/7 to ensure safety and comfort. Medically supervised detox programs also utilize evidence-based practices to ensure that each individual receives personalized care based on their unique needs.
Help For Alcohol Addiction
At Royal Life Detox, we understand that acknowledging the need for help is the first critical step towards recovery. With that understanding comes our commitment to providing an environment that fosters growth, self-discovery, and lasting change. Our comprehensive treatment programs are designed by experts in the field of addiction medicine, integrating evidence-based therapies with holistic wellness practices to address all facets of alcohol abuse and dependence. Whether it’s through individual counseling sessions, group therapy, or innovative wellness activities, every aspect of our program is aimed at empowering individuals to reclaim control over their lives and embark on a fulfilling journey toward sobriety.
Royal Life Detox not only helps our guests safely rid their bodies of alcohol toxins but also provides them with the tools and resources needed for ongoing recovery. We believe in treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – during this delicate time of transition. To do so, our detox professionals work closely with our guests to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses their physical, emotional, and psychological needs. To do so, our program incorporates intensive therapy sessions, educational workshops, and holistic activities. As a result, our alcohol detox program empowers individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.
What Happens After Medically Assisted Alcohol Detox?
After completing a medical detox at Royal Life Detox, our guests will begin a comprehensive, collaborative approach to treatment. We have designed this program to support physical and mental wellness and promote a lasting, sober lifestyle. You’ll be happy to know that all of our addiction specialists, from our therapists and case managers to our facility staff, are dedicated to providing the best care and support available. Our holistic, research-based approach to psychotherapy and healing incorporates individual and group sessions as well as activity, movement, and adventure therapies to create one program that treats mind, body, and spirit. We encourage you to reach out to one of our caring and compassionate admissions coordinators to learn more about your journey toward sobriety and beyond.
Our guests are encouraged to begin their recovery journey in our residential inpatient program and continue with us through PHP, IOP, OP, and sober living at our beautiful and comfortable graduate housing residences. Here at Royal Life Detox, our guests are always our top priority. We consistently do all we can to inspire lasting change, so that they might continue to lead healthy, sober lives long after they have left our care. It is not just our goal, but it is also our mission to provide the best care possible, to save lives. Because We Care.
Alcohol Detox and Rehab in Prescott, Arizona
Recovery is a lifelong journey, and receiving comprehensive care is key to maintaining sobriety and living a fulfilling life free from the grips of alcohol addiction. Royal Life Detox can provide the help you need to quit drinking and stay sober.
If you or a loved one has an alcohol use disorder, please reach out to us to discuss alcohol detox and addiction treatment options near you. Our admissions staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Because We Care.
