More than 15 million people in the United States are affected by alcohol addiction. Only 10% of people with alcohol use disorder seek treatment. Alcohol use disorder is characterized by heavy drinking or an individual consuming more than one alcoholic beverage daily for women and more than two drinks daily for men. Individuals who habitually use alcohol develop tolerance to the substance. It is pivotal that these individuals receive help.
When an individual consumes alcohol, release of chemicals in the brain produces a pleasurable feeling. Due to euphoric effects of alcohol, many people become addicted to the substance. After routine use of alcohol, many people find that they require increasing amounts of the drug to achieve the desired effect. This concept is known as tolerance. People who use alcohol on a regular basis typically experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal if they stop drinking suddenly. Alcohol addiction causes a variety of harmful physical, psychological, and social effects. Chronic, untreated alcohol use disorder frequently causes weight gain and liver cirrhosis. Alcohol addiction also commonly results in legal problems or turbulent relationships with significant others, friends and loved ones.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complicated, chronic brain disease often associated with relapse. The disease affects the person who drinks, as well as family and friends. Problems at home, work, or school frequently result from alcohol use disorder. Fortunately, there is hope for people with alcohol use disorder. Nashville Addiction Recovery treatment programs help people quit drinking and stay sober. We offer medical detox treatment to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, along with psychiatric support to address dangerous actions, behaviors, and habits. Identification of triggers and strategies to change or avoid them is an integral part of our program. We find the best results after treating the whole person, not just the illness, and tailor treatment plans specific to your needs. In short, we do what works for you. Following detox, we turn our attention to helping you set realistic short and long-term goals and focus on dual diagnosis, therapy, and medical management.
Alcohol affects brain chemistry after the first consumption of the substance. Upon exposure, the brain releases endorphins that cause pleasurable feelings. This rapid surge of endorphins makes people feel happy when they drink, causing them to continue. Cravings often follow and result in repeated use leading to intoxication. Alcohol is frequently used in social settings as a means of relieving anxiety and promoting conversation.
Release of endorphins caused by alcohol wears off after metabolism of the substance. As a result, feelings of happiness, pleasure, and satisfaction wane. As a results, many people continue to drink alcohol to experience the same feelings again or to prevent withdrawal. Routine alcohol use results in tolerance which is characterized by consumption of increased amounts of the substance to produce the desired effect. As an individual drinks more often, he or she usually suffers from adverse side-effects and requires professional treatment for alcohol use disorder.
As alcohol consumption increases, the brain becomes accustomed to heightened endorphin levels associated with alcohol intake. This stage of alcohol addiction is known as dependence and characterized by consumption of alcohol for the brain and body to function normally. As a result, when a person who is dependent on alcohol abruptly stops alcohol use, they experience symptoms of withdrawal.
Alcohol withdrawal is the body’s response to cessation of alcohol use. Symptoms of withdrawal include:
People with alcohol use disorder become physically and psychologically dependent on the substance. Men and women who are psychologically dependent on alcohol experience mental cravings for alcohol. During this stage of alcoholism, individuals will begin to experience negative side effects of drinking. Common negative side effects include financial, legal, and social issues. When individuals are addicted to alcohol, adverse effects do not motivate them to quit.
Common signs of alcohol use disorder include:
We are open 24/7/365 and available by phone, text, or email. Our assessment team will speak with you about your concerns and physical symptoms, as well as answer questions you may have. We will also ask you about mental health symptoms that you may be experiencing, such as depression or anxiety. Based on initial assessment our team of doctors and clinical experts will work with you to develop a treatment plan specifically for you. Your personal care team will be with you throughout recovery.
Following admission to our inpatient or outpatient treatment programs, we offer sober and therapeutic companions who are knowledgeable professionals supported by administrative infrastructure that allows for smooth planning, service coordination, and patient safety.
Nashville Addiction Recovery is a concierge acute medical detox and crisis intervention practice headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
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