Alcohol addiction and alcohol use disorder affects people from all walks of life every day. Because alcohol is legal and a common aspect of social life, it may seem less harmful than illicit or prescription drugs. Unfortunately, alcohol is highly addictive and especially hard to quit using without medical intervention. Alcohol withdrawal can be physically, mentally, and emotionally painful. The team at Northpoint Recovery is here to help you and your loved ones safely undergo alcohol detox and recovery.
With inpatient recovery programs across Idaho, Northpoint Recovery can help you or someone you love to mitigate alcohol withdrawal with our comprehensive treatment programs. Call us now at 208.486.0130 to find the right program for you.
How Addictive Is Alcohol?
Alcohol may seem benign, but in reality, alcohol is highly addictive. Whether someone is a high functioning alcoholic who shows no signs of drunkenness or someone frequently appears intoxicated, alcohol use disorder affects people of all ages across the country. Because alcohol is legal, alcohol addiction can creep up on people. Many people may begin drinking more frequently to ease stress or deal with emotional and physical pain. Because alcohol alters brain chemistry, people can quickly go from social drinkers to habitual drinkers and develop alcohol use disorder.
What Is Alcohol Withdrawal?
Withdrawal occurs when the brain and body become dependent on alcohol. Like prescription and illicit drugs, prolonged alcohol use can change a person’s brain chemistry. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down the brain and body. That’s why people slur speech, have trouble walking, and have slower reflexes when intoxicated. Prolonged drinking can cause:
- Changes in heart rate
- Dehydration
- Acetaldehyde production in the liver
- Lack of coordination
- Slowed physical reaction times
- Stomach irritation
- Lack of nutrient absorption
- Nausea and dizziness
- Increased urination
Long-term side effects of alcohol include:
- Heart problems
- Cardiomyopathy
- Fatty Liver
- Cirrhosis
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney failure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Chronic dehydration
The longer someone drinks, the more intense withdrawal symptoms get. Unfortunately, willpower is not enough to overcome alcohol use disorder. Psychiatric and medical care in a detox program at Northpoint Recovery can help.
Treating Alcohol Withdrawal with Medical and Psychiatric Detox
Detox is the first step of alcohol use disorder recovery. Unfortunately, many people attempt to quit drinking at home. This often leads to alcohol poisoning and other health complications or death. Because alcohol is readily available, detoxing at home can seem impossible.
Medically assisted detox is a safe and effective approach to help mitigate withdrawal symptoms in inpatient rehab programs. By using medication to reduce symptoms, nurses and doctors help clients balance electrolytes, rehydrate, and manage any complications of alcohol use disorder.
Dual diagnosis treatment can help people find the root causes of alcohol use disorder. Most people who develop alcohol addictions self-medicate and self-soothe with alcohol. Whether they live with untreated anxiety and depression or self-treating unprocessed trauma and stress, self-medicating is common. Studies show at least half of people living with addiction have co-occurring mood disorders. Treating both co-currently can reduce cravings and help clients understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Ease Alcohol Withdrawal with Integrative Treatment at Northpoint Recovery Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use disorder, know you’re not alone. The clinical team at Northpoint Recovery is here to help ease withdrawal and provide medical and psychiatric tools for addiction recovery.
Our three-phase alcohol detox and recovery process help clients through each step of addiction recovery. With individual, group, and family therapy programs, clients at Northpoint Recovery receive comprehensive support for alcohol use disorder and co-occurring disorders.
Call Northpoint Recovery Now to Get Started with Alcohol Detox and Recover
Alcohol use disorder is common. If you’re struggling, don’t wait. Call Northpoint Recovery now at 208.486.0130 to find the right alcohol detox program for you.