Alcohol addiction is a common problem that can lead to serious consequences. Increased stress, social pressures, and financial strain lead many to struggle with alcohol abuse and addiction. Because alcohol is legal and a major part of social life, it’s hard to know when social or habitual drinking turns into alcohol addiction. At the same time, it’s equally hard to avoid alcohol in daily American life. At NuLife Behavioral Health, we help clients recover from alcohol addiction through substance abuse treatment.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, NuLife Behavioral Health can help. Our substance abuse treatment programs help clients in Massachusetts and beyond recover. Call us now at 888.568.2057 to learn more about NuLife Behavioral Health’s alcohol addiction treatment centers.
Am I Addicted to Alcohol?
Alcohol addiction is notorious for creeping up on people. Social drinking can quickly become habitual and lead to a dependence on alcohol. Addiction occurs when the body goes through withdrawals and a person craves alcohol. These cravings are intense and hard to ignore with willpower alone. Signs of alcohol addiction include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Craving alcohol
- Blackouts
- Aggression
- Mood swings
- Profuse sweating
- Tremors
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
- Changes in sleep habits
- Dehydration
Other signs include withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms are stronger than a hangover and more persistent. They are best treated with professional medical help to mitigate health problems and prevent relapse.
While people may feel more outgoing while drunk, alcohol is a depressant. It works by slowing down messages from the brain to the body. This causes slurred speech, loss of balance, and memory problems. Over time, this can increase depression and anxiety. For those with pre-existing mood disorders, alcohol can worsen symptoms and wreak havoc on the body’s organ systems.
Understanding Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Today, at least half of people living with alcohol addiction also have co-occurring mood disorders. For many, alcohol’s price, accessibility, and social acceptance make it an easy thing to use for self-medicating and self-soothing. While drinking may momentarily relieve painful thoughts and emotions or lift someone’s mood, in the long run, it will have the opposite effect.
When the brain and body begin to depend on alcohol for certain chemical processes, it’s time for alcohol addiction treatment. Dual diagnosis for mental health concerns is an essential part of alcohol addiction treatment. Traditional behavioral therapies and alternative therapies can help uncover the root cause of alcohol abuse and addiction. Studies show that when someone receives proper diagnosis and treatment for mood disorders, unprocessed trauma, and prolonged stress, their addiction triggers become less frequent and even disappear. At NuLife Behavioral Health, we understand the relationship between mental wellness and addiction recovery.
Comprehensive Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts
Alcohol addiction affects people from all walks of life. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol and mental health, know you are not alone. NuLife Behavioral Health is here to help. We believe the best way to help our clients is by meeting them where they are. This means providing comprehensive treatment for each client’s needs. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere, our clinics give clients and their loved ones the space and support they need to recover together. Our programs provide a range of outpatient options and referrals for residential and aftercare programs. No matter where you are in your recovery, we can help. Call 888.568.2057 today to get started.