Alcoholism Treatment in Cleveland OH (877) 804-1531

Alcoholism treatment includes various medication and psychotherapy programs for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder includes both alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence, with treatment often required to help people break the bonds of addiction.

Cleveland Drug Treatment Centers understands that patients benefit from rehab that includes medical detox, behavioral therapy and group counseling, and other alternative alcoholism treatment programs to best fit the needs of every person. To find out more about available treatment services, please call (877) 804-1531.

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is also known as alcohol use disorder and alcohol dependence syndrome, with the previous classification of this disorder split up into alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Alcoholism is defined by the compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, with dependence defined by tolerance and the existence of a withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of use. Alcoholism causes a wide array of health and social problems, with individuals often needing formal treatment to get sober and address the precedents of addiction. Medication treatment is often used to treat alcoholism, with behavioral therapy and relapse prevention systems also initiated during residential and aftercare programs.

Adverse Effects of Alcohol Abuse

The long-term use of alcohol can cause a number of negative health effects, with alcohol use affecting the brain, heart, liver, pancreas and immune system. Possible problems from alcohol abuse include dementia, epilepsy, pancreatitis, sexual dysfunction, peptic ulcers, nutritional deficiencies and heart disease. Long-term drinkers are also at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, alcoholic liver disease, malabsorption and cancer, with damage to the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system also possible in severe cases.

The extensive abuse of alcohol can also cause psychological problems, with heavy drinkers more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders than the rest of the community. Heavy drinkers are also at a greater risk of developing social problems through brain changes, with social skills significantly impaired in people with alcoholism. Psychosis, mental confusion and organic brain syndrome can also develop as a result of extensive alcohol abuse, with existing schizophrenia and panic disorders made worse through extensive and long-term drinking.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

The alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be dangerous, with medications and medical support often required during detox to support patients through the process. Possible symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include sweating, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, depression, seizures, delirium tremens, hallucinations, shakes and possible heart failure. A post-acute or protracted withdrawal syndrome is also likely in severe cases, with the effects of depression sometimes sticking around for months or even years after alcohol discontinuation. Medications are typically used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and smooth out the detox process, with benzodiazepines commonly prescribed along with naltrexone and other drugs. There are currently four medications approved for alcoholism in the United States: disulfiram, two forms of naltrexone, and acamprosate.

Alcoholism Treatment

A range of behavioral therapy programs are used to treat alcoholism, with relapse prevention systems also playing an important role in supporting long-term recovery. Common behavioral therapy modalities used to treat alcoholism include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational incentives, motivational interviewing, and family therapy. Conventional counseling is also used to treat alcohol use disorder, with 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous

(AA) supporting recovering alcoholics once they have left the formal treatment environment. Aftercare programs can also be useful in treating alcoholism, with practical support and psychological guidance offered to patients through residential and out-patient programs.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from addiction to alcohol, it's important to seek the help of professionals. Cleveland Drug Treatment Centers can help you find rehab programs and treatment facilities that will help you overcome addiction. Dial (877) 804-1531 today.