Alcohol Abuse and Dependency
In the United States and abroad alcohol is still the most socially accepted method of ”partying”. When a young person turns 21, gets married, or when a couple has their first child, the tradition of celebration will usually involve alcohol at some level. Alcoholism by simple definition is a person (alcoholic) who is physically unable to stop drinking with out medical intervention. In addition, an alcoholic man or woman may have a predisposition due to family history and genetics. The Journal of American Medical Association defines alcoholism as “a primary, chronic disease characterized by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking.”
There are many treatment options for the craving and withdrawal process of giving up alcohol, and based on the factors of the dependent person, along with that person’s sociological and psychological history, one of these options will be best for the alcoholic. Alcohol detox should always be medically managed. Believe it or not, it is easier to die from alcohol withdrawal then a drug like heroin. Getting free from alcohol can be traumatic to the individual’s body. Please do not attempt an at home detoxification for alcohol detox as seizures, DT’s (delirium tremors), headaches, and vomiting are just some of the symptoms. For more information on safe and comfortable alcohol detox there are addiction specialist doctors who use various protocols and medication for withdrawal.
In the Los Angeles and Dallas areas there are addiction centers specializing in an outpatient approach. Each client is offered a free phone consultation and then if appropriate for their clinic medically, financially, and socially, they will be scheduled for an educational seminar or doctor’s appointment. Here is the direct number to the Los Angeles Recovery Center - 310 496 5505, and the Murray Hill Recovery center in Dallas - 214 234 2400. If you are out of the area and need a referral call them and ask them for a referral in your area. A free phone consultation is a nice service that the Los Angeles Recovery Center and the Murray Hill Recovery Center offers to the community.
Treating an alcoholic who is through the detoxification process can occur in several levels of care. Inpatient at a hospital is the most restrictive level of care. Residential alcohol rehab has become the most used level of care because the cost is more affordable for the alcoholic that needs to be in an environment where they live away from home for a period of time. Outpatient treatment for alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence is growing in the insurance sector and the private pay sector. The reason for this growth is based on the flexibility that an out patient will be given in regards to schedule. When an alcoholic person seeking recovery from alcohol goes to a hospital program, and has to be away from their home, it can be very disruptive for the rest of the family. In addition most men and women abusing alcohol are frequently in jeopardy with their employer. Therefore outpatient alcohol facilities are really beginning to make an impact.
Alcohol treatment centers are a billion dollar a year business. It is very likely that those who have insurance or financial means will be in the best position to choose where they receive treatment, at what level they receive treatment, and what type of doctors they see in regards to their treatment. However, regardless of the income bracket - any alcoholic that wants to be sober can find help!
Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous are free. Places like the Los Angeles Recovery Center and the Murray Hill Recovery Center mentioned above will be up front and let you know if you suffer from alcohol misuse, alcohol abuse, or alcohol dependency. There are federally funded programs, state funded programs, and city funded programs along with non-profit programs available. It just takes the willingness to truly address the issue - is the alcoholic ready to stop drinking?
Overcome Addiction wants to help you to find the best way for you to get sober and stay sober. We believe in a sound approach that addresses your situation medically, nutritionally, and psychologically. If you or a loved one is seeking to speak to a medical doctor concerning your alcohol treatment options please call the Los Angeles Recovery Center at 310 496 5505, or the Murray Hill Recovery Center at 214 234 2400, or fill out a contact form and we will get back with you and assist if we can with any information needed to help you make the right decision.
