Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Lakewood, CO
Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the world. The NCADD found that one out of every 12 American adults struggles with alcohol dependence or abuse. This figure does not include Americans engaging in risky use patterns that can lead to addiction. If you or someone you love is struggling with dependency, alcohol addiction treatment in Lakewood is within reach.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction presents itself in different forms, all of which have varying levels of intensity. During the first stage, individuals may engage in risky drinking behaviors such as driving under the influence or excessive partying. At this point, heavy drinking and even binge drinking may be present but the individual is not yet dependent on alcoholic substances.
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, surfaces later on. Most alcoholics cannot remember the point at which they became addicted, which is why it is crucial to seek out alcohol addiction treatment in Lakewood as early as possible. Doing so can prevent health problems, legal consequences and other complications caused by addiction.
Dependence to alcohol is defined as a chronic and uncontrollable need for the substance despite knowing the consequences involved. The most common symptoms include the following:
- Shakiness or dizziness
- Aches and pains
- Blacking out
- Unexplainable mood swings, anger or violent outburst
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Unwarranted anxiety or paranoia
In addition to these symptoms, certain behaviors can serve as warning signs of a serious and life-threatening addiction. The following are most apparent in alcoholics:
- Self-isolation
- Drinking first thing in the morning or at odd times
- Drinking as a form of coping
- Drinking as a response to boredom
If you notice any of these behaviors in yourself or a loved one, seek out help in the form of alcohol addiction rehab immediately.
What Health Risks are Associated with Alcoholism?
Alcoholism can wreak havoc on your body, mind and spirit. For starters, it disrupts healthy communication pathways in the brain which can result in memory loss, mental illness and behavioral changes. In addition to this, alcohol addiction damages the heart. High blood pressure, irregular heart beat and even strokes can occur as a result. The liver is also significantly impacted by chronic drinking. Cirrhosis of the liver and steatosis are common among long-term and heavy drinkers.
Various types of cancer such as stomach, mouth and liver cancer are all connected as well. Excessive alcohol consumption weakens the immune system. This means that alcoholics may be more susceptible to illnesses and experience longer-lasting symptoms. The only way to prevent health problems such as the ones discussed is to begin your alcohol addiction recovery journey as soon as possible.
Why is Rehabilitation Necessary?
Willpower alone is often times not enough to beat addiction. Like any other chronic disease, alcoholism requires professional help such as our drug addiction intervention in Lakewood. By seeking out alcohol addiction treatment in Lakewood, you are equipping yourself with the tools you need to fight cravings, avoid triggers and replace self-destructive behaviors. During rehabilitation, you can look forward to the following services:
- 24/7 support and supervision
- Various types of therapy
- Community-building activities
- Developing healthy coping strategies
- Getting to know like-minded people
- Exploring new interests and hobbies
Therapy plays a large role in treatment. Alcoholism treatment centers tend to offer a wide variety of options to patients. The most popular is individual counseling. During this, you get one-on-one time with a reputable therapist in our relapse prevention program in Lakewood who can help you work through problems, identify triggers and stressors in your life and help you develop healthy coping strategies to fight cravings.
Group counseling is also common and gives patients the opportunity to share experiences, build healthy friendships and work on community-building activities. Alternative programs such as art therapy, music therapy and mindfulness strategies may also be offered in your local Lakewood treatment centers. All of the therapies mentioned tackle different issues. This is why it is important to experience all of the options available in treatment programs.
If you or someone you care about is stuck in the destructive cycle of addiction, you don't need to feel alone. Start your journey towards recovery today with alcohol addiction treatment in Lakewood. Call Lakewood Drug Rehab Centers today at (877) 804-1531.