Alcohol Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Alcohol addiction is a progressive disease, developing over time. It’s also known as alcoholism or a severe alcohol use disorder. The condition affects 28.9 million Americans ages 12 and older.

What could start as social or occasional drinking can slowly evolve into dependence, where controlling alcohol intake becomes increasingly difficult.

As the body and brain get more used to frequent consumption, the effects of alcohol get more harmful, affecting physical health, emotional well-being and personal relationships.

By understanding the signs, symptoms and potential treatment options for alcohol addiction, you can take the first step toward healing and recovery or help a loved one if you’re concerned about them.

How Alcoholism Progress

As mentioned, alcoholism is progressive, and without treatment, it worsens.

Early Stages of Alcoholism

In the early stages, alcohol consumption usually starts with social settings. That might mean sharing drinks with friends, at parties or during meals.

For many, drinking stays controlled and occasional, but for some, it can turn into a habit.

This stage often involves a subtle shift from casual drinking to using alcohol as a way to cope with stress or emotional struggles.

It can be hard to notice a problem at this point, as drinking might seem manageable.

Middle Stages of Alcoholism

As drinking gets more frequent, tolerance builds, so the person needs to have more alcohol to achieve the same effects, whether it’s to relax, feel confident or escape negative emotions.

Alcohol may start taking a central role in daily life, with people drinking more often or even alone.

It’s common for individuals at this stage to hide drinking habits or lie about how much they’re consuming, which can signal that alcohol is becoming a serious issue.

Late Stages of Alcoholism

In later stages, the use of alcohol becomes a physical dependence. The body relies on alcohol, leading to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, nausea, sweating and shaking when not drinking. At this point, alcohol consumption disrupts nearly every part of a person’s life.

Relationships suffer, work performance declines, and personal health deteriorates.

There’s a risk of developing alcohol-related diseases like liver damage and heart problems, as well as a weakened immune system.

The longer the misuse of alcohol continues, the harder it becomes to stop without professional intervention and help.

Signs That Drinking is Becoming a Problem

Recognizing the signs drinking is becoming an issue is critical to prevent further dependence.

Behavioral Signs

  • Drinking to Cope: Using alcohol to manage stress, anxiety, or emotional struggles rather than for enjoyment.
  • Inability to Control Drinking: Struggling to cut back or stop drinking, even when you want to reduce consumption.
  • Prioritizing Alcohol: Letting drinking take precedence over responsibilities, such as work, family obligations, or social commitments.

Physical Symptoms

  • Changes in Appearance: Noticeable weight loss, declining personal hygiene, or a constant feeling of fatigue are common signs.
  • Blackouts or Memory Loss: Inability to recall events after drinking, which can happen during episodes of heavy consumption.
  • Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing symptoms like shaking, sweating, nausea, or anxiety when not drinking, signaling physical dependence.

Psychological Symptoms

  • Mood Swings and Irritability: Increased frustration, anger, or emotional instability when alcohol is not available.
  • Denial or Justification: Downplaying the severity of drinking habits or making excuses to justify continued consumption.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction in Florida

The first step to treat alcohol addiction is often detoxification, which is a process where the body clears alcohol. Detox should be medically supervised to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Symptoms range from anxiety and nausea to more severe complications like seizures or delirium tremens.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment involves staying at our center for a structured, immersive approach.

At Palm City Wellness, inpatient treatment is the cornerstone of our strategy for alcohol addiction recovery. Inpatient treatment offers an environment to focus on your recovery without daily life’s distractions or triggers.

Individuals stay at our facility full-time during inpatient treatment, receiving around-the-clock support from licensed professionals.

Each day is structured with therapy sessions, group counseling, educational workshops and time for personal growth and reflection.

Inpatient treatment can be especially effective for individuals who have a history of relapse or who are dealing with co-occurring mental health conditions.

Therapies for Alcohol Addiction

At Palm City Wellness, we use evidence-based behavioral therapies to help you understand and overcome alcohol addiction.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is one example of a widely used approach helping with changing thought patterns that lead to drinking. When negative thoughts are replaced with healthier responses, CBT can help prevent relapse, encouraging more positive coping mechanisms.

Another treatment is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which can be particularly beneficial when someone is dealing with intense emotions or co-occurring mental conditions. DBT focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships with others. DBT gives them the tools they need to handle stress without turning to alcohol.

We offer a combination of therapy settings, including:

  • One-on-one individual sessions with a licensed therapist help explore the root causes of addiction while developing strategies to overcome it.
  • Sharing experiences in group therapy can heal, support, reduce isolation and promote community.
  • Family counseling is helpful as addiction often affects loved ones. Family therapy can repair relationships and educate family members on how to best support the recovery of their loved ones.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medications can have a vital role in recovery for some people.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves the use of medicines with FDA approval, like acamprosate and naltrexone, to reduce cravings and support sobriety. These medicines work by blocking alcohol’s effects on the brain or helping the brain adjust to functioning without alcohol.

MAT is most effective when used with therapy for a comprehensive recovery approach.

Ongoing Support and Aftercare

Recovery is an ongoing journey. Support doesn’t end after the initial treatment phase. At Palm City Wellness, we emphasize the importance of ongoing support and aftercare to maintain long-term sobriety.

This might include participating in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or time spent in sober living environments.

Why Palm City Wellness is the Best Choice for Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Florida

Holistic, Individualized Care

At Palm City Wellness, we believe in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Our approach goes beyond addressing the addiction itself, focusing on your overall well-being. Each treatment plan is personalized for your unique needs, ensuring the most effective recovery path.

Expertise in Dual Diagnosis

Many individuals struggling with alcoholism or other addictions also face underlying mental health issues.

Palm City Wellness specializes in dual diagnosis treatment. This focuses on addressing both addiction and mental health conditions simultaneously for more comprehensive and lasting recovery.

Compassionate, Supportive Environment

Our facility offers a peaceful, nurturing environment designed to foster healing. At Palm City Wellness, you will feel supported by a team that truly cares about your recovery journey.

Experienced, Multidisciplinary Team

Our licensed professionals, including therapists, counselors, and medical staff, work together to provide you with the highest level of care. This multidisciplinary approach ensures you receive the support and guidance you need from every recovery angle.

Insurance and Accessibility

We believe that quality addiction treatment should be accessible to everyone. Palm City Wellness works with major insurance providers to make treatment affordable, helping to minimize out-of-pocket costs while maximizing your benefits.

Take the First Step Today With Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Florida

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, Palm City Wellness can help. Contact us now for help with insurance verification and to explore treatment options. Our team is ready to support you on your journey to lasting recovery.

References:

  1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics
  2. NIH: Alcohol Use Disorder
  3. JAMA Network: Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
  4. Frontiers: Targeting Unmet Clinical Needs in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder

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