– Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic brain disease characterized by continued alcohol use despite negative consequences. This is a common disorder, affecting 29.5 million Americans ages 12 and older each year. The good news is that no matter how serious the AUD, most people benefit from treatment.
According to NIAAA, research shows that one-third of people who are treated for AUD have no further symptoms one year later.
Many others substantially reduce their drinking and report no additional alcohol-related problems. This means that people do get better and go on to lead healthy, productive lives.
Lotus Recovery provides evidence-based treatment and holistic therapies to help people stop drinking and find healthy ways to cope with stress. Our convenient outpatient programs allow individuals to receive a high level of treatment while returning home at the end of the day. As individuals progress through treatment, they spend more time in the real world, applying their skills and rebuilding their lives.
What is an Alcohol Use Disorder?
For many people, alcohol is intricately woven into their social lives. Coworkers gather after work for drinks, spouses enjoy cocktails on date night and many others unwind with a glass of wine or beer after a long day. This can make it hard to identify when casual drinking has crossed the line into unhealthy drinking.
So what makes alcohol use “unhealthy”? When people drink alcohol despite negative consequences, it’s said that their drinking is unhealthy. Those who drink every day or in binges have an increased risk for developing AUD. This is a chronic, relapsing condition that occurs because of changes in the brain. It’s important to know this, as just because you stop drinking does not mean the AUD goes away.
Alcohol use disorder is not due to a lack of discipline. It is a brain disease that can be inherited. Changes can also occur in the brain with repeated alcohol use, causing you to crave alcohol, lose control of your drinking and require greater quantities to achieve the same effects (tolerance). If you try to quit or cut back, you’re likely to experience withdrawal symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of an Alcohol Use Disorder
If alcohol is legal and socially acceptable, then how can you tell the difference between casual drinking and a drinking problem? Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that ranges from mild to severe. Severe AUDs are very noticeable because they impact every aspect of life. But, there are also indications that you may be experiencing a mild AUD. By getting ahead of the problem, you can avoid more serious consequences.
The signs and symptoms of AUD are:
- Drinking more or longer than intended
- Unable to cut down or quit
- Spending a lot of time drinking
- Experiencing strong cravings
- Trouble managing your responsibilities
- Continuing to drink despite problems
- Engaging in risky situations
- Giving up previously enjoyed activities
- Drinking more to get the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
When it is Time for Alcohol Rehab in Thousand Oaks?
When alcohol starts to interfere with your life, you can probably benefit from treatment. At-risk drinking is typically defined by the amount of alcohol someone drinks. Heavy drinking is having 4 or more drinks a day for men, and 3 or more drinks a day for women. However, no amount of alcohol is safe. Even small amounts on a regular basis can increase the risk for heart disease, pancreatitis, injuries and accidents, liver problems and cancer.
Binge drinking is also a concern and is defined by the amount of alcohol a person drinks in 2-3 hours. Men who binge drink consume 5 or more drinks in 2-3 hours, while women who binge drink consume 4 or more drinks in 2-3 hours. Engaging in this type of heavy drinking can lead to serious injuries, a higher risk for certain diseases and an increased risk for AUD.
However, more important than how much you drink is how the alcohol is affecting you. Once alcohol starts to interfere with your life and loved ones begin to express concern, it’s time to seek help. Even mild AUD is deserving of quality treatment services.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Thousand Oaks
Alcohol use disorder can be mild, moderate or severe. You will be given a diagnosis based on the symptoms you’re experiencing. The good news is that no matter how severe the drinking problem is, help is available. The treatment process for AUD includes the following:
Detoxification
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, so it’s important to detox under medical supervision. This unpleasant first step often involves symptoms like sweating, anxiety, increased heart rate, tremors, nausea, vomiting and insomnia. Fortunately, medically managed detox is a safer and easier way to get through this process. Not only will you receive 24/7 monitoring, but also you’ll have access to various therapies and medications to keep you comfortable, including intravenous fluids, vitamins and benzodiazepines.
Once you go through detox, you can start the recovery process.
Medications
There are three medications approved by the FDA for treating AUD: naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram. These medications lessen cravings, reduce withdrawal symptoms and rebalance chemicals in the brain.
Family Counseling
This form of therapy helps families face the consequences of alcohol use and identify harmful behaviors such as codependency and enabling.
Mutual Help Groups
These groups include 12-step meetings—Alcoholics Anonymous— where participants support one another in their recovery.
Counseling and Behavior Therapies
Cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement therapy are two popular options for treating AUD. The goal is to help individuals adjust the patterns of thinking that led to alcohol use while strengthening their commitment to abstain from alcohol.
Taking Back Your Life, One Step at a Time.
If you are ready to stop drinking, Lotus Recovery is here for you. At our alcohol rehab in Thousand Oaks, CA we use evidence-based, integrated treatment that includes medication and therapy to help individuals change their drinking habits and maintain these changes long-term. We know that AUD can be especially difficult to recover from since alcohol can be found in most places, but with the right strategies and tools, you can learn how to take control of your thoughts and emotions and avoid alcohol as a coping mechanism.
frequently asked question
We provide a comprehensive range of alcohol addiction treatment options in Thousand Oaks, including personalized alcohol treatment programs, detoxification, individual and group therapy, counseling, and holistic therapies to support your recovery journey. Our alcohol rehab services are designed to meet your unique needs.
The duration of alcohol addiction treatment can vary based on individual needs and the severity of addiction. Our alcohol treatment programs in Thousand Oaks generally range from 30 days for intensive care to longer-term options that may last several months, depending on your progress through our drug and alcohol treatment programs.
During the alcohol addiction treatment process, specifically alcohol detox in Thousand Oaks, individuals will be closely monitored by our medical staff to ensure safety and comfort. Withdrawal symptoms may occur, and medications may be administered to alleviate discomfort as part of our comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment approach.
After completing our alcohol rehab program in Thousand Oaks, we offer continued support through aftercare services, which may include outpatient therapy, support groups, and ongoing counseling. This helps ensure a smoother transition back to daily life and reduces the risk of relapse, supporting your overall alcohol addiction treatment and recovery journey.