Alcoholism Treatment Programs Saint Louis
Alcoholism is a progressive and chronic disease which includes problems controlling the amount and frequency of drinking. Addiction is characterized by a preoccupation with drinking, a continuation of drinking despite the problems it causes, needing more alcohol to obtain the same effects (physical dependence), and withdrawal symptoms occurring when decreasing or stopping drinking. People with alcoholism can't anticipate quantities they will drink, the duration of drinking, or the resulting consequences.
Alcoholism treatment is needed for sustained sobriety. Alcoholism treatment in residential rehab centers is available for those who need to get and stay sober. Find treatment centers today when you call Saint Louis Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.
History of Alcoholism
In 1849, Dr. Magnus Huss made the connection from alcohol to harmful and negative consequences inebriation caused, then physicians realized there was a connection. The doctor identified excessive drinking led to harmful and extreme consequences. He identified the consequences to include poor health, deteriorating family relationships and mental illnesses. Alcoholism treatment was not a recognized form of doctor treatment plans before this time.
Alcohol Abuse VS. Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol abuse is abusing drinking, but is not alcoholism. Binge drinking is drinking excessively at one time, which causes repeated problems but doesn't cause physical dependency.
The same health risks and harmful consequences are caused by binge drinking as by alcoholism. Binge drinking is defined as a habit of consuming four to five or more drinks in one sitting. The risks for alcoholism and developing alcoholism increases with repeated binge drinking.
Alcohol addiction (alcoholism) is a physical and mental dependency on drinking. Withdrawal symptoms occur if a drinker tries to decrease or stop drinking.
Alcoholism Dangers
Many dangerous effects of alcoholism exist, here are but some of the more serious complications:
- Alcoholic hepatitis is a serious liver inflammation. It may also destroy or scar liver tissue (cirrhosis).
- Alcohol dementia is caused by long term alcohol abuse and causes defects within the nervous system leading to disorientation, confusion, short term memory loss and dementia.
- Cancer has been associated with the long term use of alcohol with higher rates of mouth, throat, liver and colon cancer being recorded.
Alcoholism Intervention
Most problem drinkers are typically in denial. They deny they have a serious problem. Seemingly ignoring the harmful consequences they experience with drinking, they continue to drink. Interventions are when concerned people in the drinker's life meet to convince the drinker to seek professional help. The meeting centers on how the person's drinking has negatively affected everyone's lives. Treatment is offered and bottom lines if no treatment is sought, are outlined.
Alcoholism Treatment
Residential alcoholism treatment begins with a safe medically supervised detoxification to eliminate all toxins in the body using prescribed medications. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol without medication can be severe, painful and sometimes death can occur. A medical detox is necessary to avoid health complications or inadvertently dying.
After detox, various therapies begin. Psychotherapy, group meetings, behavioral therapy and other therapeutic methods such as music, yoga, art, equine, biofeedback and sometimes spiritual counseling are administered.
Antabuse (Disulfiram) is a prescription medication administered under a doctor's care. Its purpose is to help a person overcome substance abuse, but it is not a cure. It does discourage a recovering substance abuser from drinking by making alcohol uncomfortable to consume. Severe hangover effects are felt immediately after drinking.
Getting Help for Alcoholism
Many drug treatment centers offer comprehensive alcohol treatment which can help you or a loved one stop drinking and overcome alcoholism. We are ready to take your call and and help you find treatment centers. Call Saint Louis Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531.