Today, alcohol addiction is the most common type of substance used in the United States. Millions of Americans use this substance regularly, and nearly every form of media shows alcohol use as a normal activity. Unfortunately, excessive alcohol use can spiral into substance abuse. This can cause an individual to then develop an addiction to this substance. Consequently, this can lead to a range of physical and mental health concerns.
Alcoholism requires specialized treatment to prevent the damaging effects of substance abuse. Therefore, if you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use disorder, it’s time to look for substance abuse treatment centers and treatment options.
At our alcohol and drug addiction treatment center in Danvers, Massachusetts, we can provide you with the tools necessary to put substance abuse behind you. You can move into the future with strength and confidence!
What is Alcoholism and How Does it Affect the Human Body?
Alcoholism is a condition characterized by frequent alcohol abuse and an individual’s inability to manage their drinking habits. People who suffer from this type of substance misuse continue to drink despite the negative side effects that come with consuming too much alcohol. Regardless of physical, social, or psychological ramifications, the addicted will continue to seek out and drink this substance.
Alcohol affects the human brain and body in many ways. For example, consuming large amounts of alcohol consistently can lead to a higher tolerance. This is dangerous as addicted individuals over time have to drink higher quantities of alcohol to continue to feel the desired effects of the substance, exacerbating any problems caused by their frequent consumption.
How Alcohol Affects the Body
Consuming vast quantities of alcohol, like any drug, can lead to a variety of different health conditions. Excessive drinking in particular has a profound and damaging effect on human health. When misused, this substance produces both short-term and long-term side effects — some of which may be irreversible.
Short-Term Effects of Alcohol
In the short term, the following side effects can occur due to consuming too much alcohol:
- Hangovers
- Blurry vision
- Restlessness
- Falls or accidents
- Alcohol poisoning
- Difficulty breathing
- Lowered inhibitions
- Interpersonal conflict
- Reduced brain activity
- Risky or violent behavior
- Poor reflexes and slow reaction time
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol
The long-term effects of alcohol misuse may be more concerning than the short-term side effects. While the severity of symptoms depends on the frequency of consumption, the amount consumed, hydration levels, or whether the person was eating food, serious and persistent health effects may still occur. The long-term effects of alcohol on the body include the following:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cognitive impairment
- Cardiovascular disease
- Folate deficiency or malnutrition
- Diseases of the liver such as cirrhosis
- Increased risk for cancers such as those of the esophagus, breast, or mouth
Alcohol misuse is considered to be one of the four leading causes of preventable death. This puts it in the same category as other health-damaging substances such as cigarettes. Moreover, alcohol can affect more than a person’s physical health. Every aspect of a person’s life may be impacted by abusing alcohol, such as mental health, work performance, financial stability, and interpersonal relationships.
How Alcohol Abuse Affects the Brain
Not only does alcohol misuse substantially affect a person’s body, but the human brain also experiences alterations in function. As alcohol enters the brain, it increases the levels of dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) being released. These chemical messengers create a feel-good effect that reinforces the consumption of alcohol so that you continue experiencing the pleasurable sensations caused by alcohol.
Unfortunately, the frequent abuse of alcohol can take a tremendous toll on the brain and produce negative cognitive side effects over time, such as:
- Dementia
- Memory loss
- Problems with learning
- Hindered mental functioning
- Worsening mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression
The Dangers of Binge Drinking
Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, can develop from bad habits surrounding alcohol use. Binge drinking, an act that can lead to a dependency on alcohol, refers to when a person downs large quantities of alcohol intending to get intoxicated in a short period of time. While this may seem like a harmless way to get the most out of your alcohol, it is a very dangerous practice.
Binge drinking is associated with several consequences including hangovers, alcohol poisoning, violent behavior, crime, and accidents in the short term. In the long term, the development of alcoholism can occur as an individual’s body becomes more and more accustomed to handling large amounts of alcohol. This can cause the misuse of alcohol to develop into a fully realized substance abuse that leads to many of the health consequences previously mentioned.
Do You Need Treatment for Alcoholism?
Since American society widely accepts alcohol use, it’s often hard for people to determine whether or not they need to seek out an alcoholism rehab center. However, alcohol and drug addiction treatment specialists recognize a range of symptoms that indicate if someone is abusing this substance. Signs of alcohol use disorder may include:
- Not attending professional, social, or family events to drink instead
- Commonly using most or all of your time to obtain, drink, or recover from drinking alcohol
- Continuing to drink despite developing harmful mental and physical side effects from your drinking
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as shakiness or headaches, when you do not use alcohol
- Getting into dangerous situations because of your alcohol use, such as engaging in unprotected sex or drunk driving
- Being unable to meet all of your responsibilities at work, home, or school because you feel that you must drink instead
If you’ve struggled with several of these criteria, then it may be time to seek substance abuse treatment for alcohol use disorder. At Chapters Recovery, we provide individualized care using evidence-based practices centered around The Big Book of AA.
Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Program
Our Massachusetts rehab center offers outpatient drug and alcohol rehab services. In an outpatient substance addiction treatment program, individuals can receive treatment and support services without having to live at a treatment center. They can continue living at home or in another safe, sober environment and attend treatment and therapy sessions during the day.
There are multiple types of outpatient treatment programs for addiction. Two specific types include partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs. These approaches provide support services that help sustain sobriety and promote long-term recovery.
Our Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center in Massachusetts
Here at Chapters Recovery, we offer treatment for those who are suffering from alcohol addiction as well as addictions to other substances. Our recovery programs are part of our individualized treatment plan and offer personalized care to our clients.
If you have been searching for rehab centers in Massachusetts, look no further than our alcohol and drug addiction treatment center here in Danvers. Our approach to alcohol and drug rehab includes various programs and evidence-based therapies to help you find the freedom you deserve. Our therapeutic approaches include:
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
No matter what level of treatment you require, you’ll spend a significant amount of your time in our care in one of our evidence-based therapy programs. Based on your unique needs, we can provide a customized treatment plan, ensuring that you get the tools you need to stay sober outside of treatment.
Contact Our Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center Today!
Here at Chapters Recovery Center, we strive to help our clients begin a new chapter of their life. Our treatment professionals are dedicated to creating the best possible treatment plan for each client. Our drug and alcohol rehab center can help you through your recovery process.
Whether you’re struggling with an addiction to alcohol or another drug, we can provide the care you need. Let our drug and alcohol rehab programs help you find freedom. Our treatment facility offers high-quality behavioral healthcare. Our treatment practices make us one of the best drug alcohol and addiction treatment centers in Massachusetts.
To learn more about our drug and alcohol addiction treatment services and discover which treatment program will best suit your unique needs, contact us today!