How Can We Help You?
Alcoholism treatment program
Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances in the most countries across the globe. Drug rehab treatment programs can help recover. Addiction to alcohol can be notoriously difficult to detect, for several reasons, including the following:
– Alcohol is legally available almost everywhere at a reasonable affordable cost, which means access is never a problem
– Alcohol use is regarded as socially acceptable – even, in some cases, socially desirable
– Because the use of alcohol is so widespread, behaviours associated with overindulgence are normalized
– Alcohol intoxication is rarely treated as a serious condition; on the contrary, friends and onlookers often find it amusing
What all of this means is that when we observe someone who is under the influence of alcohol, we accept their behaviour as “normal”, and we continue to regard it as such when we encounter the individual in a setting not usually associated with alcohol. Not only do friends, family members and peers not realize that there is a problem – in many cases, the addicted person doesn’t even know. As a result, by the time the individual or a loved one seeks help, the individual is addicted to the point of being at risk of serious withdrawal complications. By being aware of the signs of mild, moderate and severe alcohol abuse, people can get the help they need sooner, before lasting damage is done to their health and their relationships.
CALL OUR TOLL FREE HELP LINE NOW 855 885 5805
Alcohol Addiction Signs
The 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) has laid out eleven criteria that may indicate alcohol addiction. These are as follows:
– The individual drinks more than intended, or for a longer time
– The individual has wanted more than once to reduce or eliminate alcohol use, but has been unable to
– The individual spends a lot of time drinking or recovering from the ill effects of alcohol intoxication
– The individual has had alcohol cravings to the extent of being unable to think of anything else
– Alcohol use – or the ill effects of intoxication – have interfered with the individual’s ability to meet family, work or school obligations
– The individual has continued drinking in spite of it damaging relationships with friends or family members
– The individual has favoured drinking over previously favoured activities
– The individual’s alcohol use has resulted in an increased risk of harm such as driving, operating machinery, or engaging in unsafe sex while intoxicated
– The individual has continued to drink in spite of detrimental effects to physical or mental health
– Larger volumes of alcohol are needed to produce the desired effects
– The individual experiences withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, restlessness, nausea, shaking or sweating
The individual is regarded to have mild alcohol use disorder if two or three of these symptoms are present, moderate if there are four or five symptoms, and severe if there are six symptoms or more.
The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal
As an individual increases their use of alcohol, they develop a dependence to it. This means that their body becomes so accustomed to its presence that when they attempt to stop using it, they experience withdrawal symptoms that can range from being uncomfortable and frightening to being life-threatening.
Withdrawal symptoms include the following:
– Mental health concerns including depression, anxiety and panic
– Digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramping
– Headaches
– Sleeping problems including nightmares and insomnia
– Irritability, anger and uncharacteristic outbursts
– High blood pressure and an increased heart rate
– Chills and/or hot flashes
– Sweating, shaking and shivering
– Confusion and/or difficulty concentrating
In severe cases of withdrawal, the individual can experience delirium tremens, or DTs. Symptoms of this include:
– Extreme confusion and disorientation
– Extreme agitation
– A fever
– Auditory, visual or tactile hallucinations (hearing, seeing or feeling things that are not really there)
– Seizures
Delirium tremens can be life threatening, and should be regarded as a medical emergency. Anyone should these symptoms should be taken to an emergency room immediately.
Medical Detox for Alcohol Addiction
Because alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be so serious, it is not advisable for those with alcohol addictions to attempt to quit by themselves. A far safer option is medical detox: a process whereby the individual is supervised by doctors through the withdrawal process. This ensures the safety of the patient, and allows for immediate treatment of withdrawal symptoms as they arise.
Our Approach To Alcohol Addiction Treatment
At our Toronto drug rehab , we believe in a holistic approach to alcohol addiction treatment. When you come through our doors, we do not just see an alcoholic. We see a human being who is in physical and mental anguish and who needs help. We do not treat the addiction, we treat the person. We understand that addictions happen for a reason, and that in order for the addict to recover, those root causes need to be addressed.