What Are the Signs of Alcoholism?

What Are the Signs of Alcoholism?

Alcohol is a legal substance in almost every country and is commonly used for recreational reasons. Its widespread social acceptance makes it a substance that is quite easy to abuse. Knowing the point at which to seek help is critical in alcohol abuse. This is because alcohol could severely affect the body and brain if used unhinged. 

Grace Recovery is an inpatient drug rehab in Los Angeles. Call us today to learn more about our addiction treatment methods can help you overcome addiction.

Is Alcohol Addictive?

Yes, alcohol is quite addictive. The reason behind its addictiveness could be attributed to several reasons. We’ll examine two of those reasons in this section.

The Pleasure Factor

According to recent brain research, alcohol causes the release of feel-good opioids known as endorphins. Endorphins are released in two regions of the brain associated with reward processing when drinking alcohol. This feel-good factor that comes with alcohol makes people want to do it again. However, that is not where the addiction comes from.

Addiction starts over time because you must drink a lot more to achieve the same feel-good effects. To achieve greater endorphin release, you have to drink higher volumes, which is the addiction’s origin.

The Sense Numbing Factor

Alcohol is known as a central nervous system depressant which means that alcohol reduces brain activity. It does that by causing the secretion of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is the primary brain inhibitory neurotransmitter and causes sense-numbing problems like slurring speech, memory loss/blackouts, or walking difficulties.

Many people prefer to get to this state to “escape” from trauma. However, with continued use, the brain begins to resist the effects of GABA by secreting excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate. This will lead to drinking more volumes to achieve the same numbing results. Once the brain has started secreting glutamate in response to alcohol use, such a person would experience severe withdrawal symptoms like convulsions and tremors.

How Does Alcoholism Affect the Body?

Drinking too much alcohol can be very dangerous for human health. The effects of alcohol on the body can be classified into two categories: short-term health risks and long-term health risks. The short-term health risks include:

  • It could cause alcohol poisoning, a severe consequence of drinking too much alcohol quickly.
  • It could cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.
  • It could result in violent acts such as sexual assault, homicide, or suicide.

The long-term health risks include:

  • It could cause throat, voice box, breast, colon, and rectum cancer.
  • It could cause cognitive problems such as dementia.
  • It could lead to mental issues such as anxiety or depression.

What are the Signs of Alcoholism?

With alcohol being a legal substance everywhere, it could be hard to tell at times when it is becoming detrimental to your health. However, with the signs of alcoholism listed below, it should be easier to tell when you need help with your drinking habits.

  • Strong Urges to Drink: If you notice frequent urges to down some glasses of alcohol, you might need help with your alcohol habits. In periods of these urges, you might be unable to concentrate on anything else until you get a glass of alcohol.
  • Hiding Your Alcohol Habits: Whenever you notice you’ve started hiding your drinking habits from others, so they don’t tell you to stop, there might be a problem. 
  • Experiencing signs of alcohol withdrawal: Signs of alcohol withdrawal include tremors, rapid breathing, or confusion when staying away from alcohol for too long. If you start to notice any of this, that might be a dangerous sign.
  • Stopping important activities to drinking alcohol: Whenever you notice you need to stop school work, office work, or home activities to grab a drink, it could be a sign of alcoholism.
  • Developing tolerance for alcohol: If you notice you need larger amounts of alcohol to experience the same effects, that could be a serious sign of alcoholism.
  • Unable to stop drinking: If you find it impossible to stop yourself from drinking, that is a sign to seek help.
  • Drinking alcohol in risky situations: You might need to consult with someone if you’re using alcohol in situations requiring total concentration, such as driving or swimming.

Grace Recovery is an Alcohol Rehab Center in Los Angeles

Getting professional help is quite essential in alcoholism. Solving these issues on your own could be a hard path to freedom. If you’re in Los Angeles and would like to contact professionals, Grace Recovery is an excellent alcohol rehab center to use.

Whether you require a detox or rehab treatment, Grace Recovery can help you. Also, to help combat the withdrawal symptoms that follow alcohol abstinence, Grace Recovery has proven professionals who can hold your hand every step of the way. So reach out to us today for help with alcoholism signs and symptoms and recover at our drug and alcohol rehab center in Los Angeles.

What is the Alcohol Detox Timeline?

Most of us know that detox is part of the addiction process. However, unless you’ve been through detox yourself, it is difficult to know precisely the timeline and how it will affect you. In addition, each addiction is different in each person, and each time a person detoxes can be different as well. It’s also important to note that alcohol detox and alcohol withdrawal are not the same things. Detox programs are the central part of the treatment process for recovering from alcohol addiction.

 

At Grace Recovery, we believe in giving our clients all the tools they need to recover from their addiction and return to everyday life. We know that part of that has the information you need in order to know what to expect when you enter treatment. In this post, we will discuss alcohol, whether or not it is addictive, how alcohol affects the body, what happens when you detox from alcohol, the alcohol detox timeline and where to find alcohol detox programs in California.

 

Is Alcohol Addictive?

Like many drugs, alcohol is, in fact, highly addictive. One of the reasons for the prevalence of alcohol addiction in the United States is due to the wide availability of the substance. Not only can anyone of legal age buy alcohol, but there are a number of varieties and potencies of alcohol, meaning that it is easy to drink too much too often.

 

Not everyone realizes that alcohol is addictive in multiple forms. For some, drinking alcohol can lead to addiction quickly, whereas others can drink casually their whole lives and not become addicted. The form that the addiction takes changes depending on the person. Some people drink heavily every day, whereas others drink heavily in short bursts, known as binge drinkers. Both of these are forms of alcohol abuse.

 

How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?

Alcohol is typically classified as a depressant. In most cases, this means that it slows the motor functions of the individual as well as the speech reflexes and other neurological functions. One of the reasons alcohol is widely abused is that it is known to lower inhibitions. This leads to a feeling of relaxation and comfort that many people have trouble achieving without alcohol. As such many people began abusing alcohol in order to get this feeling, and as their tolerance increases, they continue to consume more and more.

 

Every time the person becomes dependent on me alcohol and may begin to Crave the substance even at the detriment of their own well-being. In some cases, it may cause blackouts and other dangerous behavior. 

 

What is the Alcohol Detox Timeline?

Detox can begin as soon as 6 hours after a person stops drinking. At this time, the person may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the amount the person drinks, the alcohol detox timeline ranges from about 1 to 3 days to 5 to7 days for most heavy drinkers.

 

While the alcohol is leaving their system, they will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild to severe. It is important during the person’s detox that they have maintained medical supervision as the withdrawal side effects can be life-threatening depending on the person’s medical history. Symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, and depression are likely to occur. While the alcohol may leave the person’s system relatively quickly, the long-term effects can last for years. These can include things like liver and kidney damage and damage to neurological functions.

 

How to Find Alcohol Detox Programs in California?

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction and you’ve decided it’s time to get treatment, the next step is to find a detox program in California. At Grace Recovery, we offer many treatment options and detox for those suffering from alcohol addiction. A highly trained medical staff carries out the detox process to ensure that every client is given the safest and most secure environment to complete their detox process.

 

Once detox is complete, the person can begin treatment at our luxurious treatment facility in Los Angeles that is focused on treating the root cause of the addiction and not just the alcohol itself. While not everyone realizes this, there is often more to alcohol addiction than just consuming the beverage itself. Typically, other factors would cause a person to drink, such as day-to-day stressors and triggers that they intend to cope with by using alcohol. Our treatment plans aim to give the client the tools they need to deal with these triggers and stressors so that they may return to a normal life free of alcohol.

We also offer aftercare services to continue the recovery once treatment has ended. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, don’t hesitate to contact Grace Recovery today.

How Does Vivitrol Work?

Becoming addicted to drugs is something that many people have to deal with even when they try their best to use the medication the right way, such as prescription opioids. Unfortunately, in the case of many drugs, the longer they are used, the more likely it is that a person will become addicted. Because of this, it’s important to know what options are available to help a person who has become addicted to giving them the best chance at recovery and long-term sobriety. 

 

At Grace Recovery we know how difficult addiction can be and we want to give all our clients and their families all the information they need to get clean and sober and return to a life free of addiction. In this post we will look at Vivitrol, what it’s used for, and also answer the question “how does Vivitrol work?” and whether or not it is an effective treatment for addiction. 

What Is Vivitrol? 

Vivitrol is the name brand of a drug called Naltrexone that is used to treat the effects of addiction. Specifically, Vivitrol is an injection that blocks some of the effects of opioids. The purpose of Vivitrol is to make a person less dependent on opioids. It is used as an additional medication in combination with traditional addiction treatment. 

 

While Vivitrol is useful in mitigating the effects and dependence on drugs like opioids, which are highly addictive and can cause a person to become chemically dependent quite easily, it is not a cure for addiction, nor can it treat addiction alone. Instead, it is used as a supplement to professional care at a licensed treatment facility. When used in combination with medically supervised detox and clinical treatment, Vivitrol is shown to help a person get off of opioids and remain sober. 

 

Vivitrol is sometimes used to treat alcoholism as well. Vivitrol is one of a few different options to assist in the treatment of addiction and may be prescribed for patients with issues with dependence and relapse in order to improve the chances of a successful recovery. 

How Does Vivitrol Work? 

The drug Vivitrol works by inhibiting the feelings that opioids cause. Essentially it prevents the feeling of pain relief and euphoria that occur when opioids are used. This helps treat opioid addiction because it blocks the way that opioids interact with the body and also makes using opioids less enjoyable. 

 

In a similar way, Vivitrol is used to treat alcoholism because it can be used to diminish cravings for alcohol, thus reducing the urge to drink. This makes it an effective tool for adults who have experienced relapse multiple times in the past. Vivitrol should always be administered by a professional and only as part of a full treatment plan. Vivitrol alone will not treat addiction. 

 

Is Vivitrol a Form of Addiction Treatment? 

While it may seem like Vivitrol can be used as a treatment for addiction, it is important to understand that it is not an actual treatment for addiction and cannot be used to treat all types of addiction. Vivitrol is a medication that assists in addiction treatment. 

 

Proper addiction treatment begins by going to a treatment facility like Grace Recovery where our trained medical staff will evaluate the needs of the client and determine if Vivitrol is a viable option to go along with treatment. Once the person has been evaluated, their treatment will begin by entering detox, where they may be prescribed Vivitrol help with the process and reduce cravings. 

 

Once detox is complete, the next phase of treatment begins. Clients will stay at our inpatient treatment facility and be given individualized tailored to their specific addiction. For patients with co-occurring disorders and ongoing needs, we also offer dual diagnosis treatment and aftercare services to help our clients maintain a life of sobriety. 

 

MAT Treatment Near Me

For those who deal with addiction or who know someone dealing with addiction, getting the right help to get sober and begin recovery can be difficult. Getting clean after long-term addiction poses a number of dangers if it isn’t done the right way.

At Grace Recovery we believe in making sure our clients get the treatment they need to safely get off drugs or alcohol and get started on the path to true recovery. In this post we will discuss what “MAT Treatment near me” is, Who should go to MAT treatment, and How Grace Recovery can help.

What Is MAT Treatment Near Me?

MAT Treatment near me refers to addiction treatment centers that specialize in offering medication assisted treatment for those dealing with addiction. MAT treatment is used when someone is addicted to opioids and it’s not safe for them to stop taking them cold turkey. Opioid abuse can have debilitating withdrawal effects which often causes someone to relapse after they quit.

The medication helps by easing the addiction, and is used in conjunction with other therapy options. MAT treatment near me is primarily used to treat opioid use disorder. 

MAT treatment typically uses drugs such as methadone, buprenorphine or Vivitrol to treat opioid addiction. 

How Is MAT Treatment Administered?

Usually the person suffering from addiction is given certain medications to either limit the risk of withdrawal or to help them gradually come off of another addictive substance under the care of a trained medical professional at a rehab. 

Methadone is typically given as a replacement drug for opioids and intended to reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms, and to reduce cravings for another substance.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid that has been shown to be highly effective in treating heroin addiction, with few of the side effects or risks from methadone.

Vivitrol (Naltrexone) blocks an individual’s ability to feel any euphoric effect when using drugs; it also prevents someone from getting high while drinking alcohol as well.

As you can see, medication assisted treatment works to counter the effects of addiction and help the person get clean by making it easier for them to detox. Getting clean of a substance is a crucial first step in the process of recovery.

Who Should Go to MAT Treatment Near Me?

Because MAT treatment near me is a focused type of treatment, it is best suited for those individuals who have a sustained addiction to a harmful substance where the lack of it could negatively impact their health.

Certain substances alter the chemistry of the body or affect the central nervous system and therefore make attempting normal detoxification problematic. Without substances to control the effects of addiction it makes safe detox nearly impossible.

How Grace Recovery Can Help You Get Sober

The first step in getting the treatment you need is finding a facility that offers a variety of programs for whatever form your addiction may take. Grace Recovery works to treat the whole individual, mind, body, and spirit by offering a wide array of treatment options to meet individual client needs.

This includes medication assisted treatment and detoxification so that clients can safely get off of drugs. We offer treatment in our calming and safe residential inpatient treatment center where we help patients to recover from addiction with individualized treatment plans before they move on to aftercare and continued recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and you think MAT treatment near me might be able to help, then contact Grace Recovery today. We’ll get you started on the road to recovery and away from addiction.

 

How to Do an Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol

Having a loved one who is addicted to drugs and alcohol is a difficult situation. Many don’t know where to turn when it comes to getting their loved one the help they need, and asking a person you love who is addicted to drugs and alcohol to get help is a tricky situation, to say the least. At Grace Recovery our goal is to help people get the help they need. In this post, we’ll discuss what a drug and alcohol intervention is, the signs a loved one may need an intervention, and how to hold one. 

What Is an Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol? 

An intervention for drugs and alcohol is a process where loved ones confront the person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol with their addiction. In general, an intervention can be piecemeal as well as full-blown. For example, some interventions have just one family member participate while others may involve several different people from all over that individual’s life coming together in solidarity against the addiction. 

 

There are many reasons why those around someone abusing substances want them to get help including embarrassment; guilt; fear of getting caught up themselves; concern they or another loved one will die of an overdose due to carelessness because of drug use. What these individuals don’t realize though is most addicts feel much worse about their situation than anyone else around

Signs My Loved One Needs an Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol

There are many signs that someone may be addicted to drugs and alcohol. Changes in behavior, neglect of responsibilities, breaking of social ties, and even physical or mental side effects that may be noticeable as well. 

 

If you suspect that a loved one is addicted to drugs and alcohol to the point where it is impacting their day-to-day life, then it is time for an intervention. There is no rule set in stone for when to stage an intervention, but if you notice a loved one struggling with addiction, the best time to hold an intervention is as soon as possible. 

How to Hold an Intervention for Drugs and Alcohol

It can be overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to staging an intervention for drugs and alcohol. What is the best way to go about this? Where should I hold the meeting and who needs to attend, etc.? There are many aspects that need consideration before beginning a staged intervention for drugs and alcohol addiction. It will take time, patience, research, and organization in order to stage a successful drug or alcohol intervention. 

 

A good place to start is by deciding on whether you want your loved ones present at the discussion (i.e., pre-planned) or if they would not be allowed at all during the process (i.e., unplanned). If there was someone else who has also noticed signs of substance they may be able to help facilitate the intervention. At Grace Recovery we provide treatment options and plans to help people get their loved ones the help they need to begin living a sober life. 

 

A good intervention is positive and loving, but firm about how the addiction has affected everyone around them; as well as admitting that there may be some issues with those present which need attention too (hence why this type of gathering includes many people). It should not be confrontational, but truthful.

 

The intervention should allow for the person who is addicted to be heard and express their feelings about what has been said, which helps them see things in a different light. Once they have apologized or promised to change, it’s time to set out an agreement of how this will happen – with support from those present (and other professionals if needed). 

Let Grace Recovery Get Your Loved One on the Path to Sobriety

At Grace Recovery our treatment plans are tailored to your loved ones’ specific needs. From detoxification to dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders and aftercare, we do our best to get your loved one on a path to a healthy, drug and alcohol-free lifestyle.