Casual alcohol consumption is an integral part of many cultures. Individuals frequently begin drinking at a very young age. It’s hard to find one high school student who hasn’t experienced an episode of binge drinking by the time he or she is a senior. In some countries, people can drink at a younger age than 21, the legal age in the US. With so much alcohol consumption, it can be challenging to know when someone has an alcohol dependence.
The Early Stages of an Alcohol Dependence
Just about anyone who has participated in binge drinking has gone through mild symptoms of withdrawal. The symptoms of a hangover, like a headache, nausea, and confusion, happen after an episode of heavy drinking. Typically, these symptoms go away within a few hours of the person waking up.
Those who have a severe alcohol addiction can experience much worse symptoms of withdrawal. The symptoms can vary depending on the person. It may also depend on how much and how often he or she drinks. Someone who has been binge drinking for a week will have different symptoms than someone who’s been drinking longer. Some of the more severe symptoms of withdrawal can be dangerous and uncomfortable. These include:
- Body tremors
- Stomach cramping
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Depression
Long-Term Drinking Affects the Mind
Most people who develop alcohol dependence also exhibit symptoms of mental illness, which can be very difficult. The problem is that individuals with addiction are usually trying to manage their symptoms of anxiety and depression. On the other side of that coin, the dependence is one of the primary reasons that these individuals are suffering from anxiety and depression. And thus, the cycle continues.
It becomes even worse when a person begins seeking the help of a therapist, doctor, or psychiatrist for their symptoms and isn’t truthful about his or her alcohol abuse. When a person is heavily drinking, they typically don’t tell medical professionals the whole truth. This omission can lead to a dangerous misdiagnosis. As a result, the prescriptions a person takes might amplify their mental illness symptoms or cause dangerous interactions with alcohol.
Overcoming Alcohol Dependence
Even when a person wants to quit drinking, the symptoms of withdrawal can make him or her feel hopeless. Luckily, there are many medications available to help reduce withdrawal symptoms. A professional detox center can help you through the detox process and ensure your safety. From there, you can begin addiction treatment to learn a new way of living without alcohol.
Though alcohol is one of the most prevalent addictions in the United States, it is not the only one. Therefore, in addition to alcohol addiction, we also offer a variety of other addiction treatment programs. These may include:
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Prescription medication addiction treatment
- Oxycodone addiction treatment
- Meth addiction treatment
Crestview Recovery works with a local alcohol detox facility to help you get stable before you begin one of our addiction programs. Our facility is here to offer you a smooth transition from detox to addiction recovery. In our care, you’ll start to learn about how alcoholism works. We will also show you how to live the life that you deserve. You can find out more about our facility by calling us at 866.262.0531.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
