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Alcohol Addiction

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Alcohol Addiction

Steps Recovery Center recognizes how vital the mind, body, and spirit are in their connection to the whole person. We take a holistic approach to treating drug addiction that includes treating the whole person, and find that it tends to be more successful, especially since drug addiction affects every aspect of a person’s life. With a customized and individualized program, a holistic approach just makes sense. It affords an opportunity to meet the patient’s physical and psychological needs and allows them to engage physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Take That First Step


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What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a disorder that can impact people from all walks of life. Experts have tried to pinpoint factors such as race, sex, genetics, or socioeconomic status that may predispose someone to alcoholism, but there’s no single cause. Genetic, behavioral, and psychological factors can all contribute to someone developing this disorder. 

Alcoholism can cause changes to a person’s brain and neurochemistry, so a person with this disorder may not be able to control their actions. Some people drink all day, while others binge drink and stay sober for a few days until they repeat this cycle. A doctor will typically diagnose someone with an alcohol addiction if they depend on drinking and can’t stay sober for an extended amount of time.

Types of Alcohol Problems

Although alcohol dependence is the most severe stage of alcoholism, there are other less severe drinking problems, such as:

Binge drinking: Binge drinking means having five or more drinks in one session for men and four or more for women. This type of drinking is the most common drinking problem for people under age 21. 

Alcohol abuse: Binge drinking becomes alcohol abuse when a person’s drinking habits begin to cause problems, but they’re unable to stop. The person will keep drinking despite continued interpersonal, social, or legal complications. 

Alcohol dependence: Alcohol abuse becomes alcohol dependence when a person experiences cravings for alcohol and withdrawal symptoms. Ultimately, it leads to an increased tolerance to alcohol so that they have to drink more to become intoxicated. 

Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

Unfortunately, alcohol addiction can be challenging to detect. Unlike other addictive substances, alcohol is widely available and normalized in most cultures. Moreover, it’s usually front and center in social events and linked to celebrations. 

Drinking is a part of life for most adults, and it can be hard to tell the difference between someone who likes to celebrate with a few drinks and someone feeding an addiction. 

Symptoms of alcohol addiction include:

  • Increased quantity or frequency of use
  • High tolerance for alcohol, leading to a lack of hangover symptoms
  • Drinking at inappropriate times, such as for breakfast or at work
  • Only going to social events where alcohol is available
  • Changes in relationships – someone with alcohol addiction might only associate with others who drink heavily
  • Cutting off loved ones
  • Hiding alcohol, or hiding while drinking
  • Dependence on alcohol to be able to complete everyday tasks
  • Energy depletion, depression, or other emotional issues
  • Legal or professional problems, such as a person being arrested or losing their job

It’s crucial to pay attention to the early signs of addiction, as they tend to worsen over time. If identified and treated early, someone with an addiction may be able to avoid the significant consequences of this disorder.

Health Complications

Alcohol addiction can lead to heart failure and liver disease; sadly, both can be fatal. It can result in the following:

  • Ulcers
  • Diabetes
  • Sexual problems
  • Bone loss
  • Congenital disabilities
  • Vision problems
  • Heightened risk of cancer
  • Weakened immune system

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Treating alcohol addiction can be challenging, and success depends on a person’s willingness to become sober. The recovery process usually involves reaching out to support groups, participating in drug therapy, and incorporating nutritional changes. Some people turn to an in-patient recovery center that can provide them with the care and tools they need to manage their condition.

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Joy Downen

10 weeks ago

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Nathan Frame

28 weeks ago

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Shaylesa Stulce

46 weeks ago

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Adam Kelly

47 weeks ago

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Gary Hanson

47 weeks ago

Steps saved our daughter’s life as well as her kids!
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Natalie Painter

Jan 1, 2019

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Nov 13, 2018

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Matthew Cromar

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Steps Recovery Centers Guarantee

The Steps Recovery Centers Guarantee

Steps Recovery Centers guarantees that any person who completes the prescribed program is welcome to come back at any time for any reason for additional support at no charge for life. Nominal residency fees may apply. Please call for details.

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