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Alcohol addiction impacts millions of lives worldwide every year. The long-term effects on individual health and society as a whole are far-reaching and devastating. Alcohol rehab centers in Los Angeles County like ours, work to provide preventative education and other resources for vulnerable demographics.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that 14.5 million Americans over the age of 12 have alcohol use disorder (AUD). Men are nearly twice as likely as women to develop AUD.
Another large factor in alcohol addiction is social drinking. Social drinking is an ingrained part of our national identity. It makes it difficult for some people to understand alcoholism. You see it on social media, TV shows, movies, and in the community around you at bars, restaurants, and clubs.
Alcohol is highly addictive and detrimental to a person’s health. Drinking above the recommended amount affects the brain, body, and general mental and physical health. This can lead to possible illness, addiction, or even death.
Alcohol addiction is also referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism. The criteria individuals must meet to be diagnosed with alcohol addiction include:
If you exhibit an inability to control your drinking, especially when you regularly drink over the recommended amount, you should talk to your doctor about getting treatment. Anyone can become addicted to alcohol, but some known risk factors include genetics and the following:
According to the NIAAA, 4.2 million young people reported binge drinking at least once in the past month in 2019.
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances by people under the age of 21. Younger people at risk for developing substance use disorders often start by drinking alcohol.
Adolescents and young adults have easy access to alcohol, and many transition from drinking to other substances. Attending college after high school graduation provides opportunities to use study and party drugs.
Risk factors for mental health disorders and medical conditions increase significantly for younger individuals who experience alcohol addiction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports “excessive drinking is responsible for more than 3,500 deaths and 210,000 years of potential life lost among people under age 21 each year.”
One of the best ways to help young people is through an inpatient treatment facility that uses an evidence-based approach.
Many people use alcohol to self-medicate and treat symptoms of underlying disorders. Addiction may also develop independently of other co-occurring conditions.
The prevalence of alcohol abuse makes AUD a widespread dual diagnosis. Some common co-occurring disorders found in people diagnosed with AUD include:
Alcohol use often creates an artificial sense of calm and composure, causing many people to use drinking to self-medicate and treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Physical health effects of alcohol may not appear for years, making it harder for people to notice the connection between their health decline and drinking. However, anyone experiencing AUD may observe some or all of the following health side effects:
Alcohol use disorder regularly overlaps with other conditions and their symptoms. It’s essential to pick an alcohol rehab center in Los Angeles that treats both substance use disorder as well as mental health conditions that arise.
Medical professionals sometimes find it difficult to untangle them. A holistic approach is the most successful way to treat alcohol addiction. Facilities and community-based centers use the following types of treatment and therapies:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) pioneered the 12-Step method of recovering from substance abuse. Today the program is nearly universally accepted in private and state-run rehabilitation facilities as either a primary or secondary treatment. You can find out more about 12-Step programs by visiting the official alcoholics’ anonymous website.
DON’T WAIT TO MAKE THE MOST IMPORTANT CALL OF YOUR LIFE
Despite the prevalence of alcohol abuse, it is often misunderstood by the general public. You may feel isolated in your fight against the side effects and damage caused by alcohol side effects. Fortunately, you are not alone. Local, national, and international resources are available to help you recover from your alcohol addiction. At White House Recovery and Detox, we strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment where everyone has the opportunity to heal and create a better life.
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