Seek Treatment for Alcoholism in a Serene Environment
Alcohol abuse is one of the most difficult substance use disorders to treat, mainly because alcohol is legal to consume and widely available. People who use illicit drugs can’t just walk into a pub or market and place an order, but alcohol is available almost everywhere. Many people also incorporate alcohol into family celebrations and special events, making it difficult to avoid alcoholic beverages completely. Fortunately, comprehensive alcohol treatment is available, ensuring people with alcohol use disorder can get the help they need to stop drinking.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is an umbrella term that includes several medical conditions: alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence and alcoholism. Each condition is characterised by an inability to control alcohol use, even when drinking results in negative consequences. For some people, these consequences are social in nature — difficulty maintaining a romantic relationship or conflict with friends, for example. Other people experience job-related consequences due to their excessive alcohol consumption. For instance, someone who drinks too much alcohol may have a problem with absenteeism, resulting in termination.
Health Effects of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
The physical effects of alcohol abuse depend on how many drinks are consumed and whether the alcohol is mixed with prescription drugs or illicit substances. As blood alcohol concentration rises, the effects of drinking become more pronounced. It’s not unusual for someone who’s been drinking alcohol for several hours to experience nausea, lack of coordination, vomiting or drowsiness. These are the short-term effects of heavy drinking.
People who engage in excessive drinking are at risk of developing long-term medical problems as a result of their alcohol use. Because alcohol is processed by the liver, people who drink regularly have an increased risk of liver disease. If someone with liver disease doesn’t change their drinking habits, they may eventually need a liver transplant. Alcohol abuse can also damage the heart, leading to stroke, heart attack or a condition known as cardiomyopathy. In people with cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle stretches, making it difficult for the organ to pump enough blood to other parts of the body.
Even if someone recognises that their drinking habits are harmful and tries to stop using alcohol, withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to make a clean break. Headaches, nausea, tremors, vomiting and sweating are common. For some people, these symptoms are so severe that drinking more alcohol is the only way to get some relief.
Behavioural Changes Associated with Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol affects the brain in several ways, causing significant behavioural changes in some drinkers. When someone consumes alcohol, they may feel more confident or more comfortable sharing personal information with others. Some people also experience increased aggressiveness when they engage in excessive alcohol use, causing them to get into serious arguments or even physical fights.
Once someone develops an alcohol use disorder, they may also exhibit several behavioural changes related to their desire to drink alcohol or hide their alcohol use from others. One of those changes is increased impulsivity. Someone who’d never consider engaging in criminal behaviour when they’re sober may steal money to buy alcohol or assault someone while drunk. A person with alcohol use disorder may even hide alcohol around the house or lie about their drinking.
Alcohol use disorder also makes it difficult to maintain high levels of productivity at work, leading to increased absenteeism, missed deadlines and problems getting along with colleagues. People with alcohol addiction may even engage in impulsive behaviours that put themselves and others at serious risk. For example, someone may engage in binge drinking.
Psychological Effects of AUD
Alcohol consumption has short-term and long-term psychological effects. Initially, someone with an alcohol use disorder may have difficulty concentrating or have problems with their memory. Over time, alcohol use disorder may lead to depression, anxiety, difficulty learning and an inability to retain some memories.
Risk Factors for Alcoholism
Some people have a higher risk of alcohol use disorder than others. For example, substance abuse is especially common among teens and young adults experiencing pressure from their peers to drink or experiment with drugs. Alcohol dependence is also more likely in someone who lives with family members who drink alcohol regularly. A family history of alcohol use disorder, low self-esteem and high levels of stress are also associated with an increased risk of alcohol use disorder.
Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
For someone with alcohol dependence, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings is a good first step, but it’s important to seek treatment from experienced professionals. One of the most important reasons to seek professional help is to reduce the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms. Stopping alcohol use suddenly can lead to seizures, increased heart rate, high blood pressure and increased respiratory rate. Participating in a medical detoxification Program reduces the risk of severe side effects and ensures people with alcohol use disorder have immediate access to medical help if they need it.
After eliminating alcohol from the body, a person with alcohol use disorder should participate in therapy designed to treat alcoholism. For many people, an alcohol treatment Program includes cognitive behavioural therapy, a therapeutic approach that helps patients eliminate negative thought patterns and learn how to respond to stress without drinking alcohol.
Comprehensive Alcoholism Treatment at Clinic Les Alpes
Clinic Les Alpes is a licensed medical facility offering holistic treatment to patients with alcohol use disorder and other types of addiction. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and alpine forests, the clinic is located near Montreux, Switzerland, giving patients the restful environment they need to explore the root causes of their alcoholism and address them with experienced therapists and counsellors. Clinic Les Alpes also offers a wide range of complementary therapies to relieve stress and help patients focus on recovering from alcohol use disorder.
Break Free of Your Alcohol Addiction
Clinic Les Alpes offers a tranquil environment for patients who are feeling stressed and having trouble managing their work responsibilities. Located near Montreux, Switzerland, the clinic features 360-degree views of nearby Lake Geneva. Just one glimpse of the natural beauty surrounding Clinic Les Alpes can help patients with burnout release stress and prepare themselves for therapy. The clinic also offers private accommodations, ensuring every patient has the privacy they need to combat burnout and improve their overall well-being.
Start Your Recovery Now
If your alcohol consumption is interfering with your ability to do your job or maintain positive relationships, you don’t have to struggle alone. Clinic Les Alpes has experienced staff members ready to develop a treatment program customised to meet your physical and emotional needs. Call (877) 630-4284 to learn more about how we can help you overcome an alcohol addiction.
