Alcohol is an ever-present part of our society. It can be found at sporting events and concerts, at birthday parties and holidays, and as an after-work activity. For some people, though, drinking can go too far, and they end up lapsing into a period of alcohol dependence. But what is alcohol dependence, and how is it best addressed?
Alcohol dependence happens when your body begins to adapt to the presence of alcohol and expects it to be there all the time. While it doesn’t necessarily mean you have reached the stage of alcohol addiction, it does mean that you are on your way. And as such, you may need the help of a treatment center such as Blueprint Recovery Center.
What Is Alcohol Dependence?
Alcohol dependence is when you drink to the point that you begin altering the chemicals in your brain. Your body comes to depend on alcohol to feel normal. And when you try to stop drinking, your body responds with symptoms of withdrawal.
Alcohol use disorder includes physical dependence, but it goes a step farther. An alcohol use disorder is when someone continues to drink despite the problems it causes in their lives – at work, at school, or in their family. Alcohol becomes the central concern of their lives.
Whether you are struggling with alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder, you can benefit from the services of a treatment center such as Blueprint Recovery Center. Call for a consultation today.
Signs of Alcohol Problems
With those basic definitions in mind, you might be wondering whether you or a loved one are displaying the signs of an alcohol problem. It’s not necessarily easy to spot. Some of the symptoms of dependence or addiction include:
- Setting limits on how much or how long you’ll drink, but failing to live by them
- Falling short of your obligations at work or at school
- Abandoning activities that once gave you great joy and pleasure
- Experiencing repeated episodes of severe withdrawal
- Feeling cravings — an urge to drink
- Exhibiting risky behaviors, such as driving while intoxicated
One of these symptoms alone doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a problem. But if you notice several happening at the same time, it may be time to seek professional assistance.
Treatment for Alcohol Dependence
Not everyone experiences alcohol dependence in the same way. In that vein, treatment is highly individualized. Your treatment plan will be based on your unique needs. But the general stages are the same, and they include:
- Assessment. Doctors will conduct a thorough physical and mental exam to get a baseline for your health.
- Treatment plan. Information from the assessment is used to develop a detailed roadmap for your care.
- Detox. You step down from your use of alcohol under the supervision of a doctor who treats withdrawal
- Counseling. Meeting with a therapist one-on-one and in group therapy sessions can help you build improved coping skills
- Aftercare. To lower the risk of relapse, you will participate in ongoing counseling and have the chance to join 12-step rehab support groups.
Following the steps to alcohol treatment can speed your recovery from alcohol dependence.
Addressing Alcohol Dependence with Blueprint Recovery Center
Alcohol dependence is a serious condition that causes problems for you, your family, and society. Take back your life with the help of Blueprint Recovery Center. Our treatment center provides outpatient treatment programs and addiction support for those suffering from alcohol addiction and other substance use disorders. Our certified team of therapists, counselors, and staff, relying on the latest in evidence-based medicine, will create an individualized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Our approach is a holistic one. In addition to treatment, we offer job and life coaching, and resources to address legal, professional, or financial issues, as well as supplemental addiction treatment therapies. Take a step toward recovery today. Contact Blueprint Recovery Center at 833.654.1004 to speak to a counselor. Your future is within your grasp.
