Alcohol addiction continues to be a growing problem across the United States. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction you are not alone. Nearly five percent of the American population struggles with some sort of alcohol or drug addiction. Alcohol abuse not only affects the individual who is suffering from the addiction but also their family and friends that surround them. If not treated in a timely fashion alcohol addiction can be extremely costly. It can lead to trouble with school, the law, relationships and health.
Alcohol addiction comes with endless problems. One major negative effect that it has is on the alcoholic’s health. Suffering from alcohol addiction makes an individual more suspect to HIV, liver and heart disease, cancer and strokes. If a woman is pregnant there are major and possible life threatening risks to the unborn child. The unborn child will likely by innately addicted to drugs and there is a strong possibility of being born with mental retardation.
In addition to health issues, alcohol addiction often results in violent crimes. Domestic abuse, murder and rape are commonly linked to alcohol and drug abuse. Other consequences that are a result of alcohol abuse are education, career and personal relationships.
Due to the nature of alcohol addiction an individual who struggles with the disease will not be able to stop regardless of whatever consequences they have suffered. It is very common for people to seek help through a drug rehab. Without the assistance and guidance of a reputable drug rehab it is nearly impossible to overcome addiction. Willpower and determination is not enough to stop the downward spiral that alcohol addiction causes.
The long-term goal of an addiction treatment center is to help a client become abstinent from alcohol. Some of the short–term goals are assisting the client to recover both mentally and physically. Clients who go to a quality drug rehab will benefit from individual and group therapy. These therapy sessions will allow individuals to discuss their cravings and withdrawal symptoms and learn how to deal with them appropriately without the use of alcohol.
Alcohol addiction is commonly the result of other issues that need to be dealt with in someone’s life. A alcohol rehab center will address these issues to help its clients achieve the ultimate goal of long-term sobriety. Gender, age, ethnicity, and culture are all taken into account so that an appropriate treatment plan can be put into place. Everyone’s addiction is unique and these are all things to consider when a treatment plan is being put together.
