Alcohol Abuse Treatment - Alcohol Rehab Directory

Alabama

Alcohol abuse in Alabama is when a person is dependent on alcohol and continues to drink it despite physical or mental problems. They may have alcohol abuse problems such as binge drinking (drinking 6 or more drinks at one sitting). Those with alcohol abuse problems have severe cravings for alcohol and feel a greater need to drink. The most severe drinking behavior includes long drinking binges that lead to mental or physical problems. Some people are able to gain control over their dependence in earlier phases before they totally lose control. But no one knows which heavy drinkers will be able to regain control and which will not.

There is no known common cause of alcohol abuse. However, several factors may play a role in its development. A person who has an alcoholic parent is more likely to become an alcoholic than a person without alcoholism in the immediate family. In Alabama, alcohol abuse is a major social, economic, and public health problem. The incidence of alcohol intake and related problems is rising. Data indicate that about 15% of people in the United States are problem drinkers, and about 5% to 10% of male drinkers and 3% to 5% of female drinkers could be diagnosed as alcohol dependent.

Alcohol is involved in more than half of all accidental deaths and almost half of all traffic deaths nationally. A high percentage of suicides involve the use of alcohol along with other substances. People who suffer with alcohol abuse or are dependent on alcohol are more likely to be unemployed, involved in domestic violence, and have problems with the law (such as drinking and driving).

Those who are alcohol dependent need to stop drinking. This is successfully accomplished by attending an Alabama alcohol abuse treatment program. However, those who are problem drinkers may be successful with moderation. Because many people refuse to believe that their drinking is out of control, trying moderation can often be an effective way to deal with the problem. If it succeeds, the problem is solved and the person does not need to attend alcohol abuse treatment at that time. If the problem is not solved, they are more often than not ready to enroll in alcohol abuse treatment. Nationally, only 15% of people with alcohol dependence seek alcohol abuse treatment for their problem. Also, starting drinking again after treatment is common, so it is important to maintain support systems in order to cope with any slips and ensure that they don't turn into complete reversals.

Three general steps are involved in alcohol abuse treatment in Alabama once the problem has been identified:

• Alcohol Abuse Intervention
• Alcohol Detox
• Alcohol Rehab

Many people with alcohol problems do not recognize when their drinking gets out of hand. In the past, alcohol abuse treatment providers believed alcohol interventions should confront the alcoholic about their drinking problems, but now research has shown that compassion and empathy are more effective.

Attending alcohol detox in Alabama consists of entering a controlled, supervised setting in which often times medications relieves patient’s severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol detox usually takes 4 to 7 days. During alcohol detox the patient is examined for other medical problems is necessary. For example, liver and blood clotting problems are common.

Eating a balanced diet with vitamin supplements is important while in alcohol detox. Sometimes, complications can occur during alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol detox complications may include delirium tremens (DT's) which could be fatal, depression or other mood disorders. These serious health complications during alcohol detox in Alabama should be evaluated and treated with extreme care. Often, alcohol abuse develops from efforts to self-treat an illness or psychological issue.

After completing an Alabama alcohol detox, attending alcohol rehab can help people stay off alcohol. These alcohol rehab programs usually offer counseling, psychological support, nursing, and medical care. Therapy while in alcohol rehab involves education about alcoholism and its effects. Many of the staff members at alcohol rehab centers are recovering alcoholics who serve as role models. Programs can be inpatient, where patients live in the facility during the treatment. Or they can be outpatient, where patients attend the alcohol rehab program while they live at home. In general, alcohol rehab programs have varying success rates, but many people with alcohol dependency make a full recovery.