Kentucky Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center

UNDERSTANDING SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Addiction In Kentucky

Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse indicates as many as seventeen million American adults meet the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder. Additionally, nearly one million more adolescents and teens (between the ages of twelve and seventeen) have alcohol use disorders of varying severity. Alcoholism or alcohol use disorder, as it is called in many mental health and addiction treatment settings, is not an illness that occurs overnight. Unlike some substances where one use can lead to dependency or addiction, alcohol use disorders emerge out of a pattern of long-term alcohol abuse. It is important to note that for most adults, the occasional night out with friends or beer with dinner does not constitute an alcohol use disorder or inevitably leads to alcohol addiction. However, when finding or consuming alcohol becomes a priority, it is important to seek help from alcohol rehab in Kentucky.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), alcohol is one of the most widely abused substances in the United States. Each year, alcohol addiction and alcohol-related causes are responsible for one out of every twenty deaths that occur worldwide. It is estimated that nearly 90,000 people in the United States lose their lives to alcohol-related causes each year. Of those, more than 30 die from the effects of alcohol poisoning. In the same report, SAMHSA indicates that nearly 8% of American adults (seventeen and older) have an alcohol use disorder. Yet, fewer than 7% seek or receive potentially lifesaving addiction treatment at an inpatient alcohol rehab in Kentucky.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notes Kentucky also struggles with significant issues related to alcohol abuse. Data provided in late 2019 indicated Kentucky had the third-highest rate of binge drinking in the United States. Additionally, nearly 5.5% of Kentucky residents struggled with an alcohol use disorder in 2018.

HOW TO KNOW IF SOMEONE IS ADDICTED

Signs & Symptoms of Alcoholism
​

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) categorizes alcohol dependence disorders as mild, moderate, or severe. Problem drinking is defined in many ways depending on how, how often, and how much one drinks. The DSM provides details on binge drinking, alcohol abuse, and alcohol dependence (alcoholism). To best understand the signs and symptoms of alcoholism, it is important to understand the various diagnostic categories.

Binge drinking is a common problem across all age groups. Binge drinking is best defined as consuming enough alcohol to bring your blood alcohol concentration to 0.08% in one sitting. The amount of alcohol necessary to accomplish this is different for men than for women. For men, it is generally considered five or more drinks in two hours; for women, it is four or more. Although most people who engage in binge drinking do not have a severe alcohol use disorder, however doing so frequently can lead to physical and psychological health problems.

Alcohol abuse occurs when drinking becomes a priority, despite known harmful consequences. Drinking is considered alcohol abuse when someone continues to drink regardless of poor performance at work or school, neglect of responsibilities, legal troubles (such as DWI or more severe issues), new or worsening physical or mental health effects, or loss of relationships. Someone who abuses alcohol drinks as a way to feel pleasure or to dull the pain related to a mental or medical health condition. As drinking becomes more frequent, more and more alcohol is needed to achieve the desired results. This process, known as tolerance, dramatically increases one’s risk of developing an alcohol use disorder (alcoholism).

Alcohol dependency or alcoholism is characterized by the physical and psychological need to drink. With alcoholism, the physical cravings for alcohol become so overwhelming they can be debilitating. As a result, the addict is drinking almost constantly to alleviate the physical discomfort associated with not having alcohol in their system. Also, at this stage, if you try to reduce or stop drinking, you will experience withdrawal symptoms which can be dangerous if you try to stop drinking without the support and guidance of an alcohol treatment program in Kentucky.

The DSM lists eleven criteria used by mental health and addiction treatment professionals to diagnose the presence and severity of an alcohol use disorder. It is not necessary to have all criteria to meet the diagnostic criteria for alcoholism. Some of the most common symptoms seen in many cases include:
Drinking alone or making excuses for drinking
Cognitive challenges including blackouts and memory problems
Choosing alcohol over essential responsibilities and obligations
Increasing self-isolation
Changes in personal hygiene or personal appearance

PREPARING FOR TREATMENT

Our Alcohol Rehab in Kentucky
​

If you or a loved one are ready to overcome an alcohol addiction, it is vital to seek treatment at an alcohol rehab where medically supported detox is available. During detox, the body must learn to function without alcohol. For many, this can lead to unpleasant and difficult withdrawal symptoms. While drinking, the body and brain become accustomed to functioning with a certain amount of addictive substance in the body. When the substance levels get too low, cravings occur as the body or brain demands more, eventually resulting in the addict believing they need substances to function.

Withdrawal feels different for everyone. The intensity and severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on the severity of your addiction. The longer you have been drinking, or the more frequently you drink to excess, the more difficult withdrawal symptoms may be. For some, detox may be accompanied by mild symptoms that are easily managed without significant medical assistance or intervention. However, for others, the withdrawal process can bring about dangerous and even fatal symptoms and complications. It is the more dangerous side effects that point to the importance of medically-assisted detox at an inpatient alcohol rehab in Kentucky.

At an alcohol rehab like Robert Alexander Center for Recovery, you can expect to receive medical supervision and care throughout the detox process. Depending on the severity of your addiction, this will include monitoring your vital signs, providing emotional and medical support, and, if necessary, administering medications to help reduce the intensity of some withdrawal symptoms. This high level of care helps to reduce the possibility of dangerous medical complications should more severe withdrawal symptoms occur.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT ROBERT ALEXANDER TREATMENT CENTER

Re-Start Your Life With Our Alcohol Treatment Program in Kentucky
​

If you, or a loved one, struggles with an alcohol use disorder, it is essential to seek comprehensive addiction treatment at an alcohol rehab equipped to manage the unique challenges that can accompany alcohol detox and withdrawal. Ongoing alcohol addiction can lead to physical and functional changes to the brain and several body systems. Without treatment, some of these changes can be permanent or lead to other harmful disease processes. At RAC, our caring and compassionate team of addiction treatment professionals will work with you to design a comprehensive treatment program to help you get sober and maintain lasting recovery from alcohol addiction.

We understand the decision to leave behind familiar surroundings and day-to-day activities to seek help is difficult. However, quitting alcohol can be dangerous if attempted without the support and guidance of a team of treatment professionals, like those at RAC. It is not uncommon for the withdrawal symptoms that accompany alcohol detox to be so severe that they cannot be adequately managed without support.

At our alcohol rehab in Louisville, KY, we provide a full range of treatment options to help you overcome alcohol addiction and maintain lasting sobriety. Beginning with supported detoxification services and continuing through evidence-based therapy and comprehensive aftercare planning, our team at Robert Alexander Center for Recovery is here to provide the support and guidance you need to out addiction in the past. If you or a loved one are ready to begin your sobriety journey, contact us today to learn more about how addiction treatment at Robert Alexander Center for Recovery alcohol rehab in Kentucky can help you take your first steps towards lasting recovery from alcoholism.