Alcoholism

Alcoholism - How It Works

Alcoholism, or addiction to alcohol, is characterized by the body's physical dependence upon a steady amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. It is the steady and continued drinking of alcohol on a regular basis that builds a physical tolerance to its effects, resulting in withdrawal symptoms in the face of abrupt cessation of drinking.

This physical process is chemical, occurring in the brain and affecting the nervous system. The amount of chemicals that control impulsive behavior (gamma-aminobutyric acid), pleasure centers (dopamine) and excite the nervous system (glutamate) is thrown off by alcohol. Erratic mood swings and compulsive drinking are common and when the individual stops drinking, physical withdrawal symptoms result.

The Canyon's staff are well aware of the physical implications of alcoholism as well as the psychological process of addiction. They are trained to help you or your loved one get through alcohol detox and withdrawal as painlessly as possible and embark on a treatment plan that will help you cope with alcoholism.

Back to Top

Causes of Alcoholism

The causes of alcoholism are varied. You may have a genetic predisposition toward addiction and alcoholism. You may have high levels of stress, pain or anxiety that you feel are only relieved by excessive drinking. If you are diagnosed with mental, emotional or psychiatric disorders ranging from mild depression to schizophrenia, it is likely that this condition is also a contributing factor.

At The Canyon, our staff is trained specifically in the treatment of individuals who suffer from alcoholism and addiction as well as emotional or psychiatric disorders. This is called dual diagnosis treatment and finding a center equipped to handle two serious disorders simultaneously is rare. The Canyon is one of those rare exceptions.

Back to Top

Alcoholism: A Medical Disease

Contrary to popular belief, alcoholism has been classified as a medical disease, a fact confirmed by the American Medical Association (AMA). Rather than an impulse problem or merely a lack of will, alcoholism goes much deeper than being unable to control the desire to drink, and the effects are much more serious than a hangover the next morning. When an individual drinks heavily on a regular basis, the body builds up a tolerance to alcohol, requiring more and more to achieve the desired effect. Eventually, the body comes to depend on a steady amount of alcohol and when levels in the bloodstream dip too low, the individual suffers from painful withdrawal symptoms. If untreated, alcoholism can result in liver disease, heart disease, liver failure and death.

At The Canyon, help is available for those who suffer from alcoholism and are in need of outpatient or inpatient drug and alcohol treatment.

Back to Top

Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism

The characteristics of an alcoholic are not always easy to pinpoint. It is possible to continue functioning "normally"-going to work or school every day, taking care of children and older family members, keeping up with bills-but still be an alcoholic. In fact, alcoholism of this nature is often more dangerous than a more obvious version that results in a destroyed life because it goes undetected and therefore untreated.

In these cases, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcoholism. These include any or all of the following:

• Blackouts during drinking (or lapses of time during drinking that are blank)
• Insomnia
• Frequent tardiness, "illness," or absence from work or school
• Mood swings including panic and anxiety, depression and irritability
• Frequent accidents due to accidental falls and car collisions

There may also be problems in intimate relationships, at work, with friendships and with finances or legal problems. In situations where alcoholism has long been a problem, serious medical conditions are often present including pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, anemia, heart disease, gastritis, ulcers, and seizures. Other signs may include confusion, memory loss, malnutrition, dementia and hallucinations.

Back to Top

Treatment for Alcoholism

There are a number of factors that may contribute to alcoholism including other disorders that are present in the individual's system. For example, mental and emotional disorders like chronic depression can lead to alcoholism as do psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Most drug rehabilitation centers are equipped only to handle the alcoholism aspect of treatment. The Canyon, however, is fully prepared to take on dual diagnosis clients, that is, those who have issues with alcoholism in addition to another medical mental, emotional, or psychiatric disorder. With our wide range of treatment services, The Canyon treats each individual who enters according to his or her specific needs. Throughout the course of rehabilitation, each individual's treatment plan is reviewed and updated as necessary and, once treatment is over, aftercare treatment is provided.

Alcoholism is a disease that progresses over time, creating an uncomfortable situation in that the alcoholic may not recognize his or her symptoms as dangerous. Even family members may be in denial. Compulsively drinking despite the need to drive home or show up for work early the next day and the exhibition of symptoms like insomnia, diarrhea, intense sweating and shaking, extreme irritability and depression when the drinking stops for any length of time can help you pinpoint whether or not you or someone you love needs treatment for alcoholism. More than 13 percent of Americans will personally experience alcoholism or alcohol abuse and countless more will be touched by it in their lives. Without treatment, serious medical conditions including heart disease, gastric bleeding, ulcers, liver failure and liver disease can occur.

Back to Top

The Canyon's Specialized Treatment for Alcoholism

A drug rehabilitation program that incorporates mental health treatment and treatment for alcoholism is essential for those who are diagnosed with two co-occurring disorders. At The Canyon, we have been serving those who are dually diagnosed for 18 years. From the moment you walk through the doors until long after you leave, you are provided with full and comprehensive treatment. Devise your personalized treatment plan with The Canyon staff upon admission, update and revise it during weekly evaluations with your therapist, and keep in touch with your aftercare counselor once you return home. Support is a large part of recovery and at The Canyon, we are available to assist you through every stage of treatment any time of the day or night.

We have been treating alcoholism in conjunction with co-occurring disorders at The Canyon for 18 years. Individualized treatment plans are available that combine individual and group therapy as well as a variety of other services in the form of either outpatient or inpatient treatment. If you have questions about drug rehabilitation options available at The Canyon, please call us anytime of the day or night at .

Back to Top