Finding the right support for alcohol addiction can be life-changing for individuals and their families. In the beautiful coastal city of Huntington Beach, California, Surf City Detox is a residential alcohol rehab that offers evidence-based recovery solutions such as comprehensive care, including treatment programs and addiction counseling services.
An inpatient rehab program is generally regarded as the most effective approach for helping individuals successfully conquer alcoholism and achieve lasting sobriety. A person is fully stepping away from their life to focus on their addiction and creating a new life free of substance abuse. For individuals who have faced prolonged periods of excessive drinking and have severe or unsupportive circumstances at home, living at an inpatient care facility may be the best solution.
Approximately two million (6.3%) individuals within the population of California had an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Sadly, in the Golden State, binge drinking is prevalent among 34% of young adults who are 18-25 years old. Although a considerable number engage in alcohol consumption, only a smaller fraction (roughly 6%) will fulfill the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence.
Despite the prevalence of substance use disorders, only about 10% of those affected will seek any form of treatment. In Los Angeles County, alcohol plays a critical role in substance use issues, with 27% of treatment admissions attributed to alcohol. The county also faces elevated rates of alcohol-related fatalities, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits.
Every year, alcohol-related injuries are one of the leading causes of preventable accidents worldwide, accounting for more than 5.2 million deaths. These alarming statistics highlight the necessity for compassionate, individualized care for people to recover from alcohol addiction.
What is Inpatient Treatment?
The duration of inpatient addiction treatment varies from person to person. Many rehab centers offer a minimum program length of 30 days. However, some individuals may require extended stays that may last up to several months. Upon completing treatment, people can participate in local support groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon) or consult with an addiction-focused therapist to maintain their progress. It’s important to come up with a comprehensive aftercare plan to fully prepare for the challenges and stressors of life outside the highly controlled environment of a treatment program.
How Alcohol Use Disorder Affects Your Health?
- Stroke
- Liver damage
- Cardiomyopathy
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Hypertension
- Various cancers (including throat, mouth, liver, and larynx)
For those who have battled alcoholism for many years, treatment may take longer due to the extensive impact of alcohol on the brain and body. Alcohol not only impacts physical health but also adversely affects cognitive function, coordination, memory, focus, and decision-making. Prolonged heavy drinking can alter brain function and gradually impair vital organs, including the heart, lungs, and liver.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Individuals who binge drink are also more prone to engage in hazardous behaviors. The long-term health implications of binge drinking are equally concerning. Persistent binge drinking can lead to significant liver damage, cardiovascular issues such as hypertension and heart disease, as well as cognitive deficits, including memory loss and brain injury.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism is the first step toward seeking help. While occasional drinking can be normal, the following indicators can suggest a more serious problem:
- Increased tolerance: Needing to consume more alcohol to achieve the same effects.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, or nausea when not drinking.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Failing to meet work, school, or home obligations due to drinking.
- Cravings and desire to drink: Experiencing an intense longing or compulsion to consume alcohol. Constantly urges to drink, even when recognizing its negative impact.
- Loss of control: Having an inability to regulate consumption of alcohol, meaning drinking beyond the planned amount or duration.
- Failed efforts to stop drinking: Attempting unsuccessfully to reduce or eliminate alcohol intake.
- Intrusive thoughts: Devoting significant time to contemplating alcohol consumption, acquiring alcoholic beverages, and dealing with the repercussions of drinking.
- Persistent consumption despite adverse consequences: Maintaining alcohol use even when it leads to physical, social, or relational difficulties.
- Social withdrawal: Retreating from friendships and past enjoyable activities.
- Interpersonal challenges: Facing disputes with family and friends as a result of alcohol consumption habits.
- Legal complications: Dealing with legal matters arising from actions taken while under the influence, including driving while intoxicated.
Many individuals may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, trauma, or mental health issues, creating a cycle of addiction that is difficult to break. This is why comprehensive treatment approaches (which address both the addiction and any co-occurring mental disorders) are often the most effective.
Risk Factors of Alcohol Addiction
- Genetic: Research suggests that genetic factors may account for nearly 50% of the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD). Individuals with a family history of alcohol misuse may inherit genetic traits that increase their vulnerability to addiction.
- Environmental: Children frequently acquire behaviors by observing their parents and other relatives. Growing up in an environment where excessive drinking is commonplace may lead them to adopt similar views and behaviors regarding alcohol. Family dynamics marked by significant stress, conflict, or trauma can also play a role in the emergence of alcohol abuse, as individuals may resort to alcohol as a means of coping with negative emotions or stressful experiences.
- Social and cultural: Families can shape someone’s perceptions and beliefs about alcohol consumption. When drinking is regarded as an acceptable or essential aspect of social interaction (and coping) within the family, individuals are more inclined to develop analogous behaviors.
- Psychological: Mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, can also be hereditary. When these issues coexist with alcohol abuse in a family, the likelihood of developing both mental health conditions and alcohol dependency is heightened.
Diagnosing Alcohol Use Disorder
- Feelings of helplessness concerning one’s alcohol consumption
- Declining social invitations or giving up previously enjoyed hobbies
- Desiring to reduce or completely cease alcohol intake but finding it impossible
- Consuming alcohol in high-risk scenarios, such as while driving
- Investing considerable time and financial resources in alcohol consumption
- Needing to increase alcohol intake over time to achieve the same effects due to heightened tolerance
- Experiencing cravings for alcohol when not drinking
- Suffering withdrawal symptoms like cravings, sweating, shaking, or nausea upon stopping alcohol use
- Facing productivity issues at work or school, or difficulties at home due to alcohol consumption
- Drinking to relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Continuing to use alcohol despite its negative impact on physical health, social life, relationships, or personal well-being
The severity of the disorder is determined by the number of symptoms present, categorizing the condition as mild, moderate, or severe. Individuals experiencing moderate to severe alcohol dependence often find inpatient addiction treatment to be beneficial. Ultimately, the classification of the disorder is contingent upon the number of criteria met by the individual.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Inpatient addiction treatment programs combine medical detox, therapy, and ongoing support, creating a holistic approach to recovery. Inpatient programs typically last from 28 days to several months, depending on the individual’s circumstances and progress. This extended stay provides a secure atmosphere away from everyday triggers and stresses.
Addiction treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Following the assessment, customized treatment plans are created based on an individual’s needs. Treatment at Surf City Detox’s residential alcohol rehab center encompasses the following levels of integrated care:
We strongly advise individuals with substance dependence not to attempt to discontinue the consumption of alcohol on their own. Self-detoxing has proven to be fatal and can pose serious health hazards, such as Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS).
Detox involves ridding alcohol from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. It’s often the first critical step in the treatment process, and a very important component that signifies the beginning of the journey to sobriety. Substance abuse treatment needs to begin sustainably, to lower the probability of relapse during early recovery.
After ceasing alcohol consumption, the body requires time to return to a normal state after flushing toxins out. Mild to severe symptoms occur as a reactionary response. Withdrawal symptoms can become severe if left untreated or poorly managed.
Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms are as follows:
- Fever
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Irregular heartbeats
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
- Fatigue
- Physical ailments, such as headaches or muscle pain
At Surf City Detox in Huntington Beach, CA, our process is designed to provide a safe environment as the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol. During supervised medication-assisted treatment, our team of professionals utilizes withdrawal management techniques to effectively mitigate the risks and dangers associated.
We administer FDA-approved medications (such as naltrexone) to help ease discomfort and lessen the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It’s important to note that this initial stage doesn’t count as treatment. It lays the groundwork for further therapeutic interventions and treatment afterwards. Medical detox can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of addiction and individual health conditions.
Alcohol treatment also encompasses a crucial component of the recovery process, support. We utilize the following behavioral interventions within our residential treatment program:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT equips individuals with the skills necessary to identify and modify problematic behaviors while addressing other life challenges that may contribute to substance use.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
DBT sessions assist individuals in overcoming their hesitations regarding treatment and cessation of drug use, fostering internally driven change.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one individual therapy sessions focusing on personal experiences and triggers to better understand how to avoid relapse.
Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions involve participating in discussions with peers to share experiences and support one another.
Family Therapy
Family therapy focuses on a person’s substance use issues while taking into account family dynamics and relationships that may be affected as a result. Family members engage in therapy sessions to rebuild relationships and improve communication.
Aftercare Program
Aftercare programs in an inpatient rehab help people with alcohol addiction make the transition from treatment to reintegrating back into the real world easier. It helps to ensure a person in recovery has ongoing support after leaving rehab. A structured environment, such as a sober living home, can help promote discipline and accountability.Alcohol Addiction and Mental Health: Dual Diagnosis
On the other hand, prolonged alcohol abuse can worsen or instigate mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Common mental health disorders that frequently coexist with alcohol addiction include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia.
While addiction and mental health disorders are typically treated separately, their interrelation can significantly affect the overall treatment process. Our dual diagnosis treatment program holistically addresses both addiction and mental health disorders at the same time. By utilizing specialized treatment for co-occurring disorders, we’re able to alleviate psychiatric symptoms and reduce substance misuse more effectively.
Receive Treatment at Our Residential Alcohol Rehab
Our alcohol residential treatment program provides individuals with specialized treatment options, comprehensive care, and ongoing support. Living at the facility will allow you or a loved one to completely focus on what matters most, recovering in an environment with no distractions and poor influences.
Taking the first step to seek treatment is a powerful act of self-love and determination. It’s possible to obtain a healthy and more fulfilling life. Contact Surf City Detox today to get the care you deserve.
Surf City Detox Accepts Insurance
We accept many insurance plans to help cover the cost of addiction treatment. Contact your provider to get more information or call our office to reach an intake specialist.
