If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, you are in good company. Millions of Americans grapple with this form of substance abuse. Matters are complicated by the fact that alcohol is legal, easy to obtain, and its use is broadly socially accepted. Sadly, the chemical reality of alcohol is that it is also extremely habit-forming and has numerous serious impacts on physical, emotional, and mental health.
The good news is that, since alcohol addiction has been a widespread concern for decades and even centuries, doctors understand it well. Effective treatment is available to you or your loved one if you’re looking for help regaining sobriety and control of your life. Call 833.448.0127 or contact us online to speak to a staff member from Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We’re located in Thornton, Colorado, on Fox Drive just north of West 88th Avenue. Reach out today for help finding alcohol addiction treatment near you.
Alcohol Poses an Especially Great Danger on Adams County Highways
As a recent news release by the Colorado Department of Transportation makes clear, problematic alcohol use is taking a major toll statewide. According to the Department, deaths due to drunk driving are especially troubling. In 2021, 255 lives were lost in accidents occurring involving DUI. Sadly, that number climbed to 271 in 2022. Adams County, where Thornton is located, ranked highest among all Colorado counties.1
While the state is, fortunately, addressing the prevalence of DUI through a stricter enforcement period, the core of the issue is, of course, the disease of alcohol use disorder itself. It’s thus key for those living with alcohol dependence to seek professional help through an accredited recovery program like the one at Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment. Through proper care, and safe, monitored recovery, Coloradans can and must bring down the state’s traffic fatality numbers as well as other tragic impacts of alcohol use.
Signs that Alcohol Addiction May Be Present
Alcohol use disorder is a formal diagnosis with several specific requirements and different levels of severity. It’s worth noting that people may also struggle with alcohol dependence, informally called alcoholism, which may not warrant a formal diagnosis. In these cases, some form of treatment may still be advisable. Looking at alcohol use disorder specifically, a patient must have experienced at least two of the following symptoms for at least a year to receive the diagnosis:
- Rising tolerance to alcohol with increases in the amount consumed to reach the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and nausea when alcohol is absent for even a short period of time
- Inability to reduce the amount of alcohol one consumes
- Drinking a greater volume or for a longer period of time than intended
- Experiencing extended illness as a result of excessive drinking
- Loss of concentration because of alcohol cravings
- Damage to everyday functioning, such as inability to succeed at school, keep a job, or provide for a family
- Ongoing drinking in spite of issues it causes with family and friends
- Reduced engagement with activities and hobbies that one used to enjoy
- Getting into dangerous situations, such as unsafe sexual encounters or drunk driving, due to intoxication
- Drinking even when one realizes it is worsening another health condition or creating negative symptoms like anxiety, blackouts, or depression
What Happens in Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
In a treatment program, alcohol addiction recovery may begin with medically assisted detox. In this first step of recovery, patients benefit from a doctor’s direct supervision and personalized care while their body purges the harmful substance and adapts to functioning without it. Doctors may administer medication that helps patients manage painful withdrawal symptoms during this period.
Next, those receiving alcohol addiction treatment typically engage with a range of services. Peer support can provide accountability and community, give patients concrete examples of how to cope with stress and triggers, and provide a sounding board for how to make amends with those whom their addiction has harmed. Coupled with family therapy, this social therapeutic model can help to heal relationships damaged by alcohol addiction and create a framework for lasting support in sobriety.
Patients coping with alcohol addiction can also strongly benefit from one-on-one therapy. Approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical-behavioral therapy help patients identify their triggers and learn to reframe negative thoughts. Creating a specific relapse prevention plan can also be a game-changer in the work of individual therapy for addiction recovery. Finally, individual therapy can provide vital dual diagnoses. This means it can identify and address underlying mental health disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder that may be present along with alcohol addiction.
Begin Healing from Alcohol Addiction Today at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery
If you or a loved one is living with alcohol use disorder or another form of alcohol dependence, there’s no need to suffer alone. This health concern, while serious, is also common, and many effective treatments exist. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Treatment today to learn about our effective programs. Our center is located just north of Denver in Thornton, CO, conveniently close to the Thornton Park-n-Ride. Our telehealth options may make it easier still to prioritize your recovery. Call 833.448.0127 or reach out online to learn more about our accredited alcohol treatment center and other programs.
Source:
1. Colorado Department of Transportation – Today CDOT kicks off first DUI enforcement period of 2023
