While seldom thought of as such, alcoholism, also known as an alcohol use disorder, is just as big of a problem in the United States as any other form of substance abuse. And this has been evidenced in multiple studies that have examined alcoholism trends in this country. One study, in particular, which was published by the National Institutes of Health, found that an estimated 8 million men and 5 million women in America, respectively, have an alcohol use disorder (AUD) of some kind. And this includes a perpetual need to binge drink. According to a separate study published by Time, a weekly news magazine published in New York City, the number of binge drinks consumed by adults who admit to having a problem with binge drinking increased by 12 percent between 2011 and 2017. And with that increase came more alcohol-related traffic accidents, domestic violence cases, and much more. All in all, whether an individual has a problem with binge drinking or a full-on alcohol use disorder, it can have a devastating impact on not only their life but also the lives of others.
Why Many Believe America Might Be Winning the War on Alcoholism
Even though a significant percentage of men and women in America continue to struggle with binge drinking or a full-on alcohol use disorder, things do appear to be taking a turn for the better, which is evidenced by an uptick in new rehab admissions over the last few years. For example, New Hampshire, a state that is said to consume the highest amount of alcohol per capita, reports that over 14 percent of residents with an alcohol problem sought help at an addiction treatment facility in 2015. And this positive trend appears to be taking place in other states as well as more people are starting to recognize the devastating toll that excessive drinking can take on their life. That said, more than 14,000 rehab facilities interspersed all across America offer alcohol cessation programs that help individuals regain control over their life by making it possible for them to end their relationship with alcohol.
Who Can Benefit From an Alcohol Cessation Program?
Ostensibly, anyone who recognizes that they have an alcohol use disorder or a problem with binge drinking and are ready to seek help can benefit from treatments offered in an alcohol cessation program. And this is true regardless of the factors that so many believe precludes them from getting the help that they so desperately need, including sexual orientation, low-income, and alcoholism coupled with a mental illness. For example, a large number of the more than 14,000 rehab facilities in America proudly welcomes individuals needing help overcoming an alcohol problem who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). Additionally, there are many state-funded and private rehab facilities that offer free alcohol cessation programs or will accept payments on a sliding scale, which means that even those who are economically disadvantaged can get the help that they need.
What to Expect While in an Alcohol Cessation Program
Now that we have a better understanding of alcohol use disorders in America and how the right alcohol cessation program can help individuals get their life back on track, let’s take a closer look at what these programs have to offer:
Counseling – For those who have a stand-alone binge drinking problem or one that exists alongside a mental illness, such as depression, for example, many rehab facilities will offer some form of psychotherapy with a licensed therapist. Some of the ones commonly offered include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT).
Medication-assisted detox – For those with an alcohol use disorder, especially individuals who have been drinking for years, many rehab facilities will offer medication-assisted detox to help them cope with many of the symptoms that come with quitting alcohol abruptly. Some of the more notable symptoms include hallucinations, profuse sweating, seizures, and changes in blood pressure. What’s more, some individuals might even develop what is known as delirium tremens, a condition characterized by sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes. Medication-assisted detox, which includes round-the-clock monitoring by a licensed physician and prescription medications, such as Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and others, can help make getting through detox, not to mention completing rehab, that much easier.
It is worth noting that nearly every rehab facility in America will also offer some form of addiction education, which further improves an individual’s chances of achieving long-term sobriety. During these addiction education classes, individuals learn how to better cope with temptation, cravings, and other factors that can potentially lead to a relapse.
Bottom Line
In summary, if you have an alcohol problem of any kind that is wreaking havoc on your life, enrolling in an alcohol cessation program at one of the many rehab facilities in America is worth looking into. For more information on overcoming binge drinking or an alcohol use disorder, you’re encouraged to schedule a consultation with one of our associates today at 833-364-0736.