If you or someone you know is struggling with an alcohol use disorder, it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, there are treatment options available that can help those suffering from an addiction to alcohol recover and lead a healthier lifestyle. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the first step of alcohol treatment and how it can benefit those who are seeking help for their addiction.
How Does Alcohol Affect Our Bodies?
When we drink alcohol, it is absorbed into our bloodstream through our stomachs and small intestines. From there, it travels directly to our brains where it begins to affect our thoughts, feelings, emotions, behavior, and motor skills. As we consume more alcohol over time these effects become more pronounced until they eventually lead to intoxication.
At this point an individual may experience slurred speech, impaired judgment or decision-making abilities, blurred vision or double vision (diplopia), slowed reflexes or slowed reaction times (bradykinesia), confusion or disorientation (dementia), fatigue or sleepiness (somnolence).
The first step in any alcohol treatment plan is detoxification, also known as detox. Detoxing from alcohol is important because it helps to rid the body of harmful toxins present in alcohol. This process should always be done under medical supervision because of the potential for withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, nausea, headaches, sweating, and tremors. During detox, medications may be prescribed by a doctor to help manage these symptoms and make the process more comfortable.
It is also important during this time to establish a strong support system. This may include family members or friends who can provide emotional support during this difficult period. Professional counseling can also be beneficial during this time as it helps patients understand their triggers and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with urges to drink or relapse.
Counseling may also involve identifying underlying issues which may have led to the development of an addiction in order to address them directly. This could include trauma or mental health issues such as depression or anxiety that need to be addressed in addition to treating the addiction itself. Additionally, self-care practices such as yoga or meditation can help individuals manage stress and improve overall well-being during recovery.
The Consequences of Alcohol Use on Physical Health
It is no secret that alcohol use can lead to a myriad of health problems. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
Cirrhosis of the Liver
One of the most well-known consequences of alcohol abuse is cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver becomes damaged and scarred due to chronic alcohol abuse. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, so when it becomes damaged, those toxins begin to build up in the body. This can lead to a host of other health problems, including liver failure, cancer, and death. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, it is important to seek help before it’s too late.
Weight Gain
While moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to have some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain. Alcohol contains empty calories that can add up quickly, leading to weight gain. Additionally, drinking alcohol can increase your appetite and lower your inhibitions, making you more likely to make unhealthy food choices. If you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it is best to limit your alcohol intake.
Weakened Immune System
Alcohol abuse can also weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness and infection. Drinking excessively can interfere with the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infection. Additionally, chronic alcohol abuse can damage tissues and organs, including the stomach lining and intestines, making it even harder for your body to fight off infection. If you drink excessively, you may want to consider getting a flu shot or other vaccinations to help protect yourself from illness.
Alcohol use disorder is a serious issue that requires professional help in order for individuals struggling with addiction to recover successfully. The first step in any alcohol treatment plan is detoxification from alcohol which should always be done with medical supervision due to potential withdrawal symptoms.
It’s also important during this time for individuals undergoing treatment for alcoholism to create a strong support system and utilize professional counseling services if necessary so they can learn how best to manage cravings and prevent relapse after completing detoxification from alcohol. Self-care practices such as yoga or meditation may also prove helpful in improving overall well-being during recovery from an addiction to alcohol. With dedication and commitment, recovery is possible!
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