Alcoholism & Alcohol Addiction Causes, Signs, Symptoms & Treatment - RecoveryHQ

1. ADDICTION RECOVERY GATEWAY Alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Presenter: RecoveryHQ www.recoveryhq.com

2. Alcoholism is a condition where a person has a desire, craving or physical need to consume alcohol, despite negative consequences. Dependence may begin as psychological and can develop into physical, when the body requires alcohol to function physically. As a result, alcohol is consumed obsessively, in uncontrolled amounts and can lead to psychological and physical harm. www.recoveryhq.com

3. Alcohol Addiction and AUD Statistics Age Age 75 A recent study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry estimated that about 30 percent of Americans reported having an alcohol disorder at some point in their lives. Over half (17.8%) were due to alcohol abuse and the remainder to alcohol dependence (12.5%). 50 25 Alcohol abuse developed at an average age of 22.5 Alcohol dependence developed at an average age of 21.9 On average, patients begin to receive treatment 8 years after the age at which they develop the condition 0 Alcohol Abuse Dependency www.recoveryhq.com

4. Causes of Alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder There are several interrelated factors that can result in alcohol abuse or addiction. Examples of causes that can influence the development of alcoholism include biological, psychological, and social/environmental factors. Biological influences that may attribute to alcohol addiction include a genetic component. Psychological factors connected with alcoholism include but are not limited to cases of abuse, underlying traumas, feelings of depression, and anxiety. www.recoveryhq.com

5. Add a little bit of body test negligence of responsibilities at work, home, and school due to substance abuse Drinking as a method of coping or de-stressing Increase in legal difficulties as a result of drinking Inability to control or regulate drinking or behavior while under the influence Inability to quit drinking even if desired Loss of interest in other activities once enjoyed. Preoccupation with alcohol and drinking Drinking in isolation Storing/hiding alcohol in unlikely places or hiding evidence/empty bottles Increased tolerance to alcohol so that greater amounts are needed to feel its effects Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Dependence www.recoveryhq.com

6. Alcohol Effects 1. Physical Effects Abuse of alcohol is detrimental to the normal mechanisms and functions of the human body. www.recoveryhq.com 2. Psychological Effects Alcoholism can also negatively influence mental health. 3. Social Effects Alcohol addiction may also result in several negative social effects.

7. Residential Treatment which can be a short-term program lasting a few weeks or months, or a long-term program lasting a year or more. Residential treatment typically follows inpatient treatment and is appropriate for those who previously attended an inpatient and/or outpatient program, but who need continued support or supervision to maintain sobriety. Alcoholism Treatment Outpatient Treatment where a person attends treatment for a few hours per day, 2 to 3 times per week, but can continue living at home. This type of treatment may be the first stage of treatment for someone with a less severe AUD. Alcoholics Anonymous the original 12 step recovery program, is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. www.recoveryhq.com

8. Non 12 Step Programs there are many effective alternatives to the 12-step addiction recovery approach which help people overcome alcoholism and alcohol abuse including SMART Recovery, Life Ring, Celebrate Recovery, and more. Alcoholism Treatment Alcohol Counseling is one element of treating alcoholism. A counselor will be able to offer guidance and support along your journey to an alcohol-free life and may also be a way to learn strategies to employ in the real world when trying to stay sober after treatment. Lifestyle Change rehab, 12 step programs and counselors may not be the only tool for recovery from alcohol addiction. Making positive lifestyle changes while recovering can further support your recovery. Check our resources page for additional assistance. www.recoveryhq.com

9. Aftercare and Long-Term Health After completing rehab, the recovering alcoholic needs ongoing support. Many treatment programs offer group meetings that continue to provide mutual support. There are many aftercare programs available, both with an in-person group sessions and virtual support meetings. An important component of many aftercare plans, includes regular meeting attendance with groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to further support recovery. AA has a long-standing network of group meetings in almost every community in the U.S. and around the world. www.recoveryhq.com

10. www.recoveryhq.com Talk to Us The Recovery HQ Team is here to help! If you or a loved one has a problem with drug addiction, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, disorder or other behavior addiction, the Recovery HQ Team is here to help. We can answer questions you have and share more information about treatment options. Give us a call today at 800-533-6166.