Addiction Treatment

Rehabs in South Africa

Online Therapy WeDoRecover

Alcohol is one of the most popularly used drugs today and astronomical amounts of it are drunk each year worldwide.

While it may be popular and easily accessible, it is these two facts that make alcohol one of the most widely abused narcotic substances today.

With abuse, follows addiction. In a study done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it was found that over half of the worlds adult population (18 years +) drink regularly.

These statistics make for alarming news as there could be a possibility that half of the world’s adult population may perhaps become addicted to alcohol.

The quality of alcohol rehabilitation centres has taken major strides over the past few years and most rehabs provide good medical detoxification as well as excellent alcoholic treatment.

In this article, we’ll discuss the effects of alcoholism and alcohol rehabilitation centres.

Alcoholism Defined

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), Alcoholism is defined as a dependency to alcohol. This means that an addict cannot live without alcohol.

The individual will have a higher tolerance to alcohol (drinking more to feel an effect than was once achieved with smaller amounts), will suffer withdrawal symptoms when the drug isn’t available, will not be able to minimise their drinking habits, will lose time just to satisfy cravings and will also neglect personal, social and work responsibilities.

Addicts will repeatedly use alcohol despite the negative physical and mental effects it causes. Anyone who shows at least three of these symptoms for more than 12 months is considered to be suffering from an addiction.

In most cases, it’s usually the family and loved ones of an addict who is able to pick up that an individual could be suffering from alcoholism.

Some of the symptoms that are generally linked with alcoholism include moodiness, tiredness, obsession and anger.

The Effects of Alcoholism

According to research done by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) in 2007, it was estimated that approximately 20 million people needed alcoholism treatment but only around 2 million people received treatment at an alcohol rehabilitation centre.

Each year that number of people that needs access to alcohol rehabilitation centres keeps growing.

Alcoholism is very damaging to the health and wellbeing of an addict; therefore it is highly advisable to seek the help of professional addictions counsellors or receive treatment in an alcohol rehab.

Quitting alcohol alone can be dangerous due to the withdrawal symptoms that are experienced. Depending on the severity of the addiction, an alcoholism detox may be done in rehab under strict medical supervision.

What Happens in Alcohol Rehabilitation Centres

A residential stay in an alcohol rehab provides the opportunity for the addict to be closely watched and cared for by the medical staff.

A detox may also be done prior admission to minimise or remove any withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced.

Various counselling and therapy (one-on-one counselling, group therapy etc.) will also be done to help teach the recovering addict more about alcoholism and how he or she can avoid using alcohol in the future.

Because everyone is different, addicts’ alcoholism symptoms will also differ.

The severity of these symptoms will be entirely dependent on how long the individual has been excessively drinking, how often the person drinks and how much alcohol has been consumed.

In more serious cases, it has also been reported that bad withdrawal symptoms can even lead to death if not managed correctly.

Alcoholism Defined Effects of Alcoholism What Happens in Rehab

Addiction Treatment

Rehabs in South Africa

Online Therapy WeDoRecover

Substance Disorders

Behavioural Disorders

Addiction Help

Treatment Services

Treatment Near You