Alcohol addiction is a life-long chronic disorder that is connected to compulsive alcohol drinking, the loss of control over consumption, and the negative emotional state that appears when the substance is no longer available.
Despite knowing the social, occupational, or health consequences associated with alcohol, many people with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) are unable to stop or control their alcohol use. Trying to end alcohol addiction on your own can be incredibly difficult, and the withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, too, increasing the likelihood of relapse.
Tree House Recovery understands the powerful grip that disorders like AUD can have on individuals, but there are ways to heal, recover, and build resilience for long-term sobriety. Through our holistic, evidence-based approach, Tree House Recovery’s substance abuse treatment programs are tailored to support you throughout your recovery journey.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment in North Carolina
Like most other drugs, alcohol can temporarily relieve emotional discomfort and stress. These effects may motivate people to continue drinking, and negative emotional states between drinking episodes can contribute to the development of alcohol dependence. This dependence can trap individuals in an unhealthy cycle of alcohol use.
There are three stages of the addiction cycle:
- Binge/Intoxication Stage. During this stage, a person experiences the rewarding effects of alcohol due to the activation of the basal ganglia’s reward system. With repeated alcohol consumption, the basal ganglia will adapt and form an unhealthy reliance on alcohol.
- Withdrawal Stage. During this stage, the lack of activation in the reward systems makes it difficult for a person to enjoy everyday living, increasing the activation of the brain’s stress system. Drinking alcohol is no longer being consumed for a pleasurable effect. Instead, it is used to escape the “low” feelings – known as hyperkatifeia – connected with chronic alcohol misuse.
- Anticipation Stage. After a period of abstinence, a person will become preoccupied with alcohol and how to get it and consume it. This anticipation of alcohol consumption is a result of a compromised prefrontal cortex.
This three-stage cycle can affect persons experiencing alcohol addiction differently. Some may go through this cycle over weeks or months, while others may pass through it several times a day.
Why Should You Be Concerned About Alcohol Addiction?
There are many health and social issues linked to alcohol consumption. Personal relationships, heart and liver disease, cancers, accidents, violence, and alcohol overdose are some of the consequences that are associated with alcohol misuse. The risk for these consequences is much higher for someone experiencing AUD.
With 15.1% percent of adults in North Carolina reporting binge drinking (four or more drinks on one occasion for women and five or more for men) or heavy drinking (eight or more drinks per week for women or 15 or more for men), it is essential to seek help if you notice signs of alcohol addiction and are ready to make sustainable changes in your life.
Dangers of Alcohol Addiction
Because of its legality and widespread use, alcohol’s biggest danger is the false sense of security that comes with using it. The most recent research says that one in eight people struggles with alcohol addiction.
What’s more is that alcohol can be addictive to anyone, not just people with alcohol use disorder. With enough consumption, anyone can develop a physical dependence on alcohol, meaning that they would experience withdrawal symptoms if they stopped drinking.
What to Expect from Alcohol Addiction Withdrawal
There are several signs and symptoms that you are experiencing withdrawal from alcohol. The withdrawal symptoms may occur when someone experiencing alcohol addiction suddenly stops consuming alcohol.
Common symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Nightmares
- Head fogginess
When a person is suffering from delirium tremens – a severe form of alcohol withdrawal – they may experience some of these common symptoms:
- Agitation
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Sudden, severe confusion
These symptoms happen within eight hours of the last drink and can peak in 24 to 72 hours. However, some people experiencing alcohol addiction may experience these symptoms days or weeks later.
Withdrawal can be a complex process that can become unbearable as a person progresses. One of the stages that a person may experience is post-acute withdrawal syndrome, also known as PAWS.
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
People with a history of prolonged substance abuse and high consumption typically encounter post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS is a longer-lasting phase of withdrawal and comes after the physical symptoms have subsided.
Typically, PAWS withdrawal can manifest psychological symptoms like:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of balance
- Anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure)
- Sleep impairment
Unlike acute withdrawal, which is characterized by physical symptoms, the symptoms and length of PAWS can vary among individuals.
There are many ways to manage PAWS, including a change of diet, daily exercise, and socialization — all of which Tree House Recovery can help you with through our substance abuse programs.
Understanding Alcohol Addiction Treatment in NC
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, Tree House Recovery is here to support you as you take the first steps in your recovery journey.
There are some tell-tale signs that it is time to seek help:
- You drink alcohol every day or multiple times a day.
- You have tried to cut back on drinking but have been unable to do so.
- Drinking alcohol is interfering with work, school, or home life.
- You are engaging in risky behaviors when under the influence of alcohol.
- You are experiencing financial difficulties due to alcohol use.
- You have developed health problems as a result of your drinking.
If you are struggling with any of these signs, it is time to seek alcohol addiction treatment.
Tree House Recovery offers alcohol treatment in Wilmington, NC that can support you throughout your recovery process. Through our treatment, you will build life skills, establish a supportive community, and develop daily practices to maintain life-long sobriety.
Alcohol Detox
Detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous and deadly without medical supervision. The best way to start your recovery journey from alcohol addiction is with a medically assisted detox, where you will have 24-hour supervision.
During a detox, doctors can help individuals decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms until the physical dependence on the substance decreases. However, detox on its own is not enough to help you build the skills to help maintain sobriety.
As Tree House Recovery develops its alcohol detox program in North Carolina, we encourage you to reach out when you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery journey. Our team can also help connect you to one of our trusted partners.
Alcohol Intensive Outpatient Rehab
Tree House Recovery offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) in Wilmington, North Carolina, designed for individuals seeking treatment that fits into their lives.
Our 90-day program accommodates professional and personal commitments by scheduling treatment in the evenings during the week, helping participants gain a new perspective on addiction and learn how to live a satisfying life without it.
To do that requires therapies that address addiction’s three components:
- Biology: Just as the brain affects the body, the body affects the brain. That’s why all good treatment programs include a fitness component.
- Psychological: Unmasking trauma and negative thought patterns while learning coping skills are vital to sobriety. So is learning what triggers cravings.
- Social: Forming deep, meaningful connections, finding support communities, and avoiding isolation are all necessary to create long-term, enjoyable sobriety.
Rebuilding a life that supports sobriety can feel daunting, but at Tree House Recovery, we’re here to guide you. Our supportive community of leaders, coaches, and clients is dedicated to helping you build sustainable success and essential life skills.
Sober Living and Rehab Aftercare
Many challenges in daily life don’t exist while in rehab. While our IOP helps you build the skills and confidence to navigate triggers and obstacles, creating an aftercare plan is essential for long-term recovery.
Tree House Recovery designs personalized aftercare plans that support your unique needs, helping you cultivate a fulfilling, sober living aligned with your goals. We also offer family programs to help build a support network with your closest relationships.
Every aftercare plan is different, but all alums are always welcome to return and participate in therapeutic exercises and activities, maintaining a strong and supportive community.
How to Find Alcohol Rehab in North Carolina
Alcohol addiction is incredibly complex and will affect everyone differently. At Tree House Recovery, we offer programs designed to help specific communities on their journey to recovery.
Our Alcohol Rehab for Men
Alcohol use and abuse have historically been more prevalent in men. The relationship between masculinity and alcohol consumption has negatively impacted men’s confidence, self-image, and ability to enjoy life on their own terms.
Our rehab for men is designed to give men the space they need to find camaraderie among fellow participants and address their addiction in a safe environment.
Our Alcohol Rehab for Women
Women face significantly higher risks when they misuse alcohol because of biological differences such as weight and body water. As alcohol misuse among women increases, women should seek help when they are ready to decrease the risk of alcohol-related emergencies, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Tree House Recovery’s women’s addiction treatment program is designed to give women a safe space to address the complex issues related to their addiction while fostering a supportive community and developing skills to maintain sobriety.
Alcohol Rehab for Young Adults
Alcohol is the most common drug used by people under 21 years old in the United States. These young adults experiencing alcohol addiction are also likely to develop more likely to develop physical and mental health problems.
Tree House Recovery’s alcohol rehab for young men and women focuses on empowering young adults and rediscovering confidence in their decisions as they navigate the complexities of adulthood.
Tree House Recovery’s Alcohol Rehab in NC
Alcohol addiction can be a life-consuming disorder for many people, but it doesn’t always have to be this way. When you or a loved one is ready to find help, Tree House Recovery is here to guide you through the recovery process and support long-lasting recovery through holistic and evidence-based addiction treatment in North Carolina.
Our treatment team of professionals understands what it takes to overcome addiction and is ready to show you how to succeed in life and sobriety while also showing you what a fulfilling, sober life can look like.
Start your recovery journey today with Tree House Recovery by contacting our admissions team at (910) 812-1728 or online to learn more about our alcohol rehab in Wilmington, NC.
Author
Derek Swain: Addiction Writer