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Alcoholism Treatment Program in Dallas

Alcohol, a central nervous system depressant, is a major health concern globally. Alcohol has significant cultural and societal importance around the world. Whether it be parties, different celebrations, happy gatherings, or a post-funeral reception, alcohol is always the star of the event. But, being such a prevalent part of society comes with some negativity. So, what is alcohol and why is it so deadly?

Understanding Alcoholism and Substance Abuse in Dallas, TX

As a leading authority on alcoholism treatment programs in Dallas, TX, Real Deal Therapy & Wellness understands the growing concern around substance abuse and its impact on the local community. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration, alcoholism and drug addiction rates continue to rise in Dallas County, highlighting the need for effective treatment options and resources.

 

The Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol is a very powerful central nervous system depressant. It is a major mood lifter. A very vast majority of people opt to drink whenever they are stressed out.

Alcohol produces euphoria, sedation, decreased anxiety, and increased confidence making the person more social. Alcohol impairs cognitive functions making the person have a poor memory and a short attention span.

Alcohol causes classic characteristics of drunkenness (alcohol intoxication). A drunk person is likely to get injured owing to a lack of coordination caused by alcohol. How quickly a person gets drunk depends on the person’s age, gender, body mass index (BMI), etc. As you consume more and more alcohol (increasing the blood alcohol content), the symptoms of alcohol intoxication progress, ultimately leading to death. 

There are six stages of alcohol intoxication:

  1. Euphoria

  2. Excitement

  3. Confusion

  4. Stupor

  5. Coma

  6. Death

Effects on the Brain

Alcohol affects almost every single organ of the body. Too much alcohol over a long period can harm the heart, causing pathologies such as cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, stroke, and high blood pressure. The most commonly affected organ by alcohol is the liver. Alcohol consumption causes a fatty liver which progresses through various stages if alcohol consumption is not ceased. Fatty liver progress to alcoholic steatohepatitis, which then, over the years, leads to fibrosis and, eventually, liver cirrhosis. The liver's cirrhosis means it can no longer perform its normal functions. This is associated with a poor prognosis unless a liver transplant is done. The liver is most commonly affected is because the liver is the major organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol.

Alcohol can also cause acute pancreatitis and stomach problems like bloating and the formation of painful ulcers. Chronic alcohol use is more likely to depress the body’s immune function making the body more prone to contracting diseases. A vast majority of research also suggest that persistent alcohol use is associated with an increased likelihood of cancer.

Effects on the body

Alcohol extensively affects the brain and can cause certain disorders. These include peripheral neuropathies, cerebellar degeneration, dementia, and, less commonly, it can affect the optic nerve and corpus callosum (bundle of nerve fibers connecting the brain's two hemispheres).

Alcohol can also cause malnutrition because of its tendency to interfere with the absorption of various nutrients and the poor diet of alcoholics.

Alcohol has deleterious effects on the growing fetus, which is why pregnant mothers are advised to avoid alcohol at all costs during their pregnancy. Heavy alcohol drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, associated with facial abnormality, growth retardation, muscular in-coordination, low intelligence, and hyperactivity.

Why is Alcohol so Addictive?

Alcohol primarily affects the brain by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter GABA which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Increasing the levels of this, alcohol depresses the activity of the brain producing its effects. This widely used drug also affects a lot of neurotransmitter systems like glutamate, glycine, acetylcholine, and serotonin. Serotonin makes the person elated compelling people to consume it more and more frequently. The euphoric effects of alcohol are related to the release of dopamine in the reward pathways of the brain. All this contributes to making a person addicted.

What Does Alcohol Addiction Look Like?

Alcohol withdrawal: this occurs when you cut down on your drinks. Symptoms can be very mild or very severe and can include multiple bodily & mental responses. Treating alcohol addiction or alcoholism can be extremely demanding but with professional help and massive support from friends and family, it can be done. Finding a drug rehab center near you is the first step to getting better.

Mental Symptoms

  • General Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Racing Thoughts
  • Anger
  • Imbalanced Moods

 

Physical Symptoms

  • Headache
  • Nausea 
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting
  • Cold Sweats
  • Shaky Hands

Identifying the Signs of Alcohol Abuse and Withdrawal Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of alcohol abuse and withdrawal symptoms is crucial in getting help for yourself or a loved one. Common indicators include increased tolerance, inability to control alcohol consumption, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and irritability when not drinking.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Addressing Both Addiction and Mental Health Issues

At Real Deal Therapy & Wellness, our specialized rehab program focuses on dual diagnosis treatment, tackling addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously. This comprehensive approach ensures that individuals receive the support to address their substance use disorder and any underlying mental health issues.

Treatment Centers in Dallas: Options for Substance Abuse Treatment

In Dallas, TX, Real Deal Therapy & Wellness stands out among the diverse treatment centers and rehab programs designed to help individuals overcome drug and alcohol addiction. With various options, including inpatient treatment and outpatient programming, we cater to each person’s unique needs and circumstances, ensuring a personalized approach to recovery.

Inpatient Treatment vs. Outpatient Programming: Which is Right for You?

Inpatient treatment provides round-the-clock care in a residential setting, while outpatient programming allows individuals to attend therapy and support groups while maintaining their daily responsibilities. Choosing the right option depends on the severity of the addiction, the need for medical supervision, and personal preferences.

Support Groups and Recovery Resources: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and More

Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous play a vital role in long-term recovery. These group meetings offer a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, gain valuable insights, and build a supportive network to maintain sobriety.

Financing Alcoholism Treatment: Private Health Insurance, Self-Payment, and Sliding Scale Options

Real Deal Therapy & Wellness accepts private health insurance and self-payments and offers sliding-scale payment plans to ensure everyone has the treatment they need. We work closely with insurance providers to help clients navigate their coverage options and find the most cost-effective solution for their care.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Medication-Assisted Treatment

Our alcoholism treatment program in Dallas employs evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment to provide the most effective care for our clients. These methods have been proven to help individuals overcome addiction and manage mental health disorders.

The Importance of Aftercare and Sober Living for Long-Term Recovery in Dallas County

Aftercare and sober living options play a critical role in maintaining long-term recovery. Real Deal Therapy & Wellness offers support and resources to help clients transition back into daily life, build job skills, and establish healthy routines that promote lasting sobriety.

By offering a comprehensive alcoholism treatment program in Dallas, TX, Real Deal Therapy & Wellness aims to provide individuals with the tools and support they need to overcome addiction and achieve a fulfilling, healthy life.

Finding Treatment For Alcoholism

Finding help from alcoholism may require you to enter an alcohol rehab program. However, with the right motivation, you can do anything you wish to. But, finding help and maintaining sobriety is not always easy. It’s important that you are honest with yourself, and make the simple decision to reach out to a professional.

Alcoholism FAQ's

Below are some quick answers to frequently asked questions about Alcoholism.

Other physical and harmful effects of alcohol include:

  • Anemia
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Episodic hypoglycemia (drop in blood glucose levels every now and then)
  • haemochromatosis
  • Osteoporosis and osteomalacia
  • Obesity or emaciation
  • Gout and much more.

Chronic alcoholism can lead to significant consequences for society. A few of these include:

  • Joblessness
  • Below par work performance
  • Harsh and violent behavior of individuals towards family or friends. Including, domestic violence, martial rape, etc.
  • Accidental damage
  • Road accidents, because of driving while drunk. In fact, drunk driving is a major cause of road accidents worldwide.
  • Crime, mainly petty offenses. Also, sexual offenses and violent ones like murder.
  • Emotional and conduct problem in the alcoholic’s children.
  • Expensive healthcare. Alcohol is a cause of a lot of physical illnesses and therefore is a major cause of hospital admissions in alcohol legal countries.

Alcohol has a very high tolerance. This means the person requires more and more of the booze to feel the same desired effect. Alcohol dependence is when a person is physically or psychologically dependent on alcohol.

Alcohol dependence syndrome: (ICD-10) this is a chronic condition in which the person continuously craves alcoholic beverages and is unable to withdraw from them. This causes impairment for that individual socially and occupationally.

Alcohol is most commonly used recreationally in the form of beverages. In addition to this, alcohol is used as a disinfectant, an antiseptic, and an antidote.[1]

The amount of alcohol in a user’s body can be quantified by the so-called body alcohol content or BAC. BAC has importance medically and legally.[2] BAC is given as weight of ethanol per unit volume of blood. Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram of its consumption. This means, as shown in the chart below, that intoxication can be determined by levels of BAC.

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1251 S. Sherman Suite 108

Richardson, TX 75081

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