Alcohol Addiction Treatment

California Alcohol Addiction

Substance abuse is prevalent throughout California, with half of the state’s residents over 12 reportedly drinking alcohol in the last year. The widespread use has led to an uptick in addiction. Yet, according to the California Care Foundation, only about 10% of those suffering from a substance abuse disorder have received treatment at alcohol rehab in California.

Drinking alcohol has become a widely accepted social activity. Alcohol can be found in most restaurants and many stores, making it easy to mask an unhealthy dependency. As of 2021, California consumed more alcohol in raw volume than any other state, drinking just under 89 million gallons. That’s 30 million more gallons than the runner-up, Texas. 

As a result, it’s crucial to educate society on the dangers of alcohol and how to seek help. Resurgence Behavioral Health is home to a team of compassion experts operating multiple facilities for alcohol rehab in California. With Riverside, Braddock, and Huntley locations, the company treats and cares for anyone looking for a fresh start. 

What Are the Main Causes of Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction affects millions of individuals worldwide. And as with most things, education and widespread awareness are key. Understanding the causes of alcohol addiction is essential for effective prevention and treatment strategies. 

Some causes of alcohol addiction include the following: 

• Genetics: A person’s family history can play a significant role in their predisposition to alcoholism and addictive behaviors. 
• Psychological Distress: Mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or past trauma can lead people to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
• Stress Coping Mechanisms: Similar to psychological disorders, high levels of stress from daily life can prompt people to seek relief through alcohol. 
• Social and Cultural Influences: Exposure to heavy drinking from peers, family, and one’s community can influence drinking behaviors. Some communities may normalize heavy drinking, which contributes to addiction. 
• Early Exposure: Drinking from an early age can increase the likelihood of dependency. 

Kicking a habit is never easy, especially if your environment encourages it. Resurgence Behavioral Health offers an alcohol rehab in California with the facilities to help someone overcome their triggers in a supportive environment. 

What Happens to Your Body When You Are Addicted to Alcohol?

There are many health effects of alcohol abuse, especially over long periods of time. Issues with brain, liver, and heart function can all arise with prolonged overconsumption of alcohol. The length of time a person continuously drinks alcohol can also influence how the body reacts. 

Short-term effects of alcohol addiction include:

• Impaired Cognitive Function: Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination. It can also cause mood swings, blackout periods, and increased anxiety the following day.
• Digestive Issues: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea, vomiting, and sometimes gastritis.
• Cardiovascular Problems: The substance can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can be detrimental to those with heart problems.

Next, let’s explore the long-term effects of addiction to alcohol:

• Brain Damage: Alcohol interferes with the brain’s passageways. As a result, prolonged use can cause permanent cognitive impairments, memory issues, and changes in brain structure.
• Liver Damage: Alcohol can cause a fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis as the organ works overtime metabolizing the substance.
• Heart Complications: It increases the risk of cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, stroke, and hypertension.
• Pancreatitis: The pancreas can inflame after consistent heavy drinking, which impairs its ability to make enzymes for adequate digestion. This can cause severe abdominal pain and digestive issues as the organ swells.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Alcohol interferes with nutrient absorption, which can lead to various vitamin deficiencies.
• Cancer Risk: Alcohol can increase the risk of cancers related to the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breasts.
• Immune System Suppression: An alcohol addiction can weaken a person’s immune system and lead to repeated infections.
• Mental Health Issues: Mental problems like anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among those who drink regularly. 

Alcoholism is an issue plaguing millions of people across the country. The prevalence of heavy drinkers in the state especially means it’s crucial to educate others on the treatment services and California alcohol rehab centers available. 

What Is the First Stage of Alcoholism?

Unlike problems with drugs, alcohol addiction can be hard to spot at first, even for the affected individual. It can be easy to explain away overconsumption with daily stresses or social activities. However, there are some key characteristics of the first stage of alcoholism to look out for. 

First, a heavy drinker may notice increased tolerance. Over time, the person may need to drink more to achieve the same effects. This could be a sign they’re drinking too often. Additionally, if alcohol has become part of a person’s daily routine and they have consistent cravings, this could be another sign it might be time to cut back. 

Emotional use is often another sign of alcohol dependence. Some may begin to drink to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional issues. If you instantly crave alcohol at the first sign of stress, the two may be unhealthily linked in your mind. 

According to Stony Brook University, here are some questions to ask that may be able to gauge a person’s alcohol dependence: 

1. Do you lose time from work due to drinking?
2. Is drinking making your home life unhappy?
3. Is drinking affecting your reputation?
4. Have you felt remorse after drinking?
5. Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily?
6. Do you want a drink the following day?
7. Do you drink alone?
8. Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?
9. Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?
10. Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on account of your drinking?

If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol, don’t hesitate to reach out to a treatment center like Resurgence Behavioral Health. 

What Happens in the End Stage of Alcoholism?

The end stage of alcoholism is often referred to as severe alcohol use disorder and generally leads to physical deterioration. In this phase, the long-term effects of alcohol misuse begin and can cause multiple organs to fail. After years of overuse, the liver, heart, and pancreas could start to shut down. 

Psychological effects could also occur during this stage. Alcohol can cause severe depression and anxiety, posing the risk of suicide. Heavy users may also experience memory loss, attention, and problem-solving issues. 

Moreover, long-term alcoholism can put a significant strain on relationships and finances. Difficulty with either can exacerbate a person’s mental decline and depression. 

How to Find an Alcohol Rehab in California

Finding an alcohol rehab in California can be life-saving. Resurgence Behavioral Health offers a range of services, from alcohol detox to inpatient addiction treatment, an outpatient program, and aftercare. Our inpatient alcohol rehab facility is located in the heart of Jurupa Valley, offering a wide range of therapies and treatments. Some of our methods involve medication-assisted treatment (MAT), dual diagnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, and more. Call 855-458-0050 to speak to an expert today about how you can regain control of your health and life.