Alcoholism impacts many parts of life. Whatever words people use to describe a person with alcohol use disorder (AUD) cannot fully describe how addiction impacts the lives of the person with the AUD and those around them:
- Anger, confusion, worry, denial, and sadness surround family and friends.
- Employers, neighbors, schools, law enforcement, and creditors are often affected in some way when alcohol use has gone beyond the level of social acceptability.
- Divorces, health conditions, and even deaths can be traced to battles with alcoholism.
Deaths involving alcohol are the third-leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sadly, many stigmas about alcohol use and abuse keep people from seeking addiction treatment, sharing their addiction, or speaking openly about how alcohol affects their lives. At Northpoint Colorado, we believe in reducing the stigmas of alcohol use disorder and helping people across Colorado recover.
If someone in your life is living with an alcohol use disorder, Northpoint Colorado can help. Call us now to learn about Northpoint Colorado’s alcohol addiction rehab clinic in Loveland, Colorado. Reach us now at 888.231.1281 for a free assessment.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
People may refer to alcohol use disorder as “alcoholism,” or an “alcohol addiction.” No matter what it’s called, alcohol use disorder is treatable. Alcohol addiction can develop slowly or time or suddenly when someone drinks frequently. Alcohol use disorder is characterized by a dependency on alcohol. Dependency occurs when the brain and body depend on alcohol for certain chemical processes to occur.
Like prescription and illicit drugs, alcohol changes a person’s brain chemistry. As a depressant, alcohol slows communication between the brain and nervous system. This is why people may stumble, slur speech, and feel a general lessening of physical and emotional pain while intoxicated. Unfortunately, the effects of alcohol are short-lived. Like many substances, alcohol provides temporary relief but can worsen pre-existing symptoms and conditions.
Immediate side effects of alcohol use disorder include:
- Dehydration
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Erratic behavior
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Disturbed sleep
- Nausea or vomiting
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Impaired judgment
- Drug-seeking behavior
Alcoholism Treatment at Northpoint Colorado
Alcohol use increases the chance someone will use illicit drugs and worsens pre-existing mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Nearly half of people living with addiction also have mood disorders. For many people with alcohol use disorder, drinking is a form of self-medicating for undiagnosed depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. At Northpoint Colorado, we use dual diagnosis treatment to assess and diagnose mood disorders for overall health. Studies show that treating mood disorders alongside substance use disorders can reduce addictive behaviors and ease recovery.
At Northpoint Colorado, we use a three-step system to help people recover. Our residential program provides our highest level of support with alcohol detox services. After successfully detoxing, clients go through three weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy to understand addiction triggers and begin developing new behavior patterns. After this stage, clients enter outpatient recovery for extended support at home.
Treating Alcoholism with Individualized Care in Loveland, Colorado
At Northpoint Colorado, we know each of our patients is on their own journey. That’s why our programs tailor detox, therapy, and recovery to an individual’s needs. At Northpoint Colorado, you’ll never feel like a number or statistic.
Our programs aim to support addiction recovery for the greater Denver metro area. With multiple levels of recovery, our patients receive extended care that works. With individual and family therapy, clients at Northpoint Colorado thrive!
If you or someone you love is addicted to alcohol, don’t quit on your own. Call Northpoint Colorado today at 888.231.1281 for a free assessment and enroll today!