Alcohol Rehab in Nacogdoches, TX
Alcohol addiction is a chronic condition in which you are dependent on alcohol to function normally. True addiction involves not only emotional or psychological dependence, but also physical dependence. This means that the repeated use of alcohol causes identifiable changes to the brain. Those changes affect mood, behavior, cognition and many physical processes within the body. If you try to stop drinking, you experience withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, anxiety, nausea or sweating, because your brain has difficulty operating properly without the alcohol. Alcohol rehab in Nacogdoches addresses both sides of this dependence equation.
Experts often see alcohol addiction as the final stage of alcohol abuse. When abuse is beginning, you might engage in drinking to experiment or fit in, and you have control and awareness over what you are doing. Gradually, however, your life starts to center around drinking more and more.
You make it a priority, sometimes changing who you have relationships with based on your ability to drink while socializing. You might start to have difficulties with loved ones or coworkers, and daily living becomes difficult. By the time you are an alcohol addict, you no longer can abstain from drinking on your own, even though you might be aware of the consequences more drinking might bring. Thus, attending alcohol rehab in Nacogdoches becomes critical.
Although experts that provide alcohol addiction treatment are still learning about addiction, they believe that multiple factors might play a role in whether someone develops an alcohol problem. These factors include
- Genetics (might account for up to 50 percent of risk)
- Culture
- Problems with the function of reward circuits in the brain (not necessarily genetically related)
- Repeated use of drugs or engagement in addictive behaviors, which changes the motivational circuitry in the brain and leads to impaired control
- Cognitive and affective distortions
- Disruption of support systems/interpersonal relationships
- Exposure to trauma or stressors
- Distortion in meaning, purpose and values that guide attitudes, thinking and behavior
- Distortions in a person's connection with themselves, others or a higher power
- Co-occurring psychiatric conditions covered by dual diagnosis
Dangers of Alcohol
Light, responsible drinking has been shown to have some health benefits, particularly for the heart. But when drinking gets out of hand and you move into addiction, health can suffer. Alcohol use can result in a higher risk for a number of conditions, including liver and heart disease, stroke, depression, stomach bleeding, STDs and even cancer. Diabetes, high blood pressure and birth defects also occur or are aggravated. Experts further note that alcohol is a factor in
- 60 percent of fatal burn injuries
- 50 percent of severe trauma injuries and sexual assaults
- 40 percent of fatal motor vehicle crashes, suicides and fatal falls
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, roughly 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes each year. Alcohol thus is the fourth leading cause of preventable death in America.
Outside of health, alcohol addiction can cause financial difficulties if drinking causes you to lose your job, or simply because you are spending the funds you have on your habit. It can strain relationships and cause legal or logistical difficulties, as well, such as getting arrested or losing your driver's license. If necessary to convince a loved one they need help, we offer assistance planning and staging a drug intervention in Nacogdoches.
Why Should I Enter an Alcohol Addiction Rehab Center?
Many people are nervous or avoidant about entering alcohol rehab in Nacogdoches. They are afraid of changing, or they worry that others will judge them. But in some instances, withdrawal symptoms are so difficult on the body that the body gives out--complications like seizures can be fatal.
Additionally, drinking often has psychological motivations, such as the desire to block or cope with negative feelings. The professionals at an alcohol addiction rehab center can monitor you physically and help you detox safely. They also can provide a safe space in which to uncover and face why you drink.
These facilities are also excellent sources of support and accountability. They can keep you from falling back into old routines where it is easier for you to drink, keeping you physically away from temptation. You can learn effective coping strategies through the various types of therapies offered, as well.
Another big reason to enter alcohol rehab in Nacogdoches is education. Through treatment, you learn what drives you to alcohol, which helps you avoid your individual triggers. But rehab also can connect you to resources for friends and family, who likely will want to understand your condition to help you.
Professionals that provide alcohol addiction treatment also are connected to other organizations and individuals who can help you build yourself back up, such as career trainers and teachers. By educating yourself and others about alcohol rehab and drug rehab, the odds are better you'll enjoy a lasting recovery. Give us a call now for more information about our programs for addiction treatment in Nacogdoches at (877) 804-1531.