At Serenity Grove, our alcohol rehab in Athens, Georgia offers safe and effective rehab programs for those struggling with alcohol use disorder so you can get back to a better and brighter future. Our evidence-based programs and holistic therapies help individuals better understand how they developed alcohol use disorder, and learn to develop new coping skills to live a sober life and heal.
Today, alcohol addiction is one of the most common substance abuse disorders around the country. Many people need dedicated alcohol addiction treatment in order to fully recover and regain sobriety. Serenity Grove is accredited and our licensed professionals understand what it takes to recover from alcoholism.
Learn more about substance abuse treatment near you by calling Serenity Grove at 844.904.3485.
What Defines Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also referred to as alcohol use disorder, is a type of substance abuse that involves an unhealthy amount of drinking behavior. Using alcohol is widely accepted in American society. Most of us are bombarded by billboards, commercials, and online advertisements that relate alcohol consumption to having a good time and socializing. There is nothing inherently wrong with drinking small amounts of alcohol. However, alcohol is an addictive substance. Even without an addiction being present, binge drinking and other forms of dangerous alcohol use pose risks.
Once alcohol consumption reaches the point of addiction, drinking is considered compulsive and something that is no longer a simple personal choice. A few markers of alcohol addiction to look out for include the following:
- Cravings for alcohol
- Drinking too much alcohol every time you engage in drinking behavior
- Spending considerable time thinking about alcohol, planning how to get alcohol, or trying to recover from excessive alcohol consumption
- Negative consequences at home or work due to alcohol usage
- Risky behavior resulting from excessive alcohol use, such as driving while drunk
Recent studies indicate that people between 18-29 are the age group that is most affected by alcohol addiction. No one thing is responsible for causing alcohol addiction. Medical professionals often point to three interactive factors that influence whether or not someone develops an alcohol use disorder. These are dual diagnosis mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, environmental factors, and genetics.
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How Alcohol Rehab in Athens, Georgia Works
Oftentimes, the first step in alcohol addiction treatment is alcohol detox. This is the process of stopping alcohol usage and helping the body physically adjust to life without alcohol. In some cases, the detox process can be severely uncomfortable. Sometimes it is even life-threatening in cases of extreme addiction.
Alcohol addiction treatment centers are careful to put the necessary support in place to ensure people can navigate withdrawal effectively. A few of the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms are tremors, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. In severe situations, seizures and delirium tremens are also possible symptoms during withdrawal.
Alcohol rehab is generally accomplished using a combination of therapy and medications like acamprosate or disulfiram. Taking these medications can help reduce cravings and support abstinence. In the case of disulfiram, this medication causes users to experience negative side effects when they drink alcohol. These negative side effects act as a deterrent and help the brain associate alcohol consumption with feeling ill.
Once alcohol detox has been completed, individuals typically transition to our residential addiction treatment program where they will work with trained therapists, case managers, and licensed clinicians to process maladaptive coping skills, understand triggers, and develop a comprehensive plan for their future.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Like other addictive substances, alcohol alters a person’s brain chemistry. Over time, this results in dependency. This happens when the brain relies on alcohol for chemicals like dopamine and GABA instead of producing its own. With alcohol consumption, it’s hard to realize when social drinking becomes a habit and later an addiction. Some symptoms of alcohol addiction include:
- Irritability
- Erratic behavior
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Alcohol cravings
- Blatant drunkenness
- The inability to stop drinking after one serving
- Other drug-seeking behavior
- Lying
- Change in sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Financial issues
Social drinking is one of our most ancient social practices. Unfortunately, the stress of modern life, unresolved trauma, and underlying dual diagnosis disorders have made alcohol addiction common.
What to Expect at Serenity Grove
At Serenity Grove, we support students, professionals, and families across the state of Georgia. Our programs provide comprehensive addiction treatment with a focus on trauma-informed therapy to help clients uncover and heal unresolved trauma. Our programs include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Art therapy
- Anger management
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Experiential therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
We believe everyone deserves lifelong care and support for addiction recovery. Our programs focus on reducing reuse throughout the Athens community and beyond
How Do I Know I Need Alcohol Rehab?
For many, alcohol addiction is a symptom of something else. Many people turn to alcohol or other substances to self-medicate and self-soothe. Nearly half of people living with addiction also live with co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. While alcohol can temporarily soothe and provide an escape, in the long run, it does not heal underlying illnesses. Others may turn to alcohol to avoid feelings related to past trauma, PTSD, or daily stress. The team at Serenity Grove uses a range of therapeutic techniques to diagnose co-occurring disorders and help clients resolve addiction triggers.
Some people may attempt to quit using alcohol cold turkey. This is often unsuccessful and dangerous. Our programs can help clients detox safely by monitoring vital signs, restoring hydration levels, and preventing reuse.
Begin Alcohol Rehab in Georgia Today!
Help for alcohol addiction is just a phone call away. Reach out to 844.904.3485 to access professional help through Serenity Grove’s alcohol addiction treatment center. You can also reach us by filling out our online contact form. With the proper support, you can achieve recovery.
