Alcohol Addiction Treatment & Recovery

Alcohol is socially acceptable in our society, which can blur the lines between normal and abnormal drinking. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Addiction reports that 86.4% of people ages 18 and over have drank alcohol at some point in their lives. Fifty-six percent say they have drank in the last month.

There are also certain times of the year when drinking is more prevalent, such as around the summer and winter holidays. Blackout Wednesday, for example, is the most popular night of the year for bars. With so much alcohol engrained in our society, how can you tell the difference between casual drinking and alcoholism?

Supportive Holistic Outpatient Alcohol Rehab in Phoenix

If you find yourself questioning the drinking habits of yourself or a loved one, Continuum Recovery Center is here to help. We have a holistic approach that incorporates emotional, spiritual and physical treatment. All services are delivered in a safe, supportive outpatient treatment center. We can also help arrange housing when appropriate. Our clients enjoy this approach, as they receive comprehensive care during the day and the flexibility of returning to their own beds at night.

Let’s learn more about the signs of an alcohol problem and when alcohol rehabilitation is necessary.

Defining Alcohol Abuse and Addiction

There’s nothing wrong with having a couple of drinks at a party or enjoying a glass of wine at dinner, unless you have religious or personal reasons for not doing so. The trouble comes when you start abusing the substance.

Alcohol abuse refers to a pattern of behavior where a person abuses alcohol. They might drink excessively, frequently or both. Alcoholism is progressive disease and refers to a physical or psychological need to continue using alcohol despite negative consequences.

Understanding Heavy Drinking in Adults

So what exactly is excessive drinking? According to Mayo Clinic, heavy drinking in men is more than four drinks per day and more than 14 in a week. For women under the age of 65, heavy drinking is more than three drinks a day and more than seven a week.

For some people, it’s not the frequency of drinking that’s the problem but rather how much is consumed at a single time. Binge drinking refers to consuming a large amount of alcohol at once. For men, it’s five or more drinks in two hours, and for women, it’s four or more drinks in two hours.

Warning Signs of a Drinking Problem

It’s difficult to diagnose someone over a computer, so we highly recommend calling Continuum Recovery Center if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one. We can talk about the issue and determine the best route of care. In the meantime, here are some red flags that strongly indicate an addiction to alcohol and a need for alcohol rehab in Phoenix.

Lost interest in activities and hobbies that were once fun

Unable to stop drinking despite negative consequences

Making drinking a priority over everything else

Drinking alone or in secrecy

Pre-drinking before attending an event

Inability to control consumption

Suffering physical effects

Extreme mood swings and irritability

Starting the day with a drink

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Cravings for alcohol

There is no single one-size-fits-all profile of an alcoholic. A person can have a full-time career and a family and still struggle with an alcohol dependency. In fact, forming stereotypes about who is and is not an alcoholic can delay intervention. Addiction does not discriminate and can affect anyone regardless or gender, ethnicity, or social class.

Outpatient Programs that Help You Recover in Body, Mind, and Spirit

Continuum Recovery Center has a unique approach in which clients receive treatment during the day and return to their own bed or home at night. Our clients enjoy having a more “real life” arrangement and not being stuck under one roof in a residential facility. This makes them more receptive to getting the help they need.

Aside from individual, group and family therapy, our clients also receive education regarding their alcohol problem. Alcohol is a unique substance because it is legal. You can work hard to reduce temptation, but it’s likely that you will have some run-ins with alcohol, which wouldn’t be the case with illegal drugs. Alcohol is served at restaurants, bowling alleys, sporting events and even some movie theaters. It can also show up at work parties, holiday events and summer barbecues. This is why education is crucial.

In addition to learning to live without the use of alcohol and learning coping skills for the inevitable ups and downs of life, we spent time getting to the root causes of the “why” of the alcohol addiction. What led you to abuse alcohol? What does alcohol do for you that you like? Does it numb your emotions? Increase your confidence? What are your triggers? By understanding these questions, you learn to protect your recovery by developing healthy skills such as deep breathing, yoga and meditation.

For more information regarding Continuum’s holistic outpatient alcohol treatment and rehabilitation services in Phoenix, AZ, call us today. We look forward to discussing the best option for you or a loved one.