Alcohol Rehab in Washington DC (877) 804-1531

Alcoholism is a serious and persistent problem in modern society, with rehab programs that provide ongoing therapy and relapse prevention measures needed to ensure a long-term recovery. Alcohol Rehab Centers Washington DC has the professional staff to help you, or anyone you know suffering from abuse or dependence, find treatment.

At rehab centers, they treat the short and long-term impact of alcohol use disorders. The process of treatment begins with medical detox, which helps to rid the body of alcohol. Treatment therapies address and treat the causes of addiction, as well as the psychological impact it has had on the patient.

Therapy is integral to the process of recovery, with patients likely to relapse if they have only addressed the physical dependence. The individual treatments offered for alcoholism vary widely, and multiple treatment modalities are utilized. Behavioral therapy, relapse prevention programs, counseling and aftercare support are just some examples.

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is defined by the existence of two or more of the following symptoms: drinking large amounts over a long time period, difficulty cutting down on consumption, time spent obtaining and using alcohol, craving alcohol, not fulfilling responsibilities because of alcohol, experiencing social problems due to drinking, experiencing health problems due to alcohol, drinking in risky situations, experiencing a withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of use, and building up tolerance. Alcoholism is also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol dependence syndrome, with the term used in some research papers to describe a wide range of alcohol abuse scenarios.

What is Alcohol Abuse?

Abuse is the continued use of alcohol despite the existence of negative consequences. Previously used as a medical term, alcohol abuse was reclassified as alcohol use disorder in 2013. A wide spectrum of behaviors can be classed as abuse, including long-term heavy drinking and binge drinking. Abuse often leads to health and social problems, with long-term abuse also linked to depression disorders and suicide. Binge drinking is a specific form of alcohol abuse involving the use of large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. In the United States, binge drinking is defined as consuming more than five standard units of alcohol for men and four units for women. Binge drinking has been associated with violence, injuries, drink driving, legal problems and a range of adverse health and social problems.

What is Alcohol Dependence?

Dependence involves a physical or psychological dependence to alcohol, with most people associating dependence with tolerance and the existence of a withdrawal syndrome. Dependence is also known as alcohol addiction, with an extensive medical detox period often required in cases of physical dependence. Possible withdrawal symptoms include sweating, insomnia, shaking, nausea, vomiting, transient hallucinations, anxiety, tonic-clonic seizures, delirium tremens and autonomic instability. Drugs are typically prescribed during the withdrawal period, with naltrexone and benzodiazepines such as Valium used to alleviate symptoms and manage the detox process.

Treatment for Alcoholism

A range of recovery programs are used to treat alcoholism, including cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, motivational therapies, 12-step programs, group counseling, relapse prevention, art therapy, music therapy and many more. A comprehensive treatment regimen involves intervention, detox, medication, behavioral therapy and relapse prevention support, with residential treatment available alongside out-patient and aftercare programs. While alcoholism can be effectively treated and managed, professional support is normally required to ensure a sustainable and long-term recovery.

Call Alcohol Treatment Centers Washington DC at (877) 804-1531. Get help for your addiction today.