Alcohol Rehab in Big Spring, TX
Seeking treatment in an alcohol rehab in Big Spring is the first step on the path to recovery. Alcohol addiction treatment programs begin with the detox process to rid the body of the effects of alcohol.
Detox helps to break the body's physical dependency on the substance. However, detox on its own won't treat the psychological side of addictive behavior.
Drug and alcohol rehab centers use a combination of therapies to discover the underlying psychological triggers behind self-destructive behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy and individual counseling sessions begin working to teach recovering people new coping skills for living a sober lifestyle.
A part of most alcohol addiction treatment programs in Big Spring include introducing healthy new ways to maintain sobriety after rehab treatment has ended. Therapies can include natural stress management techniques and positive ways to manage cravings, along with alternative options for helping improve self-esteem and self-confidence.
Therapy for alcohol rehab in Big Spring also focuses on teaching the person in recovery strong new relapse prevention strategies. A relapse prevention program focuses on helping the person understand their own addiction triggers and then work out new ways to avoid high-risk situations.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Drinking alcohol can cause significant changes in the brain. Alcohol is a central nervous system sedative, so the brain needs to release abnormally large amounts of hormones and neurotransmitters in an effort to counteract the effects.
Over a period of time, the brain becomes accustomed to the presence of alcohol in the system, so the person needs to drink larger volumes in order to achieve the same effects. To others, it may seem as though the person is able to drink a lot without getting drunk. In reality, the person has developed tolerance.
After a while, the brain grows to expect more alcohol in the system on a regular basis. When the person tries to cut back intake or stops drinking suddenly, the brain can't adapt and the person experiences strong cravings, along with other physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal.
Many heavy drinkers will begin drinking again or continue a cycle of drinking in an effort to avoid the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal. At this point the person is considered dependent, or addicted.
Alcohol Statistics
Statistics show there were 1,323 drunk driving fatalities in Texas in 2014. While the number is staggeringly high, it is 8.5% lower than the previous year. Statistics also show there were more than 25,000 alcohol-related car crashes across the state in the same year.
In an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related fatalities across the state, Texas introduced an ignition interlock law for any driver refusing a chemical alcohol test, as well as establishing sobriety checkpoints.
Health Effects of Alcohol Abuse
Abusing alcohol can cause significant mental and physical health problems, as well as increase the risk of developing some chronic health disorders. These include:
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Cardiomyopathy, or stretched heart muscle
- Brain changes, including mood swings, behavior changes and cognitive problems
- Liver damage, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis
- Pancreas damage, including pancreatitis
- Increased risk of developing certain cancers, including mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon
- Malnutrition due to alcohol interfering with the body's ability to absorb nutrients
- Weakened immune system
Who Should Enter Alcohol Rehab?
Anyone struggling to regain control over their drinking habits should consider entering alcohol rehab in Big Spring. Drug and alcohol rehab programs provide the opportunity to learn strong new ways to live a healthy, productive lifestyle free from alcohol.
Some people entering into alcohol rehab in Big Spring may require around-the-clock monitoring to ensure their safety in the event of any potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms emerging. Medical staff can administer medications while monitoring prescription drug addiction in Big Spring to help reduce the worst of any symptoms and make it easier to get through the detox process.
Alcohol addiction treatment programs then focus on discovering positive ways to manage stress, deal with cravings, and live a sober lifestyle over the long term. Call us now for help (877) 804-1531.