Alcoholism and Treatment in Cape May County, NJ

In America, the abuse of alcohol is so widespread that it has become normalized, and to some degree, socially acceptable. Unfortunately, this can make it more difficult for someone suffering from alcoholism to realize that they need treatment. In fact, many individuals see their alcoholism as just a minor drinking problem, and while it’s true that not all alcohol abuse leads to addiction, it is certainly a concern. Health care providers and medical experts recognize alcoholism as a chronic disease that frequently requires focused treatment in order to be effectively controlled. Understanding the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism can be crucial to getting people the help they need.

Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Any of the following signs may indicate that a person has a problem with alcohol abuse, especially when they represent a significant deviation from that person’s normal behavior:

. Depression
. Loss of interest in relationships or family life
. Preoccupation with alcohol and drinking-related activities
. Restlessness, agitation, and anxiety
. Erratic or violent behavior
. Failure to honor routine commitments (such as going to work or school)
. Inability to stop or cut back on alcohol use

The most reliable way to determine whether or not chronic abuse has led to alcoholism is by the presence of withdrawal symptoms. If a person exhibits symptoms such as nausea, sweatiness, anxiety, tremors, or intense cravings, they may need professional help. The line between abuse and addiction can at times be blurry, so it’s never wrong to ask a health care professional for help in determining whether you or someone you know needs treatment.

Consequences of Alcoholism

The long-term effects of alcoholism can vary widely, and include negative consequences for both an individual’s physical well-being and lifestyle as a whole. Among the more common health ramifications are liver damage, cardiac problems, vitamin deficiencies, elevated risk of certain cancers, memory loss, brain damage, and immune dysfunction. Mental illnesses such as depression and generalized anxiety are also associated with alcoholism. Moreover, chronic alcohol abusers frequently find that drinking takes a heavy toll on relationships, family life, finances, and legal status.

Treatment

While addiction cannot be fully cured, effective treatment for alcoholism is available, and most people suffering from the condition can achieve a full and lasting recovery. At Cape May County Drug Treatment Centers, we recommend a holistic approach to treatment, as per the recommendation of experts at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Treatment programs incorporate medical detox, various forms of individual and group therapy, and personalized aftercare plans, all of which are specially designed to account for the unique needs of individual clients. If you would like to find out more about recovery options available through Cape May County Drug Treatment Centers, or have questions about alcohol abuse, we urge you to contact us at (609) 756-3686 today.