Alcohol Addiction services offered in Riverside, Colton, Colton and San Bernardino, CA
Alcohol addiction is a serious disease that affects the brain. Nearly 15 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol addiction. At Inland Empire Behavioral Group in Riverside, California, Khadija Hamisi, PMHNP, and the team are highly-qualified to help provide care for those struggling with alcohol addiction. For help, call the office or schedule a consultation online today. Telehealth appointments are also available.
Alcohol Addiction Q & A
What is alcohol addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUS), is a disease that makes it hard for a person to control or stop using alcohol despite physical, emotional, or financial consequences.
The addiction may range from mild to severe and develop quickly or over a long period of time. Over time, consumption of alcohol affects brain function, increasing tolerance so you need to drink more to feel the same effects.
Eventually, you develop a dependence on alcohol, making it harder to stop.
What are the symptoms of alcohol addiction?
Symptoms of an alcohol addiction vary depending on the severity of the disease. However, whether the addiction is mild or severe, getting help may prevent more serious health complications.
Symptoms that might indicate you or someone you love has an alcohol addiction include:
- Drinking to the point of blacking out
- Drinking even though it’s harmful or distressful
- Feeling irritable when you’re not drinking
- Needing to drink more to get the same effects
- Cravings for alcohol
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop drinking
With a severe alcohol addiction, drinking may be the focus of your life, even if you have serious organ damage from your alcohol use.
Who is at risk of alcohol addiction?
Anyone can develop an alcohol addiction. However, researchers theorize that genetics and family history of alcohol abuse may increase your risk. Drinking alcohol at an early age also puts you at risk of developing an addiction.
People with a history of trauma or other mental health conditions like depression may also develop an alcohol addiction, turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
How is alcohol addiction treated?
Your provider customizes your alcohol addiction treatment plan to best meet your needs. No single medication or therapy works for all and your provider works one-on-one with you to develop a plan that provides you with the tools you need for long-term recovery.
Treatment for alcohol addiction may include:
Medication
Your provider prescribes medications to control cravings and reduce risk of relapse and manage symptoms from an underlying mental health condition.
Therapy
Behavioral therapy is an important part of your alcohol addiction recovery. Your provider helps you understand your addiction and how it affects your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She then helps you create new, healthy behaviors without alcohol.
Group support
Many people recovering from alcohol addiction benefit from group support. Meeting with people experiencing the same things as you helps you feel less alone and gives you an opportunity to learn how others manage their addiction.
Alcohol addiction is a serious medical condition. To get help, call Inland Empire Behavioral Group or schedule an appointment using the online booking button today.