Alcohol Addiction Treatment West Deptford NJ
While in New Jersey, West Deptford is a suburb of Philadelphia, and although fewer of its residents are below the poverty line than the NJ average, their incomes are less than that usually achieved by residents in the state. Financial worries are sometimes a driver of alcohol abuse, particularly when concerns about money lead to anxiety and depression. However, there are various risk factors for alcoholism, which residents here are just as prone to as elsewhere. For instance, with a family history of alcohol abuse, problem drinking is around five times more likely, and the earlier you start drinking, the greater your risk of developing alcohol dependency. If you drink and take drugs – whether prescription medications or otherwise – the likelihood of alcohol misuse is also far greater.
While you can’t necessarily control all of these risk factors, seeking help with an alcohol problem can help you to regain control of your drinking habits, reducing the chance of serious health and social implications of alcohol abuse. If you are looking for help with alcohol addiction West Deptford NJ, Steps to Recovery in neighboring Pennsylvania can help you to beat your habit for good.
Dangers of Alcohol Misuse
Regularly exceeding alcohol recommendations places your physical and mental wellness at risk. If you typically consume more than 7 alcoholic drinks weekly as a woman or more than 14 weekly as a man, you are more likely to experience the following alcohol related health problems:
- Liver disease. Drinking heavily can lead to permanent liver damage owing to the extra strain that processing alcohol places on this vital organ. If you don’t stop drinking in time, you run the risk of liver failure, which is life threatening without a transplant, and these are not available for people who continue to abuse alcohol.
- Cancers of the colon, liver, breast, mouth and throat. Alcohol is a cancer-causing substance, so high levels of exposure make your cells more susceptible to cancerous changes. Even if you stick within recommended drinking limits, this is no guarantee that you will escape breast cancer, which appears particularly sensitive to alcohol.
- Cardiovascular disease. Heavy drinking pushes up your blood pressure, placing you at higher risk of a stroke or heart attack, and can also trigger an abnormal cardiac rhythm and enlarge your cardiac muscle.
- Damage to your brain and nervous system. Alcohol can damage your nerves, leading to numbness, tingling and pain in your limbs, but it can also take its toll on your brain cells, making memory problems and dementia more likely.
- Osteoporosis. Alcohol interferes with your body’s absorption of nutrients and can also hinder new bone formation, which leave you susceptible to premature bone loss and its associated fractures.
- Greater infection risk. Your immune system takes a battering when you drink heavily, making you more vulnerable to infections, which take longer to clear and you are also more prone to complications, such as pneumonia from the flu. If you neglect yourself as a result of alcohol abuse or you take unnecessary risks, this can also place you at higher risk of infections.
- Erectile dysfunction. Heavy drinking makes it difficult to achieve an erection, though if you stop drinking this can resolve the problem.
- Birth defects. Drinking during pregnancy increases the risk that your baby will experience physical and developmental issues, which are often permanent.
- Mental illness. Alcohol abuse makes anxiety and depression more of a problem, and can even trigger psychosis and suicidal thoughts.
Even though alcohol misuse can lead to irreversible damage to your body, the sooner you stop drinking, the less likely you are to experience lasting health problems. Enrolling on a specialist alcohol recovery program near West Deptford NJ gives you the best chance of getting sober and staying clear from alcohol in the longer term. By taking this action you can also protect yourself from the negative social consequences of heavy drinking, which includes poor academic achievement, job loss, financial difficulties, relationship problems and legal issues.
Signs You Need Alcohol Addiction Help
Even if you won’t admit that you have a problem with alcohol abuse and do not recognize any of the problems that heavy drinking is causing you, there are certain signs that you have a definite drink problem and need to seek help without delay. Some of the warning signs of alcohol dependence are:
- You have built up a tolerance to alcohol. You now need to drink more to achieve positive feelings and find that you can drink far more than others without showing any signs that you are drunk.
- You can’t cope without a drink. As your body is used to a regular supply of alcohol, if you go any time without a drink, you will feel it both physically and mentally due to the effects of alcohol withdrawal.
- You are no longer in control of your drinking. Even if you say that you will limit yourself to a certain number of drinks, you are unable to resist the temptation to drink more.
- You want to give up alcohol, but you are unable to do so. In a similar way you tell yourself that you will give up drinking, but are unable to follow this intention through.
- Other activities in your life now take second place. You prioritize drinking over important commitments, such as your work and family, and you lose interest in other activities like hobbies and meeting up with friends.
- Alcohol consumes an increasing amount of your time and focus. When you aren’t drinking, you are thinking about alcohol, out buying more or recovering from a hangover.
With just one of these symptoms of alcoholism, you need to strongly consider entering treatment for alcohol abuse. The friendly staff at Steps to Recovery are always ready to explain their alcohol addiction programs near West Deptford NJ so that you can make an informed decision about the treatment you receive.
Alcohol Detox West Deptford NJ
The first stage of recovery from alcohol abuse is taking part in an alcohol detox. It is recommended you receive a medically supervised withdrawal from alcohol, as rapidly detoxing from alcohol can produce dangerous and potentially life-threatening side-effects. This makes sure that your detox is controlled and your vital signs are monitored regularly for any signs of a problem, allowing you to receive corrective treatment as necessary. Participating in a supervised alcohol withdrawal program also lets you access help to manage the unpleasant symptoms associated with detoxing, so you are kept as comfortable as possible and have the greatest chance of completing the detox.
Appreciating the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal you may experience before starting your detox is helpful, as with this knowledge you are better prepared for what lies ahead of you. Symptoms you should be prepared for include feeling anxious, low and irritable, headaches, sweating, the shakes, fatigue, insomnia, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting. Less common, but more serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms include agitation, confusion, hallucinations, a high temperature and seizures, which is why monitoring is so important. Symptoms typically develop around 6 hours after your last drink and are most intense after around 5 days, though this varies from person to person, as their severity and duration depends on your previous level of drinking.
As part of detoxing from alcohol, medications are available to control symptoms such as anxiety, confusion and tremors, and these can also reduce the likelihood of seizures. One group of drugs commonly used for this is benzodiazepines, but as these are potentially addictive themselves, alternatives are available to provide symptom relief.
Alcohol Rehab West Deptford NJ
Detox is just the first step towards your recovery, as going through the withdrawal process on its own is not enough to help you to avoid relapse. For this you need to take part in a program of rehab, which helps you to address the underlying triggers for alcohol abuse, and change your thoughts and behaviors. One to one cognitive behavioral therapy is a key aspect of treatment, but besides individual counseling sessions, at Steps to Recovery you will also receive group counseling and family therapy. On top of talking therapies, complementary treatments are offered as part of our alcohol addiction program, and you will have the chance to take part in other activities designed to promote your recovery. This multi-component approach to treatment enhances the odds of you successfully beating alcohol dependency, as it tackles all areas that contributed to your habit and equips you with the necessary coping mechanisms for when you complete alcohol rehabilitation near West Deptford NJ. What’s more, as every aspect of treatment is tailored to your personal requirements, you are in an even better position to get back on track.
Although a residential alcohol detox is the safest option, when it comes to rehab, it is possible to choose whether you wish to complete this as an inpatient or on an outpatient basis. A residential stay is ideal if you are looking for intensive alcohol rehabilitation. You may choose this option if you have previously been unable to quit your habit, if you want the option of 24 hour support to hand and you do not feel you will be able to cope at home when unsupervised. While an inpatient stay also makes sense for anyone traveling a distance, with alcohol treatment centers close to West Deptford NJ, getting treatment locally allows you to explore the option of outpatient alcohol addiction therapy. This is particularly feasible if you have support at home, as this helps to reduce the risk of giving into temptation while completing treatment. Partial hospitalization is another option for local clients, allowing you to benefit from intensive therapy while you continue to stay at home.
Holistic Approach to Alcohol Rehab
As well as a comprehensive program of counseling, you will receive the support you need to address wider issues that may have contributed to your heavy drinking. For instance, poor mental health makes it more difficult to successfully kick drinking, so treating this at the same time as your addiction is essential. In addition to a medical review of your treatment and specialist counseling, complementary therapies can help to enhance feelings of mental wellness, as can taking part in regular exercise, both of which are included on our alcohol recovery program. Alternatively, if poor job prospects led to your alcohol abuse, offering you help to build on your transferrable and workplace skills is an essential part of your rehabilitation. Whether you need to work on your interpersonal skills, time management or you simply need help completing application forms, producing a resume or performing well at interview, we can assist you in these areas. Through skills development not only are you in a better position to secure work, but you can contribute more to your family and community, which helps your re-integration following alcohol addiction treatment West Deptford NJ.
Recreation time is also an integral part of our program. This offers a chance to unwind during an intensive period of therapy, but lets you bond with your peers and further develop skills like your communication and team working. The active pursuits on offer promote your physical wellness, as well as your mental wellness, as strength and fitness often suffers as a consequence of alcohol misuse. When you are on top form this can help to protect you from the temptations you are exposed to following rehab and with an all-round healthy lifestyle you are equally less likely to resume drinking.
Charities and Support West Deptford NJ
- American Legion: 502 Colonial Avenue, West Deptford, NJ 08096
- Gateway Christian Church: 751 Delaware Street, West Deptford, NJ 08086-2073
