Alcohol Addiction Treatment in New Jersey

Alcohol addiction is a prevalent and challenging public health issue throughout the United States. As the most widely used chemical substance in the country, alcohol affects an estimated 28.6 million American adults. These individuals suffer from diagnosable alcohol addiction. Subsequently, their loved ones, school, and work are often affected by their drinking. Unfortunately, the majority of people struggling with alcohol misuse or dependence never receive the professional help they need to make a full recovery. Thus, Enlightened Solutions is proud to offer alcohol addiction rehab in New Jersey to help combat dependency and assist those who need it most. Learn more about our alcoholism treatment in NJ today.

Is Alcohol Addiction a Disease?

Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is considered a disease or medical condition by many medical professionals and organizations, including the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization.

As a medical condition, alcohol addiction gets a chokehold on individuals, making it difficult to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.

The disease of alcohol addiction encompasses the conditions that some people refer to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and the colloquial term, alcoholism. Considered a brain disorder, AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe.”

No matter how severe an AUD seems, long-term recovery is possible through alcohol addiction rehab in New Jersey. The most effective treatment option for alcohol addiction includes behavioral therapy, medication, and mutual support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Risk Factors for Alcohol Addiction

Not everyone who drinks alcohol develops an alcohol addiction. Certain risk factors make a person more susceptible to developing an AUD over time. These risk factors include:

Genetic predisposition. People who have alcoholism in their immediate family are more susceptible to developing an addictive disorder themselves.
Drinking alcohol from an early age. If a person begins drinking during adolescence, before their brain develops fully, they are more likely to suffer from an AUD in adulthood.
Pre-existing mental health conditions. People who struggle with underlying mental health concerns, like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, are more likely to turn to alcohol as a method of self-medication.
Environmental factors. People who live in high-stress environments or environments where heavy drinking is common practice are more likely to develop an AUD over time.

Unresolved trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People with a history of childhood trauma have higher rates of AUD than members of the general population. PTSD is also a common co-morbid disorder among those with AUD.

Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, or the DSM-V, outlines a list of diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder. An AUD is considered mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number of criteria present. Regardless of how many symptoms a person has, entering alcohol addiction rehab in New Jersey for addiction treatment is recommended.

Alcohol use disorder symptoms include:

Using more alcohol than intended for longer than intended.
Attempting to cut back on the amount of alcohol consumed with little to no success.
Avoiding activities once enjoyed.
Spending a disproportionate amount of time drinking alcohol and recovering from the effects of alcohol, such as hangovers.
Engaging in risk-taking behaviors because of alcohol use, like driving while intoxicated or combining alcohol with other chemical substances.
Neglecting personal obligations and responsibilities.
Suffering from problems in interpersonal relationships.
Experiencing consequences directly related to alcohol, which could be legal or financial.
Continuing to drink despite professional advice to quit or cut back.
Developing a physical tolerance over time.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopping alcohol use.

Do I Need Alcohol Rehab?

Addiction specialists recommend alcohol rehab for people who have two or more of the symptoms listed above. However, alcohol addiction is not a one-size-fits-all disorder. The best treatment option for a person depends on their unique clinical needs.

The decision to seek alcohol rehab takes courage and commitment. Furthermore, finding the best option is often daunting and overwhelming. Fortunately, seeking alcohol addiction rehab in New Jersey is less stressful with Enlightened Solutions. We are here to help and simplify the process as much as possible.

When deciding whether or not inpatient rehab is the best option, consider the following:

Is the alcohol use disorder moderate or severe?
Is the individual simultaneously struggling with an AUD and a dual-diagnosis disorder, like depression or anxiety?
Does the individual experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit on their own (body tremors, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, hallucinations, seizures)?

New Jersey Alcohol Addiction Treatment

There are several effective treatment options for alcohol addiction treatment in New Jersey. The best treatment option for a person depends on the severity of the alcohol addiction and the presence of any co-occurring disorders. However, addiction professionals highly recommend a multi-staged program of recovery.

Medical Detox

The symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal are severe and sometimes life-threatening when untreated. During a medical detox, a team of medical professionals closely monitors symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Practitioners treat symptoms as soon as they develop. This approach prevents potentially dangerous health concerns like hallucinations, increased blood pressure, and seizures.

Inpatient or Residential Treatment

Inpatient or residential alcohol rehab provides a high level of care. Clients reside in a designated facility and undergo full days of intensive treatment. Some residential treatment facilities offer demographic-specific care. For example, a treatment might specialize in alcohol addiction and mental health concerns or alcohol addiction and co-occurring behavioral addictions.

Most inpatient alcohol rehabs last for between 30 and 90 days, depending on the needs of the client. Additionally, inpatient treatment is frequently followed up by a step-down level of care.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment, also known as partial care, is an excellent approach for many patients. There are several outpatient treatment options available, including Partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), and outpatient treatment (OP).

The best level of outpatient care depends on the needs of the clients. While engaged in outpatient treatment, the client implements the skills they have learned in a real-life setting and processes their experiences in therapeutic groups.

Reach Out for Alcohol Addiction Treatment in New Jersey

At Enlightened Solutions, we understand the importance of accessible and effective treatment options for those struggling with alcohol addiction. We have developed a program of recovery that helps our clients overcome even the most severe cases of alcohol dependence.

Furthermore, our alcohol addiction rehab in New Jersey combines evidence-based therapies with cutting-edge treatment modalities, taking a whole-person approach to healing. Our programs include medical detox, partial care, and intensive outpatient programs.

Finding alcohol addiction treatment in New Jersey is straightforward when you know what to look for. Hence, Enlightened Solutions offers comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment for people of all ages and walks of life.

Regardless of how severe an alcohol use disorder has become, recovery is always possible with the right tools. We pride ourselves on equipping our clients with the skills they need to maintain sobriety long-term.

You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to seek alcohol addiction rehab in New Jersey. We look forward to speaking with you soon and answering any questions you may have.

A life of happiness and fulfillment is just a phone call away.