Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol is the most widely used chemical substance in the United States. Consequently, it is responsible for the majority of substance-related issues throughout the country. In 2021, an estimated 28.6 million American adults suffered from diagnosable alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, the majority of people struggling with alcohol misuse or dependence never receive the professional help they need to make a full recovery. For this reason, Enlightened Solutions is proud to offer alcohol rehab in NJ to help combat dependency and assist those who need us most.

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. At our alcohol rehab in NJ, we combine evidence-based therapies with cutting-edge treatment modalities, taking a whole-person approach to healing. Our programs include medical detox, a partial care program, and an intensive outpatient program. To learn more about which treatment option is right for you or your loved one, contact us today.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is “a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It encompasses the conditions that some people refer to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, 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 rehab in NJ. 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. Depending on the number of criteria present, an AUD is considered mild, moderate, or severe in nature. Regardless of how many symptoms a person has, entering alcohol rehab in NJ 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 that were previously enjoyed.
Spending a disproportionate amount of time drinking alcohol and recovering from the effects of alcohol (i.e. 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 in nature.
Continuing to drink despite professional advice to quit or cut back.
Developing a physical tolerance over time.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped suddenly.

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. Deciding whether or not alcohol rehab is the best option might seem like an overwhelming decision to make. Fortunately, at Enlightened Solutions, we are available to help.

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)?

Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction

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

Medical Detox

The symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal are severe, and sometimes life-threatening when untreated. In a medical detox center, a team of medical professionals closely monitors symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Practitioners treat symptoms as soon as they develop. This 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 therapeutic 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 is also known as partial care. There are several outpatient treatment options available. Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP), and Outpatient Treatment (OP) are all viable options. 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 process their experiences in therapeutic groups.

Alcohol Rehab NJ

Finding alcohol rehab in New Jersey is straightforward when you know what to look for. 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 are dedicated to equipping our clients with the skills they need to maintain sobriety long-term.

To learn more about our alcohol rehab in New Jersey, contact us today. We look forward to speaking with you soon and answering any additional questions you may have. A life of happiness and fulfillment is just a phone call away.