Alcohol rehab is a program with the goal to help individuals who are struggling with alcohol addiction. Alcohol rehab centers may also be referred to as alcohol addiction treatment centers. The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined excessive alcohol use is responsible for 7.1% of disease among males and 2.2% among females. Collectively, Americans lose over 2.7 million years of potential life due to excessive drinking. People struggling with alcohol addiction can visit alcohol rehab centers for a variety of reasons, from alcohol detox to alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Some rehab centers in Orlando, FL  focus on treating certain types of alcohol abuse, such as alcohol dependence or alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The goal of an alcohol rehab center in Orlando is to help their clients live a healthy and sober lifestyle free from alcohol addiction. 25.8% of people aged 18 years and older report binge drinking in the past 30 days. Every day, 261 Americans die as a result of excessive alcohol use. 80% of these deaths involve adults aged 35 or older. Worldwide, up to 3.3 million people die every year as a result of alcohol abuse. These numbers and statistics only emphasize the need for alcohol rehab in Orlando and all over the nation.

Alcohol Rehab in Orlando

There are a number of alcohol rehab centers located throughout the state of Florida including Orlando. Many rehabilitation facilities offer various treatments for substance abuse issues, including alcoholism. These programs may include behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps clients recognize what triggers their addictive behavior and learn how to avoid those situations. Fortunately, among the alcohol rehab centers in Orlando is our facility here at Palm Coast Treatment Solutions. We offer comprehensive and compassionate care to those who are struggling with alcohol misuse.

What Exactly is Alcohol?

Alcohol is a depressant substance that is made by fermentation. The alcohol content of an alcohol product can be 20% alcohol by volume (ABV) or more. Alcohol can be produced by fermenting sugars from grains, fruits, or vegetables. It can also be made synthetically. Alcohol is commonly consumed as beer, wine, and liquor. Online liquor sales rose 262% year-over-year (YoY) in the first 3 weeks of March 2020, coinciding with most state-wide lockdowns. Liquor store sales increased 54% YoY during that same time period. In April 2020, YoY alcohol sales were up 234%.

What are the Effects of Alcohol on the Body?

Alcohol affects mood by depressing brain activity associated with emotions. In large amounts alcohol causes muscle weakness and impaired. This leads to symptoms like:

• Relaxation
• Aggression
• Loss of inhibition (the feeling that there are no consequences for behaviors)
• Euphoria (extreme happiness or exaggerated sense of well-being)
• Difficulty concentrating and slurred speech
• Memory problems
• Poor judgment
• Depression
• Irritability
• Anxiety

What are Alcohol’s Effects on the Brain?

When alcohol gets broken down in the body, it appears to have depressant effects on the central nervous system (CNS). The alcohol molecule attaches itself to certain receptor sites in the brain which inhibit or slow down the activity of these nerve cells. Alcohol acts as a chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is an amino acid that works as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that slows down CNS function. GABA affects regions of the brain involved with pleasure, movement, coordination, and emotion.

How Does Alcohol Addiction Develop?

An alcohol addiction can develop  when alcohol is used regularly, increasingly in larger amounts over time. When alcohol use becomes excessive, it can be difficult to stop alcohol consumption despite its negative consequences on the individual’s life. Alcohol-related deaths account for at least 5.3% (some estimate as high as 6.0%) of the world’s deaths. The definition of high-intensity drinking (HID) includes the consumption of “alcohol at levels that are two or more times the gender-specific binge drinking thresholds”.

How Does Alcohol Addiction Affect the Body?

Alcohol affects multiple areas of the brain which control both thought and movement. Because alcohol interferes with communication between nerve cells in the brain, this causes many warning signs of alcohol addiction. For instance, alcohol prevents parts of the brain that cause:

• Impulse control
• Critical thinking
• Judgment/reasoning
• Emotional reactions
• Decision making and memory from functioning properly.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction?

The signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction may be difficult to detect at first because alcohol addiction often starts slowly over time without the person noticing. However, alcohol addiction can cause changes in behavior and appearance. If you exhibit more than 3-4 of the following signs, chances are that you may have an alcohol addiction:

1. Feeling powerless to control one’s level of alcohol use
2. Declining engagement in social activities or hobbies that you used to enjoy
3. Increased desire to stop or reduce drinking but being unable to do so
4. Increased alcohol use in high-risk situations, such as while swimming or driving
5. Spending significant time and resources to drinking
6. Developing a tolerance for alcohol
7. Experiencing cravings for alcohol when not drinking
8. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking (e.g., cravings, sweating, shaking, and nausea)
9. Increasing difficulties at work, home, or school because of alcohol use
10. Continuing to use alcohol even when it is leading to social, physical, relationship, and personal problems

Long-Term and Short-Term Effects of Alcohol Addiction

There are decades of reports of the long-term and short-term effects of alcohol addiction on the body. Many of these studies focus on alcohol’s effect on the brain and they look at alcohol addiction treatment as an avenue for recovery. The long-term effects include:

• Blackouts
• Stroke
• Gout
• Cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Liver disease
• Nerve damage
• Sexual problems
• Alcohol withdrawal
• High blood pressure
• Inflammation of the stomach lining
• Vitamin deficiencies (particularly thiamin or B1)
• Osteoporosis or bone deterioration

Multiple reports have indicated that short-term alcohol abuse can lead to impaired judgment and coordination and increased risk taking behaviors such as unsafe sex practices. Short-term alcohol use is also connected with aggressive behavior and suicide. Nearly 100,000 annual deaths are attributable to alcohol abuse. More than half of them are due to long-term use. Alcoholic liver disease is the leading killer, causing 19.1% of all alcohol-related deaths.

Treatment Types for Alcohol Addiction

People can overcome alcohol addiction through treatment at Palm Coast Treatment Solutions. Our alcohol rehab center in Orlando, Florida will help each individual to overcome their addiction using evidence-based treatment modalities. The CDC estimates 188,713 years of total potential life lost to alcohol. Florida averages one alcohol-related death for every 2,498 adults over 18 or 4.0 deaths for every 10,000 adults. There are many different types of treatment available for alcohol addiction including: detoxification (detox), outpatient rehab programs, dual diagnosis, aftercare programs, and support groups such as AA. These programs are classified under the continuum of care. An alcohol rehab center in Orlando is the best way for individuals with alcohol problems to overcome their addiction and learn how to live soberly. Here at OTS, alcohol rehab facilities provide alcohol abuse treatment through a variety of methods including:

• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Self-help programs
• Family education services
• Partial hospitalization program

Addiction is considered both a mental disorder as well as a physical one. An alcohol rehabilitation center or alcohol detox center in Orlando provides many types of treatment which work to meet individuals’ unique needs. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, reach out to our facility Palm Coast Treatment Solutions for support.