In some states, you can buy alcohol at the gas station, the supermarket, and at other locations. Does that make it a harmless substance? On the other hand, is alcohol a drug that can lead to addiction? Your questions answered.
Understanding Addiction
Addiction is a disease of the brain. It manifests in out-of-control cravings for a substance. When you don’t have alcohol in your system, you think about taking the next drink. You might be at work counting down the hours until you can go home and have one.
Everything takes a backseat to your desire for alcohol. You accept that it slowly robs you of your health, relationships, and even your job. Is alcohol a drug when you consider these aspects of addictive behavior? The answer is yes.
Is Alcohol a Drug That’s Easy to Quit?
Quitting an alcohol addiction isn’t easy. Depending on how long you’ve been using it, there’s a good chance that you need professional help. For starters, there are withdrawal symptoms. They start with shaking hands and an inability to concentrate.
You already know these patterns from the times when you’ve waited too long to have the next drink. From there, the withdrawal symptoms get more serious. Your heart rate spikes. Your blood pressure and body temperature will do so as well.
These symptoms can be dangerous. They can lead up to seizure activity. You may have psychological symptoms that leave you anxious, depressed, or confused. A small percentage of people experiences delirium tremens (DTs).
These are medical emergencies. You need help immediately. That’s one of the reasons why addiction experts don’t recommend that you try quitting alcohol cold turkey at home. Alcohol detox at a medical facility is safer and far more comfortable.
What is Detox Like?
Detox isn’t like anything you see in the movies. Instead, it takes place in a comfortable, homey environment. You talk with an intake counselor who customizes a treatment plan. Next, you check into your room and get comfortable.
Medical monitoring ensures that you stay safe. Monitoring your progress also permits medical experts to provide pharmacological support, which keeps you pain-free. Other treatments include:
- One on one talk therapy that offers you an opportunity to plan your recovery
- Behavioral therapy, which lets you identify areas in thinking or acting that you want to change
- Addiction education as a means of helping you recognize pitfalls and triggers
- Holistic care, which includes meditation and chiropractic care for stress relief and relaxation
- Family therapy that allows your loved ones to re-open communication and establish healthy boundaries
Is alcohol a drug that responds well to treatment? Yes, it is. Although it’s not easy to overcome an addiction, you can do so with the help of experts. Detoxification is the first step on the road to recovery. It breaks the physiological dependency. Doing so allows you to shift your focus on the psychological part. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Houston, caring therapists are standing by to help you. Call 866.516.8356 today to learn more.
