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What Is Alcohol Use Disorder? Your Guide To Alcohol Addiction In Fair Lawn

September 24, 2024

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder? Your Guide To Alcohol Addiction In Fair Lawn

Numerous people indulge in alcoholic beverages from time to time. But alcohol can be addictive. If you begin consuming alcohol to cope with life or cannot limit your drinking, you could have an alcohol use disorder (AUD). This condition can swifty overtake your life and have a adverse impact on all the things you enjoyed before. 
 
But there is hope. If you suspect you or someone you love have alcohol use disorder near Fair Lawn, treatment and long-term recovery are within reach. Read on to learn more about AUD and what to do if you need guidance right now. 
 

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is a health condition where you feel the need to drink alcohol regardless of the negative consequences of overconsumption. Your brain craves the mind-altering chemicals in alcohol and fails to operate adequately without them. AUD may be mild, moderate, or severe. At its severest, you are in jeopardy of an overdose with fatal ramifications. 
 
When enduring AUD, you might cultivate an alcohol addiction and have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking. Without expert support, you cannot keep yourself from ingesting alcohol to mitigate the unease your body experiences when you detox from alcohol. If you are able to stop “cold turkey,” you still have to counter the habit of regular drinking. AUD must have specialized treatment to recover completely. 
 

Why Are Some People Burdened By Alcohol Use Disorder? 

Numerous individuals in Fair Lawn drink, but not everyone develops an alcohol use disorder. Various factors contribute to your probability of experiencing AUD: 

  • Drinking as a child or teen
  • Existing mental health disorders
  • History of trauma 
  • Insufficient coping mechanisms
  • Genetics
  • Family history of alcohol addiction 
Numerous individuals begin overusing alcohol in response to major stressors. Without positive coping mechanisms, it’s simple to erase the uncomfortable feelings that emerge from traumatic expereinces and mental illness with the chemical stimulation of alcohol. When those unwanted feelings resurface, you turn to alcohol to subdue them again. You feel better for a bit when using alcohol. 
 
Regrettably, alcohol is not a solution. When you consume it habitually, you might become reliant on those chemicals to go about life. When you go without them, you feel worse than you did peviously and are urged to drink more. Over time, drinking alcohol dominates your life and negatively impacts your relationships, job, finances, well-being, and hobbies. When you become trapped in this devastating spiral, you cannot stop drinking without skilled treatment. 
 

What Are Alcohol Addiction Symptoms?

Continual drinking doesn’t necessarily indicate a disorder. Alcohol use manifests into a disorder when it begins interfering with your life. Many negative behaviors associated with drinking can signify an alcohol use disorder. 
 
You may have AUD if you: 

  • Frequently drink longer or more than you planned
  • Are unable to cease drinking even if you want to
  • Spend a lot of time obtaining and drinking alcohol, even though it makes you sick or impedes other activities
  • Cravings are so intense you can’t concentrate on other tasks
  • Have participated in dangerous behaviors while consuming alcohol 
  • Must drink more than before in order to get the wanted result 
  • Have forsaken activities you used to enjoy so you can drink 
  • Persistent drinking despite its impact on loved ones
  • Experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit drinking alcohol 
 
The more symptoms of AUD you have, the more urgent your case is. But anyone who’s showing signs of alcohol addiction symptoms near Fair Lawn is entitled to specialized treatment and guidance. You don’t have to take on alcohol use disorder by yourself. 
 

What You Should Know About Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

If you have an addiction to alcohol, your body must have it to operate. If you halt usage, you get sick. This is called withdrawal. 
 
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are different for each individual and are reflective of how intense your alcohol consumption is. If you enter withdrawal, you might experience any of these symptoms: 
 
  • Insomnia
  • Shaky hands
  • Headache 
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Sweating 
  • Feelings of anxiety
  • Hallucinations 
  • Seizures 
  • Delirium tremens 
  • Delusions 
  • Confusion
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Fever
  • Elevated blood pressure 
 
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are a sure-fire indication that you or someone you love has AUD and requires help. Withdrawal may be agonizing and, in severe cases, even deadly if not addressed by medical specialists. If someone you know| wants to quit alcohol but experiences withdrawal whenever they attempt to, reach out to a Fair Lawn substance use treatment facility for expert care. 
 

Can You “Cure” Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol use disorder and addiction are deemed chronic diseases. With that in mind, there is no cure. However, an enduring recovery is a real possibility. With the proper combination of medical and mental health support, you can find how to control the impulse to drink and reach your goal of a sober lifestyle. It’s a difficult pursuit, but countless individuals eventually recover from alcohol use disorder in Fair Lawn  and regain control of their lives. 
 

Finding Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment In Fair Lawn

No person can achieve sobriety on their own–and there’s no reason to do so! Getting alcohol use disorder treatment near Fair Lawn can feel intimidating, but you deserve skilled care to help you get yourself on the right path. 
 
Alcohol use recovery can feel less intimidating when you look at it as a progression of steps. You won’t find single journey to a sober lifestyle. Many people endure relapses and repeat certain steps several times. But it’s important to note, you can get support from family members and accredited professionals over the course of your journey to recovery. 
 
Alcohol detox: The initial step is to detox from alcohol. As your system eliminates those chemicals, you need medical supervision to maintain your safety and comfort. Whenever you’re ready to end your alcohol dependence, enter a residential detox center near Fair Lawn. They will provide 24/7 guidance for one or two weeks as you undergo withdrawal. 
 
Alcohol rehab: Following detox, your mind and body will still crave alcohol. You must proceed to residential rehab care where medical professionals can help you navigate post-acute withdrawal. Alcohol rehab emphasizes restoring your brain from the impact of alcohol usage. You’ll attend a few hours of therapy every day to treat the mental facets of AUD. You’ll stay in rehab as long as you need. 
 
Outpatient addiction support: Rehab will get you balanced enough to return home, but you will still want continued support to stay sober. Don’t depart rehab without joining an outpatient addiction program that supplies therapy and medical-assisted treatment. You may live at home or at a sober living accommodation, but you still must see counselors and a doctor throughout the week. 
 
Sober living: Over time, your need for addiction services will taper off. But, recovery is an ongoing undertaking. Rely on the network of addiction experts, loved ones, and new mentors you have put together to keep up your healthy life. Avoid situations that compel you to consume alcohol. Seek help if you ever need it. Lasting recovery can be achieved!  
 

Get The Help You Need Today For Alcohol Use Disorder Near Fair Lawn

You don’t have to fight alcohol addiction by yourself. Talk to The Counseling Center at Fair Lawn to learn more about caring, expert alcohol use disorder treatment near Fair Lawn. You may request help at 201-389-5326 or by completing the following form. One of our friendly staff members will reply right away, no matter the hour or day. All calls are free and confidential. We’ll provide the treatment you require now.