Alcohol Treatment in Dallas, TX

Alcohol Abuse: Facts, Statistics, and Treatment in Dallas, TX

Although widely available in grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants, and bars, alcohol abuse poses a significant threat to public health and safety. Alarmingly, alcohol has killed more teenagers than all other drugs combined. It’s now considered the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States, accounting for 88,000 fatalities annually and costing the country upwards of $249 billion each year.

Alcohol misuse contributes to the development of over 200 different health conditions and is often linked to violent crimes and domestic abuse. The widespread availability and social acceptance of alcohol have turned it into a pervasive issue that impacts not only individuals but also their families and communities. Many seek help at alcohol rehab centers in Dallas, TX, or through other specialized programs designed to address alcohol addiction and recovery.

Fast Facts: Alcohol Abuse in Numbers

• In 2005, 2.5 million of the 3.9 million Americans who received treatment for substance abuse were struggling with alcohol abuse.
• The U.S. records 1.4 million drunk driving arrests annually.
• Alcohol is involved in 40% of all violent crimes.
• 32% of heavy alcohol abusers over the age of 12 also misuse other illicit drugs.
• Youth who consume alcohol are 7.5 times more likely to use other drugs.
• In 2005, 39% of all road accident fatalities involved alcohol.
• An estimated 20% of all college students meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
• In 2018, 8% of all liver disease deaths were attributed to alcohol misuse.
• In 2010, alcohol abuse was the leading cause of premature death and disability worldwide.

These statistics highlight the pressing need for effective alcohol addiction treatment and prevention strategies in communities like Dallas, TX.

What Happens When You Use Alcohol?

Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down the central nervous system and produces a temporary feeling of euphoria. Many people turn to alcohol as a way to escape the stresses of everyday life. However, alcohol’s effects go far beyond the initial “high,” often leading to serious short- and long-term consequences that can necessitate intervention through programs like detox or intensive outpatient treatment.

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol

• Drowsiness, sleepiness, or loss of consciousness
• Loss of memory
• Loss of coordination and balance
• Poor judgment and decision-making skills
• Blurred or double vision
• Loss of inhibitions
• Risky behavior
• Slower motor responses and temporary loss of reflexes
• Short attention span
• Vomiting and nausea
• Headaches and dizziness

While these effects might provide temporary relief for individuals dealing with stress or anxiety, they can also increase the likelihood of injuries, risky behavior, and poor decision-making.

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol

Chronic alcohol use often requires professional intervention, such as programs offered at substance abuse treatment facilities or residential treatment centers. Without proper care, individuals may face:

• Liver disease
• Nerve damage
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Heart disease
• Impotence
• Vitamin B1 deficiency
• Malnutrition
• Gastritis
• Various cancers
• Permanent brain damage
• Low-income family relationships
• Increased likelihood of domestic violence
• Higher risk of committing crimes

In Dallas, TX, access to specialized programs like medical detox and alcohol addiction treatment can help mitigate these risks. Facilities providing these services often combine evidence-based therapies with holistic approaches to promote long-term recovery and relapse prevention.

Alcohol abuse continues to be a significant public health issue in Dallas, TX, and beyond. For those struggling with this pervasive problem, finding the proper support—whether through an alcohol rehab center, outpatient treatment program, or sober living home—is crucial for reclaiming health and well-being.

If you or a loved one are battling alcohol addiction, reach out to a trusted alcohol rehab provider in Dallas, TX, to begin the journey toward recovery today.

The Progression of Alcohol Addiction

Most people start as experimental drinkers. These people occasionally drink at parties but typically take more alcohol than their bodies can handle. Binge drinking occurs daily among first-timers, especially under pressure from their peers and friends.

Once a person moves on from being an experimental drinker, they move on to occasional drinking. These people will drink once a week, particularly on weekends, and use family gatherings or friends getting together as an excuse to drink alcohol. In some cases, alcohol might be used to combat loneliness, sadness, stress, or even boredom.

As the use progresses, people will likely become problematic drinkers. These individuals feel far more confident and accustomed to their alcohol use, so they find the will to drive and engage in other hazardous activities while under the influence. These people are also more likely to encounter legal problems due to their drinking habits.

With frequent, constant alcohol intake, the body becomes accustomed to the presence of alcohol in the system. This is the time when they develop what’s called dependence. Individuals with alcohol dependence have much more tolerance than problematic drinkers and might have to take copious amounts of alcohol to feel drunk. When there’s no alcohol in their system, they’re also likely to experience the symptoms of withdrawal symptoms.

The final stage of alcohol abuse is addiction. By this time, an individual will be so used to drinking that the habit becomes necessary. There will be physical cravings and a persistent psychological urge to consume alcohol. As they reach this phase, an individual might be destroyed by the need to drink, which will be the main focus of their everyday existence. If you or a loved one have reached this point, it could be time to find an addiction treatment center.

 

How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain?

According to studies, up to 20% of alcohol is infused into the blood through the stomach. If there isn’t any food in the stomach, the substance is absorbed much faster, manifesting its effects much more rapidly. The rest of the alcohol is processed in the small intestine, which passes into the bloodstream. As the substance is absorbed into the blood, it circulates the system and makes its way to the brain, which dulls down the interactions between neurons. This is what causes the effects that alcohol brings, such as slurred speech, lack of coordination, memory loss, and impaired reflexes.

When the brain becomes accustomed to the consistent presence of alcohol, it fights back by trying to regulate the suppressed brain function. So, it compensates by firing neurotransmitters at much higher levels than usual to maintain functioning despite the depressant effects of alcohol. This can cause some mental health issues to arise.

The substance then wanes, and concentrations decrease as it leaves your system. But even then, the brain maintains its heightened activity, which is why people tend to feel withdrawal symptoms as alcohol is taken out of the system. This then causes the user to want to continue drinking to avoid the unpleasant feeling of being without alcohol.

 

Treatment for Alcoholism

Alcohol consumption should be ceased as soon as possible. While occasional drinking might not seem a problem, every addiction starts somewhere. And with alcohol use being one of the contributing factors to over 200 different health conditions, it’s always ideal to avoid it altogether. However, getting assisted alcohol treatment in Texas is necessary for those who struggle with dependence if the addiction has progressed into more severe phases. For alcohol abuse, the main treatment plan includes behavioral therapies, medications, and support groups, depending on your alcohol rehab insurance coverage.

Presently, three different medications are used in the addiction treatment program for alcohol addiction and the prevention of relapse. These are provided under the guidance of medical professionals. The detox process also occurs under strict observance significantly if the abuse has extended for too long. This helps prevent the pains of alcohol withdrawal and minimize the risk of seizures, coma, and other fatal complications.

Behavioral therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and group therapy, focus on a person’s coping mechanisms and aim to understand the underlying cause of abuse. Individuals are also provided practical skills to help them identify situations that could cause relapse and how to avoid them. Any faulty relationships are addressed during therapies, and individuals who struggle with other facets of life like livelihood and employment are also provided with necessary counseling.

Finally, support groups have been proven to be one of the most effective treatment methods for alcoholism. Alcoholics Anonymous is a well-known treatment setting that brings recovering alcoholics together to create an atmosphere of mutual support. Knowing that they aren’t alone and that others are going through the same process reduces the shame of the treatment process and makes individuals more willing to cooperate with the program.

 

Alcoholism Relapse Rates

While it is no surprise, individuals who don’t see their drinking habit as a problem are more likely to relapse. This means that insight plays a significant role in recovery, as patients must be willing to overcome the abuse to complete treatment/rehab.

Relapse rates range from 50% to 90%, meaning it’s common for people to fall back into the problem after alcohol rehabilitation or a treatment center. Some of the most common reasons for relapse include lack of aftercare, insufficient preparation to transition from alcohol rehab to their home and society, and the inability to identify the root of the abuse problem, among many other reasons.

That’s why it is important to seek an alcohol treatment center in Dallas that can help you with your alcohol detox process. We are in the top alcohol and substance use rehabs in Texas and we’re here to help.

 

Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Dallas, TX by Lighthouse Recovery

Alcohol addiction can be a challenging journey, but at Lighthouse Recovery, we offer tailored alcohol addiction treatments to guide you toward lasting recovery in our alcohol treatment centers in Texas. Here are three top alcohol treatment options in Dallas, TX:

• Partial Hospitalization Program: This program provides comprehensive, structured care for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. You’ll receive intensive therapy and support during the day while having the flexibility to return home in the evenings. It’s ideal for those who require a high level of care but can maintain a stable living environment.
• Intensive Outpatient Program: Our intensive outpatient rehab program is designed for individuals seeking treatment for alcohol addiction while continuing with their daily lives. You’ll attend multiple therapy sessions per week, addressing the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. It’s an excellent choice for those who need flexibility while receiving robust support. If you’re asking yourself “Where can I find an intensive outpatient alcohol rehab near me?”, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.
• Sober Living: Our sober living program offers a supportive community for individuals needing a more structured environment. Here, you can focus on your recovery in a safe, alcohol-free setting while gradually reintegrating into daily life, while still participating in a treatment program, and utilizing things like group therapy.

We understand that each journey to alcohol addiction recovery is unique. Our dedicated team will work with you to determine the most suitable rehab or alcohol recovery program for your treatment path and medical detox for your alcohol addiction, providing guidance, support, and a compassionate approach to healing.

All that said, it’s important for alcohol rehab center treatments to focus on all the areas of a person’s social, mental, and physical health to prepare them for life without abuse thoroughly. This is precisely what Lighthouse Recovery does. Contact us to learn more about our addiction treatment and substance abuse treatment programs and get started with your alcohol detox in Dallas today.