Individuals and families need to become aware of the indicators of an alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is also known as alcohol addiction or alcoholism. There are educational resources and treatment options available to assist those in need.
Peak Path Health’s alcohol rehab center, located in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA, is committed to supporting individuals in effectively addressing the difficulties associated with binge drinking and alcoholism. By providing a comprehensive range of treatment services and therapies, we ensure that our patients receive the most suitable care tailored to their specific needs and situations.
What is an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
Recognized as a brain disorder, alcohol use disorder is classified by its severity (mild, moderate, or severe). The lasting alterations in the brain resulting from alcohol misuse intensify the disorder and increase the likelihood of relapse.
As alcoholism is a chronic illness defined by uncontrollable drinking and a preoccupation with alcohol, individuals facing this challenge find it difficult to manage their drinking due to both physical and emotional dependence. In simpler terms, they cannot easily stop as someone without such predispositions can.
Fortunately, regardless of the severity of the issue, evidence-based treatment approaches, including behavioral therapies, mutual-support groups, and/or medications, have been shown to assist individuals with alcohol dependency and addiction in achieving and sustaining recovery.
Alcoholism in California: An Eye-Opening Overview
Excessive alcohol consumption encompasses binge drinking, heavy drinking, alcohol consumption by individuals under the age of 21, and any alcohol intake by pregnant women. The CDC characterizes binge drinking as the act of consuming five or more alcoholic beverages in a single occasion for men, or four or more for women.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect is that the addiction crisis does not discriminate in its impact, although certain groups exhibit greater susceptibility. Substance use disorders (SUDs) have a broad reach in Los Angeles, affecting a substantial and growing number of individuals.
Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading preventable cause of mortality and is associated with various acute and chronic health problems. In Los Angeles County, those seeking treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) frequently also face co-occurring mental health challenges and homelessness.
From 2022 to 2023, more than half (51.6%) of individuals seeking treatment reported experiencing concurrent mental health issues, while 39.2% faced homelessness. This underscores the intricate relationship between addiction and various social challenges, thereby reinforcing the necessity for comprehensive treatments and systemic reform.
Over 1 million individuals require treatment in Los Angeles County. Nevertheless, recent reports have pointed out a considerable disparity in access to addiction treatment in California, with more than 4.8 million individuals needing treatment but not receiving it.
A report from 2024 by the Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (SAPC) program estimated that around 2 million individuals in Los Angeles County (LAC) engage in substance use in a manner that is unhealthy or hazardous. Alcohol remains a significant issue, representing 27% of treatment admissions.
What Increases the Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder?
Consuming alcohol at a young age
Genetic predisposition and family history of alcohol-related issues
Mental health disorders and a background of trauma
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse
Health care professionals utilize criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to evaluate whether an individual has an alcohol use disorder and to ascertain the severity of the disorder present.
Severity is determined by the number of criteria met by an individual based on their symptoms—mild (two to three criteria), moderate (four to five criteria), or severe (six or more criteria).
Physical Symptoms
Tolerance: The necessity to consume a greater amount of alcohol to attain the same effects.
Withdrawal symptoms: The manifestation of physical symptoms such as nausea, perspiration, tremors, and anxiety when abstaining from alcohol.
Neglecting responsibilities: Failing to fulfill obligations at home, work, or school as a result of alcohol consumption.
Behavioral Symptoms
Craving: Experiencing a powerful desire or compulsion to drink.
Loss of control: Consuming more alcohol or for an extended duration than originally planned.
Unsuccessful attempts to quit: Making attempts to reduce or cease drinking that do not succeed.
Psychological Symptoms
Obsessive thoughts: Devoting significant time to contemplating drinking, acquiring alcohol, and recovering from its effects.
Continued use despite problems: Persisting in alcohol consumption even when it leads to physical, social, or relational difficulties.
Isolation: Withdrawing from friends and activities that were previously enjoyable.
Social Symptoms
Relationship issues: Facing disputes with family and friends as a consequence of drinking behaviors.
Legal problems: Encountering legal challenges due to actions taken while under the influence, such as driving while intoxicated.
Identifying these symptoms at an early stage can facilitate the pursuit of treatment and support to address alcohol addiction. If you or someone you are aware of is facing these symptoms, it is advisable to seek professional medical guidance and intervention.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Peak Path Health
Drug and alcohol detox represents the initial essential phase of recovery, encompassing the elimination of alcohol or other substances from the body. Our methodology for alcohol detoxification is grounded in evidence, indicating that it is backed by scientific research and has been demonstrated to be effective.
Excessive alcohol consumption is detrimental to everyone. Nevertheless, this does not imply that it is wise to cease alcohol intake independently. Chronic alcohol misuse poses significant risks, particularly because withdrawal can be perilous. When an individual suddenly halts alcohol consumption, the physiological changes that occur may result in fatality if not adequately supervised. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol may encompass:
- Fever
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Irregular heartbeats
A significant issue associated with unmanaged alcohol withdrawal is a condition known as Delirium Tremens (DT). In certain instances, this condition can result in death. It triggers an extreme fight-or-flight response in the body rather than a regulated withdrawal process. Consequently, it is strongly advised that individuals who have developed a physical alcohol dependence do not attempt to quit abruptly.
Individuals with a severe alcohol use disorder may require medical intervention to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they choose to stop drinking. Alcohol withdrawal can be a potentially life-threatening condition that arises when a person who has been consuming alcohol heavily for an extended period abruptly ceases consumption. Seeking detoxification at a professional facility is the safest option.
In our residential treatment program, we employ evidence-based therapies alongside outdoor activities to address your substance use disorder holistically. Through therapy, you will be able to identify the underlying causes of addiction and acquire healthy coping mechanisms. Our campus, located in Hollywood Hills, features areas for outdoor yoga, sports activities, and exercise, allowing you to also focus on the healing of your physical body. Additionally, we provide nutrition support. Our luxurious facility is equipped with modern amenities and comfortable accommodations.
Behavioral treatments, often referred to as alcohol counseling, such as individual therapy and group therapy, are conducted by licensed therapists and focus on modifying drinking behaviors. Examples of these treatments include brief interventions and reinforcement strategies, which aim to enhance motivation and impart skills for coping and preventing relapse, as well as holistic-based therapies.
Mutual-support groups offer peer assistance for individuals seeking to stop or reduce their alcohol intake. Group meetings are typically accessible in most communities at minimal or no cost, and are scheduled at convenient times and locations, including a growing number of online options. This accessibility makes them particularly beneficial for those at risk of relapse. When combined with medications and behavioral treatments provided by healthcare professionals, mutual-support groups can serve as a significant additional layer of support.
Alcohol addiction and mental health disorders frequently impact one another. For instance, an individual suffering from depression may resort to alcohol as a means of self-medication, potentially resulting in dependency. On the other hand, prolonged alcohol abuse can worsen or instigate mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.
Among the most prevalent mental health conditions that coexist with alcohol addiction are depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and schizophrenia. Peak Path Health provides dual diagnosis treatment programs aimed at addressing both addiction and mental health disorders.
Getting Help: Where to Start
How Does Drinking Alcohol Affect the Brain and Body
Brain Effects
Short-term: Alcohol functions as a central nervous system depressant, decelerating brain activity and influencing mood, behavior, and self-regulation. It may lead to slurred speech, blurred vision, impaired coordination, and memory issues.
Long-term: Significant and extended alcohol use can result in brain shrinkage, damage to particular brain areas such as the hippocampus (which is crucial for memory) and cerebellum (which is essential for coordination), as well as a heightened risk of dementia. It can also cause alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), which impacts cognitive abilities, social interactions, and emotional control.
Body Effects
Short-term: Alcohol can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, and may induce nausea and vomiting.
Long-term: Excessive alcohol intake can result in liver damage, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. It can also raise the risk of heart disease, certain cancers (such as breast cancer and liver cancer), and compromise the immune system.
