Alcohol is one of the most addictive drugs in the world, second only to heroin. In the United States, over 14 million adults suffer from an alcohol abuse issue. For many adults, their fateful relationship with alcohol begins in adolescence. When it comes time to end the cycle of alcohol abuse, everyone has different needs. For many people, the body and mind may have become so dependent on alcohol that they may need a detoxification program Addiction treatment works. If you or someone you love is looking for a Florida Alcohol Detox Program, there are important features to look for such as withdrawal management, counseling, and support.
Alcohol Addiction
There are several reasons for the addictive nature of alcohol. Unlike many drugs, alcohol is easily accessible and socially acceptable. Alcohol is relatively inexpensive. Why? Because it’s made from fermented fruits and vegetables. Drinking alcohol is also socially acceptable and even encouraged during social events such as parties and other social gatherings.
Alcohol blocks chemical signals between neurons, which leads to the common signs of intoxication including:
- Increased self-confidence
- Slurred speech
- Slowed reflexes
Alcohol also affects a section of the brain called the reward center. The reward center works with the production of dopamine and feels stimulation when you engage in pleasurable activities such as exercise, sex, and social activities.
In this way, the reward center can be instrumental in building positive habits such as working out. The reward center can also be hijacked by drugs and alcohol. Alcohol may stimulate the reward center, causing the release of dopamine.
Here, the pleasurable sensation becomes associated with alcohol and leads to habituation. The body also develops a tolerance to alcohol over time so that more alcohol is required to produce the same sense of euphoria. The combination of habit and tolerance is what makes alcohol so addictive.
A Florida Alcohol Detox Program
For many people, ending alcohol abuse may require an alcohol addiction treatment center in Florida. Ending alcohol abuse for good after years of abuse requires detoxification, withdrawal management, counseling, and ongoing support.
After years of alcohol abuse, the body becomes accustomed to alcohol. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. The body attempts to counteract the effects of alcohol by remaining in a more awake state. When you try to stop drinking alcohol, your body remains in a heightened state, leading to the symptoms of withdrawal.
Those symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
In severe cases, patients may experience hallucinations and delirium tremens (DT) whose effects can be deadly. Doctors often treat withdrawal symptoms with benzodiazepines to manage anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Mental health treatment is commonly used as well to help with coinciding conditions. For example, this Florida mental health treatment center offers these programs:
- Florida cognitive behavioral therapy program
- Florida dialectical behavior therapy program
- Florida family therapy program
- Florida individual therapy program
What Is the Next Step?
A good Florida alcohol detox program should also include counseling such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to deal with the underlying psychological issues and develop new coping mechanisms. It should also include ongoing support such as a 12-step program. If you or someone you love is trying to end alcohol abuse cycle, seek assistance from an alcohol detox center in Fort Lauderdale Florida today.
