Overcoming Alcohol Addiction and Abuse
Alcohol use disorder can be devastating. Find out more about the nuances of alcohol addiction and the treatments available today.
Alcohol Use Disorder
About Alcohol Misuse
Treatment Programs
Alcohol Misuse Overview
Enjoying an alcoholic beverage has been a common custom for most of human history, but it is possible to drink too much. If you feel the need to have a drink all the time or just to feel normal, there might be a problem.
Nearly 30 million Americans 12 years of age and older met the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2021.1 Of those nearly 30 million Americans, approximately 24 million of them were adults over the age of 26.1 But adults are not the only ones affected. Nearly 900,000 adolescents and teens also had an AUD in 2021, along with 5 million young adults between the ages of 18 and 25.1
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is a chronic brain disease that may improve or worsen at different times of a person’s life.2 Getting treatment may allow a person to learn how to control it and live a full life despite their disorder.2
Professionals diagnose alcohol use disorder (AUD) using a set of 11 criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5).3 Not all criteria are necessary for diagnosis to be made, however the more criteria met, the more imperative it is to seek professional treatment.2
Mental Health and Substance Misuse
Substance misuse and mental health disorders commonly occur together.4 According the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.4 million people in the United States had a substance use disorder with a co-occurring mental illness in 2021.1 Some people with mental health issues may drink to relieve symptoms associated with their condition.4 Using alcohol in such a manner may actually worsen their condition with time.4
There are many risk factors for alcohol use disorder, such as mental illness or trauma.2 Not everyone who experiences risk factors will develop alcohol use disorder, though. Mental health disorders are complicated, and it is impossible to predict who will be impacted.5
Alcohol use disorder is a chronic, complicated disease that requires complex treatment.5 As a brain disease, addiction disorders do not allow a person to control their substance use.5 Professional intervention is often required to help heal.2
How to Talk to Someone About Their Alcohol Misuse
Admitting that you need help controlling alcohol use can be difficult to do. It may be a challenge to convince yourself or someone you care about to get help, and denial is a common experience for people with alcohol use disorder.6
It may take several attempts and a few talks before you or someone you know with AUD agrees to professional help. Don’t be discouraged if you find that you or the person with the AUD decide not to seek treatment. Change is difficult for everyone. With encouragement, a successful attempt may happen later.
Finding an Alcohol Treatment Center
There are many resources available in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and the greater state of Texas for those struggling with an alcohol use disorder.
The setting and intensity of each program depend on the treatment center. The following tools can help you find the right facility for you or the person you care about.
Types of Alcohol Treatment Programs
Throughout recovery at the Greenhouse Treatment Center or another alcohol rehab program, the following interventions may be used along the journey:
As a whole, these programs provide a spectrum of services that can facilitate long-term recovery by offering different ways to treat addiction.
This full continuum of services is available in one place at our inpatient rehab facility in the Dallas metro area. The ability to stay in one place can help patients toward a smooth and uninterrupted recovery as they progress through levels of care.
Call Greenhouse Treatment Center now at 1-972-846-8738 to learn more about handling the cost of rehab, insurance plans that cover treatment, and how to start treatment today
Addiction Treatment and Recovery
The Alcohol Treatment Intake Process
The first steps of recovery are accomplished during the intake or admissions process.8 Upon admission, each patient can be assessed by a professional to determine a diagnosis and the course of treatment that is appropriate for them.8 During the assessment, staff members may ask about:8
- Medical history.
- History of alcohol use and withdrawal.
- Use of other substances.
- Previous attempts at detox.
- Treatment history.
- Mental health history.
- History of trauma or abuse.
- Sources of social support.
- Personal strengths.
- Other questions.
Knowing these aspects of a person’s story help determine the level of care and any other treatments that may assist recovery.8 Together, we can discuss the right treatment plan for you or someone you care about. Call today to discuss your options.
Stages of Alcohol Recovery
Healing from an alcohol use disorder may involve several stages of recovery. Due to the life-threatening symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, medical detox may be the first step in healing.9
After detox, a person may benefit from other medications that help reduce cravings and reduce drinking behavior.2 Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are all FDA-approved medications for assistance in alcohol use disorder that may be used long-term.2
Once stable, treatment may include various behavioral therapies and coping skills in inpatient or outpatient settings.2
After treatment, a person begins the maintenance stage, which may involve any of the following recovery supports:8
- Attending a mutual aid group such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
- Occasional outpatient appointments.
- Moving into a sober living residence.
Other steps that may help recovery may include changing other life routines or habits. Attending church, restarting a school program, or investing energy in new hobbies and healthy activities might be helpful.
Recovery Happens One Day at a Time
Alcohol use disorder is a disease that requires a commitment to recovery through long-term hard work, therapy, and support from family members and friends. With effort, a new life is possible. People in recovery can see benefits in physical health, improved relationships, and more optimistic hopes for the future.8
Paying for Rehab
Paying for recovery may seem daunting to those who need it. But many programs offer various options for payment that can make it accessible. Financing, government subsidies, loans, and other resources can offset the total cost.
If you or someone you care about is limited financially, the following options may be available to help:
- Publicly funded addiction treatment programs
- Scholarships
- Sliding scale payment options (adjusted according to financial need)
Outpatient programs may also be more accessible due to a lower cost.
Using Health Insurance for Rehab
Navigating health insurance can be a difficult task. However, most health insurance plans cover at least a portion of substance use disorder treatment. Call Greenhouse Treatment Center directly or the number on your insurance card for any questions about it.
To quickly determine the eligibility of your insurance or to learn about other payment options at our alcohol rehab center in Grand Prairie, Texas, simply fill out the quick and confidential questionnaire below.
More About Alcohol Recovery
American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information. We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
While we are unable to respond to your feedback directly, we'll use this information to improve our online help.