Alcoholism Treatment in Elizabeth NJ
Alcoholism is also known as alcohol use disorder, a broad term used to describe a wide array of problematic drinking behaviors. Alcoholism is widely considered to be a disease, and is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Alcoholism treatment is used to treat all aspects of alcoholism, formally known as alcohol use disorder or alcohol dependence syndrome.
Alcoholism treatment is available on a residential or outpatient basis, with patients normally going through a treatment program after completing a separate detoxification regime. To hear more about the treatment options that are available, call Drug Treatment Centers Elizabeth at (877) 804-1531.
History of Alcoholism
Alcohol abuse has been around for as long as alcohol itself, with records of misuse found in ancient Biblical, Egyptian and Babylonian sources. Humans have had a long and complex relationship with alcohol, with some cultures worshiping it and others condemning it. While the problems of habitual drunkenness have been recognized for centuries, the modern concept of medical alcoholism did not come into focus until the 18th century.
The connection between chronic alcohol use and disease was first referenced by Greek monk Agapios in 1647, who documented particular medical disorders such as seizures, paralysis and internal bleeding and their association with alcohol use. The term "dipsomania" was first used in 1819 to describe alcohol misuse, with the term "alcoholism" first used in 1849.
Alcoholism used to be split up into the separate psychiatric disorders of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence, with both of these conditions coming together in 2013 under a new classification system. Alcohol use disorder causes a number of health and social problems. Heavy drinkers often develop tolerance and dependence over time.
Alcoholism: Abuse vs. Addiction
Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are now both recognized as alcohol use disorder, a broad term used to describe a range of problematic drinking behaviors. Abuse and dependence are often split up when it comes to treatment, however, with alcohol abuse defined by the recurring use of alcohol despite negative consequences.
While alcohol dependence is generally associated with tolerance and the existence of a withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of use, the official classification is a little more complicated. According to the DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence, at least three of the following seven criteria must be experienced over a 12-month period:
- Tolerance
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome upon discontinuation
- Use of larger amounts and over longer time periods than intended
- Persistent cravings
- Time spent obtaining or recovering from alcohol
- Activities given up because of alcohol
- Continual use despite the existence of negative consequences
Alcoholism Treatment
When alcohol is discontinued, a physical withdrawal syndrome may be experienced. The length and severity of this syndrome depends on a number of factors, with alcohol dependent people likely to experience early symptoms within 12 hours of their last drink. Typical withdrawal symptoms include sweating, agitation, anxiety, depression, delirium tremens, hallucinations, shakes, vomiting and nausea.
These symptoms normally last for a period of a few days, with a post-acute or protracted withdrawal syndrome also possible in severe cases. Medications are often used to alleviate symptoms and manage the recovery process, with benzodiazepine drugs commonly prescribed. Detox is often needed to break the physical bonds of addiction, with psychotherapeutic treatment required to treat the underlying causes of the disease.
Behavioral therapy and relapse prevention systems may be initiated after detoxification, with psychotherapy deemed necessary to address the precedents of addiction. Alcoholism treatment includes medication therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational therapy, 12-step counseling, individual counseling, relapse prevention and aftercare support, with the availability of individual programs dependent on the operational philosophy of each treatment center.
Begin your search for the right alcoholism treatment center when you call Drug Treatment Centers Elizabeth at (877) 804-1531.