Alcohol Rehabs in Knoxville, TN (877) 804-1531
When it comes to treating alcohol abuse problems and alcoholism, there is no better option than alcohol rehabs in Knoxville. Unfortunately, many people do not realize they have an alcohol abuse problem or addiction as early as they could, and therefore delay their entry into alcohol rehab. However, with all of the facts, early treatment and intervention is possible.
What Is Alcohol Rehab?
Alcohol rehabs in Knoxville are a form of residential addiction treatment. This means that the person who has developed an addiction to alcohol temporarily stays in the treatment center (rehab facility) for a period of time. During this time, the recovering alcoholic is able to focus all of their energy and attention on their recovery, without the many distractions of the outside world and without negative influences or the possibility of relapse during the treatment process. To find out more about your treatment options, call Alcohol Treatment Center Knoxville at (877) 804-1531.
What Is Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse is the misuse of alcohol. This misuse is often habitual, meaning that it is a repeated pattern of behavior over an extended period of time. Misuse, in terms of alcohol, can mean attempting to use alcohol to mask symptoms of a physical or mental health condition as a coping strategy for stress, or to numb the emotional pain of difficult events. Because alcohol is not a medication, all of these uses are considered alcohol abuse. Generally speaking, alcohol abuse takes two basic forms: binge drinking and blackouts (or blackout drinking).
Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is a common problem in the United States today, sometimes with deadly consequences (blood alcohol poisoning). It is most common among young adults who are college-aged as well as with older adults over retirement age. When a person binge drinks, they consume a large quantity of alcohol in a relatively short time period. For most people this means between three and four drinks in an hour (or two hours at most). Binge drinking almost always results in high blood alcohol levels and, of course, intoxication.
Blackout Drinking
Blackouts and blackout drinking refer not to losing conscious but losing memory. When a person blacks out from drinking, it occurs because the amount of alcohol in their bloodstream is so high that the alcohol interferes with the brain's ability to commit current happenings to memory. This is known as alcohol-related anterograde amnesia and the effects will wear off when the blood alcohol level goes down. However, the person who abused alcohol will have a missing period of time that they are unable to recall.
What Are The Signs Of Alcohol Abuse?
When a person abuses alcohol, they will show and feel many signs of abuse. These may be physical, social, mental, or health-related. Some signs of alcohol abuse are:
Physical Signs
- Slurred speech
- Loss of balance
- Poor coordination
- Dilated pupils
Social Signs
- Social isolation
- Reckless behavior
- Financial problems
- Trouble at school or work
Mental Signs
- Disorientation or confusion
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Depression
Health Signs
- Seizures and tremors
- Heart arrhythmias
- Liver damage or disease
- High blood pressure
How Does Alcohol Abuse Transition To Addiction?
When alcohol enters the bloodstream, it has a direct effect on the brain and nervous system, stimulating some actions and suppressing others. As a person begins to abuse alcohol more and more frequently, the brain and nervous system begin to think that the body's normal state is to have alcohol in the bloodstream. They, therefore, adjust internal functions and chemistry to accommodate alcohol, and do not perform indicated actions until alcohol tells them to. When this transition and change occurs, a person has developed a physical addiction to alcohol.
How Is Alcohol Rehab Useful In Treating Alcoholism?
Because alcohol rehab is a residential treatment program, it is useful in treating alcoholism in that the recovering addict can and will focus their full attention on overcoming their addiction. Additionally, rehab is designed to address both the physical and mental addictions a person has to alcohol. Medical detox deals with the physical side, and individual and group therapy, as well as art and music therapy, restorative yoga, SMART recovery and various skill-building options take care of the mental side of addiction. In this way, alcohol rehabs in Knoxville are the most focused and comprehensive alcoholism treatment available.
If you are currently dealing with an alcohol addiction, you can contact Alcohol Treatment Center Knoxville at (877) 804-1531 for assistance in finding treatment.