Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Alcohol Counseling in Houston
Navigating alcohol addiction is challenging, but at New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers in the beautiful Houston, Clear Lake Bay Area, there’s hope and help available. Our dedicated team offers personalized alcohol counseling for those struggling with alcohol addiction. Our unique approach to mental health and addiction treatment is designed to help you reclaim your life and find recovery from alcohol addiction.
New Dimensions offers alcohol rehab in multiple locations in the Greater Houston area, with facilities in Clear Lake, The Woodlands, and Katy. We also offer online mental health and substance use programs for all Texas residents.
What is Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Alcohol addiction treatment is a combination of therapy and support, focused on helping individuals overcome their alcohol addiction. It involves various techniques and approaches, aiming to address the root causes of addiction and equip individuals with the tools needed for recovery. At New Dimensions, counseling services for mental health and substance use issues range from traditional one-on-one sessions to innovative group therapies, each tailored to meet different needs and circumstances. Our expert staff will work with you to address underlying issues, develop coping strategies, and build a resilient foundation for long-term sobriety.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. Learn more about the different programs we offer for mental health and substance abuse treatment at New Dimensions. We have various levels of care for both adults and adolescents. Let us support you as you journey toward lasting recovery.
The Difference Between Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are often used interchangeably but represent distinct stages in the spectrum of unhealthy alcohol consumption. Understanding these differences is important for appropriate treatment and intervention.
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is characterized by a harmful pattern of drinking that adversely affects an individual’s health, relationships, or ability to work. This stage may not necessarily involve physical dependence on alcohol. Key behaviors associated with alcohol abuse include:
- Regularly exceeding recommended drinking limits, such as binge drinking (consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period) or heavy drinking (consistently drinking in excess).
- Drinking in situations that are risky or dangerous, like driving under the influence (DUI).
- Experiencing recurrent alcohol-related legal problems, such as arrests for DUI.
- Continuing to drink despite clear evidence of relationship problems or occupational issues caused or worsened by alcohol consumption.
- While alcohol abuse is serious, it doesn’t always escalate to the level of alcohol use disorder. However, it can be a precursor to developing AUD if patterns of abuse continue over time.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol use disorder, classified as a medical condition, involves a more severe pattern of alcohol abuse that includes the inability to control or cease alcohol use despite understanding its negative consequences. AUD can be diagnosed as mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of criteria met from a set list in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Symptoms and signs of AUD may include:
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
- Spending a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of alcohol.
- Cravings or strong desires to use alcohol.
- Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
- Tolerance, defined as a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
- Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is reduced or stopped.
AUD requires more comprehensive treatment and intervention, often involving medical detoxification, counseling, medication, and long-term support to prevent relapse. It’s a chronic condition that can lead to significant physical and psychological damage if not addressed.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol use disorder, you’re not alone. Contact New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers today at 800-685-9796 to learn more about our treatment and intervention programs. Our team can help you determine which services are appropriate for you and your loved ones.
Signs You May Need an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program
Recognizing the need for a drug or alcohol treatment program is a critical step toward recovery. Some signs that you or someone you love may need support include:
- Inability to control or reduce alcohol consumption.
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from alcohol use.
- Cravings or strong urges to drink.
- Continued drinking despite knowing it causes problems.
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school.
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as shaking, sweating, or nausea.
- Engaging in risky behaviors while or after drinking.
- Developing tolerance (needing more alcohol to feel its effects).
If you or someone you know is concerned about their drinking habits, contact New Dimensions today or visit our blog to learn more about the signs of addiction.
Impact of Alcohol Addiction on Mental and Physical Health
Alcohol addiction can have profound and long-lasting effects on both the brain and body. In the brain, alcohol disrupts communication pathways, affecting mood, behavior, and cognitive functions. This can lead to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making. Long-term alcohol abuse can also lead to brain damage and increase the risk of mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
Physically, alcohol addiction can damage the liver, heart, and pancreas and increase the risk of certain cancers. It can cause digestive problems, weaken the immune system, and lead to malnutrition. Alcohol abuse also increases the risk of accidents and injuries due to impaired coordination and judgment.
What is ‘Wet Brain?’
Over time, prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to significant brain damage, a condition often referred to as ‘wet brain’ or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This syndrome is a form of brain damage caused by a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) and is characterized by severe memory loss, confusion, and motor coordination issues.
Support and Community Resources for Addiction in Houston
Houston boasts a strong network of support groups and community resources. These include local AA meetings, online forums, and helplines designed to provide ongoing support during and after counseling.
New Dimensions also offers resource guides that offer a comprehensive listing of mental health resources in the Houston area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, chemical dependency counselors, psychiatric hospitals, rehabs, and detox centers. The guides are published by New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers and are provided free of charge to the behavioral health community.
Begin Alcohol Abuse Treatment with New Dimensions in Houston
Outpatient alcohol rehab at New Dimensions in Houston offers hope for those battling addiction. It’s a journey of rediscovery, healing, and, ultimately, embracing a sober and fulfilling future. Reach out to us now at 800-685-9796 to begin your journey to recovery. Our team is committed to guiding you every step of the way.
FAQs about Alcohol Counseling at New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers
How do I know if I need outpatient or inpatient counseling?
Inpatient counseling is often necessary for those with severe addiction, especially if you are experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms, which can be life threatening. Outpatient counseling is more suitable if you have a less severe level of addiction, a strong support system, and a stable living situation, allowing you to continue with daily responsibilities. Our admissions team is here to help guide you through the process and determine the best course of action for your specific needs.
Are there any free or low-cost counseling services in Houston?
Yes. You can find a list of community resources in the Greater Houston area by checking out our resource guides. New Dimensions offers free resource books to the communities of Clear Lake, Katy, and The Woodlands.
What are three organizations that assist people who are affected by alcoholism?
Three organizations that assist people affected by alcoholism are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Which is the most successful type of treatment for alcoholism?
The most successful treatment for alcoholism often combines behavioral therapy, medication, and support groups. Individualized treatment plans addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction tend to have the highest success rates.
What are the four types of alcoholism?
The four types of drinkers, or four types of alcoholism, identified by Zucker are antisocial alcoholism, developmentally cumulative alcoholism, negative-affect alcoholism, and developmentally limited drinkers.
What is the difference between a habitual drinker and an alcoholic?
A habitual drinker regularly seeks alcohol, often leading to uncontrolled or excessive drinking. This type of drinker typically does not have a dependency on alcohol or experience significant negative consequences. An alcoholic has a physical and emotional dependency on alcohol, often accompanied by a loss of control over their drinking and adverse effects on their life.
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