Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcoholism is the most severe form of alcohol abuse and involves an inability to control drinking habits despite the negative consequences they cause. 

It occurs when a person drinks alcohol excessively and repeatedly, to the point that they become dependent on alcohol and feel they cannot function normally without it.

The above is also commonly referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD).

AUD is a physical and psychological disease and, like many other diseases, follows a generally predictable course. 

The progressive nature of the disease is usually subtle and takes place over an extended period – which can mean even the alcoholic overlooks the point at which they lost control.

Our alcohol treatment program at White River Manor, South Africa, is one of the best in the country.

There are four stages commonly used to describe the severity of alcohol abuse, based on how long a person has been abusing alcohol and the extent of its impact on their lives:

• The early stage: increased pattern of drinking
• The middle stage: cravings and dependence
• The late stage: severe alcohol abuse, physical dependence and addiction
• The end-stage loss of control

How Do I Pick the Right Alcohol Rehab, Drug Rehab or Addiction Treatment?

Choosing the right addiction treatment centre that matches your specific needs and preferences can be tricky.

After all, there are so many substance abuse rehab centres in South Africa to choose from, and with all the treatment options available, it can get confusing!

To help you make the right decision, here are some essential things to consider.

Residential Rehab centres usually offer co-occurring Disorder Treatment

Most rehabilitation centres offer co-occurring disorder treatment, also called dual diagnosis. 

Dual diagnosis treatment addresses substance abuse issues and mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and trauma simultaneously.

It is expected to have co-occurring disorders with AUD, such as anxiety, depression, trauma and behavioural disorders.

Alcohol is more commonly used as an escape from the symptoms of these disorders than any other drug.

AUD is a highly destructive disease that can worsen over time, and without proper professional help and treatment, it can lead to devastating consequences.

Where mental illness and alcohol addiction are both present, a dual diagnosis treatment significantly improves the quality and effectiveness of recovery and prevention of relapse.

World-class Dual Diagnosis Treatment in South Africa

Inpatient treatment centres like ours provide world-class dual diagnosis (or co-occurring disorder) treatment to individuals seeking professional help and support for substance use disorders such as drug and alcohol abuse and mental health issues, including anxiety disorder, depression, and various types of trauma.

Our residential rehab facility in South Africa provides holistic treatment programs for those seeking recovery from chronic substance abuse, including:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• 12- Step program
• Individualised treatment. This includes one-on-one therapy sessions with our team of specialist counsellors, trauma experts and psychologists
• Group therapy
• Mental health treatment
• Co-occurring disorder treatment
• Inpatient and outpatient programs
• Aftercare and support

To learn more about our alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre or about our holistic approach, contact our helpline today for a confidential chat.

Our friendly South African team is always here to lend a compassionate ear.

What are the Four Stages of Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol use disorder is a complex disease, commonly described as having four stages.

Each stage features signs and symptoms that can be used to determine when someone has developed a problem and the extent of its impact on their lives:

The early stage

This stage begins with an increased pattern of drinking, which can be drinking more often and/or drinking more significant quantities. 

Binge drinking is a common initial sign of a drinking problem. Other signs include:

• Drinking to relieve stress, anxiety and/or boredom
• Developing a higher tolerance for alcohol
• Blacking out as a result of heavy drinking.

The middle stage

At this stage, our drinking problem is more evident to ourselves and those around us.

Regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol leads to dependence, so it’s common for you to begin experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

The typical withdrawal symptoms individuals experience at this stage include:

• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Obsessively thinking about when you can have your next drink

In addition to the above, you may experience difficulties meeting your responsibilities at work, home, socially and financially.

You may have other adverse effects, such as poor health, mood changes and unpredictable behaviour.

The late-stage

By this stage, physical dependence and addiction will be established. There will be severe consequences to our physical, mental and emotional well-being.

You will likely need help maintaining a job or functioning generally in your daily routines. You may also lack the motivation to care for yourself, and your personal hygiene and appearance begin to suffer.

The end stage

Once you reach this stage, you will likely lose control over your drinking and will experience a variety of alcohol-related medical issues.

Heavy and long-term alcohol abuse may have caused damage to vital organs, including the liver, kidneys and brain.

At this point, you are at high risk of poly-substance abuse, severe withdrawal symptoms, life-threatening health issues and suicide. 

However, even at this severe stage, alcoholism is treatable – it is never too late to seek professional help.

Because alcohol is legal and widely accepted in most societies, it can be hard to tell the difference between casual use and abuse.

In general, any usage of alcohol that causes negative results is considered abuse.

Each person’s experience will be different, but recognising the symptoms as early as possible – and seeking help – will significantly increase our chances of reversing the damage and recovering fully.

What are the Causes of Alcohol Addiction?

Everyone is different, and certain people tend to have a stronger reaction to alcohol than others, making them more susceptible to developing a substance use disorder.

AUD is a highly complex condition, and there is no single cause that determines whether or not a person will become addicted.

However, there are several risk factors known to play a role in the development of alcohol use disorders, including:

• Family history
• Genetics
• Environmental and social factors
• Psychological issues such as the presence of co-occurring disorders
• Biological factors, including brain changes

By seeking support and treatment from a mental health professional, you can explore the root cause(s) of your addiction and begin to move towards addiction recovery.

Moreover, through a comprehensive drug or alcohol rehab treatment program, you can address any co-occurring disorders that may contribute to or worsen your substance addiction issues.

With proper treatment and support, it is possible to recover and enjoy long-lasting sobriety and wellness.

If you (or a loved one) are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction or other mental health issues, contact our inpatient treatment centre in South Africa.

What are the Warning Signs of Alcohol Addiction?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, lists 11 warning signs of alcohol use disorder. 

They include:

• Continuing to use alcohol despite it persistently causing social and interpersonal problems
• Continuing to use alcohol despite knowing the physical and psychological problems it is causing or exacerbating
• Having cravings and urges to use alcohol
• Putting alcohol above everything else and failing to meet obligations at work, home, etc
• Spending a great deal of time getting, using or recovering from use of alcohol
• Drinking more significant amounts or over a more extended period than was intended
• Having a persistent desire (or failed attempts) to cut down / stop alcohol use
• Giving up or reducing social, work or recreational activities because of alcohol use
• Using alcohol in situations where it is dangerous, for example, drink-driving
• Developing a tolerance for the effects of alcohol – a need to increase amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effects
• Having withdrawal symptoms that can only be relieved by using more alcohol

It is essential to recognise that without professional help and support, alcohol addiction will become increasingly worse, resulting in a negative impact across all areas of your life.

The first step to recovery is to recognise the warning signs as soon as possible and acknowledge that we need help.

Substance use disorders such as alcoholism are treatable, and there are various effective treatment options available to get you back on track to living a healthy and fulfilling life.

What are the Effects of Alcohol Abuse?

The harmful effects of alcohol abuse are extensive and range from accidents and injuries to disease and death – as well as being detrimental to our family, friends, and broader community.

The mental and physical effects of any addiction can be very obvious; however, with alcohol abuse, they can often take a long time to reveal themselves.

The short-term side effects of alcohol abuse include:

• Headaches
• Temporary blackouts or short-term memory loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slow reaction times / poor reflexes
• Reduced brain activity
• Lowered inhibitions
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty breathing
• Irritability and mood swings
• Violent behaviour

Since alcohol impacts almost all tissues of the body, prolonged abuse will cause physical damage as well as a decline in your physical and mental health.

Without appropriate help and treatment, alcohol abuse will result in more severe long-term effects that may be irreversible.

The long-term effects of alcohol abuse include:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Brain damage
• Compromised immune system
• Gastritis
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Liver disease
• Diabetes complications
• Increased risk of cancer (including liver, bowel, breast and mouth)
• Pancreatitis

Recovery Process

As well as causing severe mental, emotional and physical health disorders, long-term alcohol abuse can lead to significant social problems, such as unemployment, divorce, domestic abuse and homelessness.

Finding the proper help and support we need in the early stages of alcohol abuse can significantly improve our chances of long-term recovery and wellness.

Fortunately, rehabilitation centres like White River Manor can help individuals get the help and support they need to recover from chronic alcohol and drug addiction issues.

Our inpatient treatment centre in South Africa offers comprehensive drug and alcohol rehab programs and mental health treatment to individuals seeking long-term recovery.

In addition, our holistic approach ensures we offer clients personalised treatment plans that suit their needs and preferences.

No matter what type of substance use disorder you or a loved one may have, whether it be alcohol, recreational drugs or prescription drugs, our comprehensive treatment programs are designed to address your specific needs and symptoms.

Contact our rehab facility in South Africa today to learn how we can help you move towards lasting sobriety and wellness.

Can Alcoholism Be Treated?

Research has shown that people participating in recovery programs, with the help of specialists, have a much higher chance of achieving long-term sobriety.

The most effective treatment program for each individual will depend on various factors and needs to be carefully designed in collaboration with an experienced therapist.

A safe and structured environment is also essential to address all medical, emotional and psychological needs.

The most effective treatment for overcoming alcoholism involves a combination of the following:

• Behaviour therapy and counselling to address the thoughts, emotions and behaviour patterns that are contributing to the addiction – including family therapy and group therapy.
• Co-occurring disorder treatment for related mental health problems, such as anxiety or trauma.
• Medication and drug-based treatment to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, as well as to treat underlying mental health disorders, such as depression.
• Community support, including in-person or online support groups and sober living communities. These groups are a great source of education, encouragement and social support for those in drug or alcohol rehabilitation and recovery.

Research has shown that modern approaches to treating addiction are more effective, especially those that treat addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders together.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment at White River Manor South Africa

Through mixed therapeutic methods, a strategic approach, and staff with decades of experience, White River Manor in South Africa provides the setting, resources, and tools necessary for a full, successful recovery.

Our holistic treatment program is shaped around your personal preferences and therapeutic needs. It can include various elements from the traditional 12-step program, providing a solid recovery foundation.

Using a combination of traditional methods, ancient philosophy, and cutting-edge science, our friendly South African team at White River Manor treats the whole person, not just the addiction.

This personalised, holistic approach to addiction recovery ensures deep transformational healing and lasting recovery from various types of substance use disorders.

Our team in South Africa understands that recovery is a lifelong pursuit of positive habit-building, maintaining mental well-being, and avoiding triggers. That’s why we also include a complete aftercare plan to support you following treatment.

Admitting you have a problem and deciding to get professional help is the first step to a better and more successful life. In this life, you can wake up feeling great, enjoy better relationships and work more productively.

If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or are worried about a loved one, please get in touch with us to talk about treatment options. 

We are here and ready to help.

White River Manor In South Africa: The Ultimate Recovery Destination

If our wellness program sounds precisely what your body and mind need to shake off burnout and return to your old self, don’t hesitate to contact us.

We’re here and ready to help you restore your energy, purpose, and motivation, fully prepared to return to your old life, and equipped with all the tools you need to stay on the right track for the long term.

Contact us today.