Alcohol use disorders range from mild severity to high severity. In general, if someone’s use of alcohol causes distress or harm, there may be a disorder or addiction present. Often referred to as alcoholism, here is a listing of signs and symptoms of an alcohol use disorder:

• • Using alcohol for longer than intended or more than intended
  • Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drinking
  • Using alcohol where it made the situation dangerous or unsafe – such as while driving, using machinery, etc.
  • Needing to use more alcohol to get the same effect, or finding the same amount doesn’t have the effect it used to
  • Continuing to drink despite contributing to feelings of depression, anxiety, or other health problem
  • Spending a lot of time drinking or a lot of time getting over the effects of drinking
  • The use of alcohol has interfered with responsibilities at work, school, or home can indicate a substance abuse disorder.
  • Given up on activities that used to be enjoyable to instead use alcohol
  • Experience withdrawal symptoms when not using alcohol, such as feeling nauseous, sweaty, anxious, or trouble sleeping.

An alcohol treatment center and a trained professional should evaluate the person and make an alcohol treatment diagnosis.

Substance abuse treatment for an alcohol use disorder should always take into consideration the severity of the disorder, physical and mental health needs, readiness to change, and history of past alcohol rehab attempts.

The first element to consider is the need for a medical detoxification program. It is important to understand that “detox” is not an alcohol rehab or substance abuse treatment program. Instead, it is the medical management of withdrawal symptoms. This is critical for two reasons – 1) Withdrawal from alcohol can be life-threatening, and 2) Successful completion of detox gives a person the opportunity to be able to better engage in an alcohol treatment center or alcohol rehab program. A substance abuse treatment professional or alcohol treatment center can screen symptoms to determine if a referral to a medical detox program may be necessary. If someone is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, we always encourage immediate medical attention.

The next step is admission into an alcohol treatment center or alcohol rehab program. There are several different levels of alcohol rehab care – residential treatment, day treatment, or outpatient. An assessment conducted by a substance abuse professional can make a recommendation as to which level of care may best meet an individual’s needs.

Within the substance abuse treatment program, evidence-based approaches should be used. Evidence-based approaches mean the treatments provided have been researched and there is evidence the alcohol rehab treatment works.

Some common substance abuse treatment approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and medications to help with cravings. Traditional 12 step work is also a common approach. Many alcohol treatment center programs – including Arbor Place – give clients exposure to what it means to work a 12 step program and how AA meetings can help build a person’s recovery support network. Often, these are vital components of successful lifelong recovery programs.

Treatment for an alcohol use disorder should always take into consideration the severity of the disorder, physical and mental health needs, readiness to change, and history of past treatment attempts.

At Arbor Place, we have alcohol treatment center professionals who can work with you to treat alcohol addiction. We have locations in the Eau Claire, Menomonie, and River Falls area. Don’t wait – things can get better.

Start here for patients.  Start here for loved ones.

Alcohol overdose – called alcohol poisoning – occurs when there is so much alcohol in the bloodstream that areas of the brain controlling basic life-support functions—such as breathing, heart rate, and temperature control—begin to shut down. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include confusion; difficulty remaining consciousness; vomiting; seizures; trouble with breathing; slow heart rate; clammy skin; dulled responses, such as no gag reflex (which prevents choking); and extremely low body temperature. It is always important to call 911 if you suspect someone might be suffering from alcohol poisoning. Never assume someone has simply passed out and things will be fine in the morning.