Alcohol use disorders can cause excessive drinking that endangers the drinker and those around them. Alcohol abuse has many short-term and long-term health risks, including liver disease, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and a weakened immune system. Alcoholism can also lead to
psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
Alcohol addiction can damage work and personal relationships and create financial and legal problems. These are some of the many reasons for seeking help to recover from alcohol dependence. Substance abuse treatment can help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety, improve their overall health and well-being, and rebuild their relationships and lives.
This page offers crucial information about alcohol use disorder and California Care Recovery's inpatient alcohol treatment program, which can be a valuable resource for individuals and their loved ones seeking alcohol rehab in Orange County. Substance use disorder can be treated and it is advised to seek addiction treatment as soon as possible.
What is Alcohol Detox & Rehab?
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences. The AUD diagnosis includes conditions that may be called alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, and alcoholism.
Alcohol use disorder is a brain disorder that can be mild, moderate, or severe. Recovery from alcohol abuse begins with detox and rehab. A drug and alcohol rehab can help people detox and begin their journey to long-term recovery.
What Is Alcohol Detox?
Detox is the natural process by which the
human body rids itself of toxins. In the case of an alcohol use disorder, this means eliminating alcohol from all tissues, cells, and organs. These toxins are filtered mainly by the liver on their way out of the body.
The client receives medical and psychological support during alcohol detox at a treatment center. This helps make the process safer and more comfortable.
What Is Alcohol Rehab?
Once the alcohol has been eliminated from the body, the rehab process can begin. The main components of alcohol rehab are individual and group therapy and, in some instances, medication. In addition, aftercare programs help prevent relapse.
Individuals seeking rehab for substance abuse can choose from different options, including inpatient treatment centers like California Care Recovery in Mission Viejo, outpatient treatment programs, or a combination of both.
How Alcohol Rehab Is Different from Other Drug Rehabs
The purpose of a detox program is to make the natural process the body goes through while detoxing easier to manage. This includes reducing the impact of cravings and withdrawal symptoms. To accomplish this, medical professionals and therapists create specific treatment plans based on what substance is being detoxed. So, alcohol detox may differ from detox from other drugs.
Some differences between alcohol and drug detox include:
- Length of detox – Alcohol use disorder generally requires a shorter detox period than detox from opioids or other drugs.
- Medications used to support detox - Drugs used to support the alcohol detox process may include benzodiazepines. The three medications currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help people stop their drinking are naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
- Medical care required – Detoxing from alcohol addiction often requires medical care to manage liver and kidney damage. Other drug addictions may require medical support from the respiratory and digestive systems.
The Dangers of Alcohol Detox
Alcohol detox can be dangerous. In extreme cases, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening or even fatal.
The risk of death from alcohol detox is higher for people who attempt to detox alone rather than with professional support. This danger increases even more for those who have suffered from alcohol addiction for a prolonged period or who have consumed large amounts of alcohol immediately before attempting detox. People with severe AUD should seek medical help to manage potentially serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they decide to stop drinking.
- Delirium tremens are characterized by hallucinations, mental confusion, and disorientation.
- Cognitive impairment and delirium result in a chronic memory disorder.
- Psychiatric problems such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance.
The most effective way to reduce the risks of alcohol detox is to enter a residential treatment facility with a medically supervised detox. This is the safest method of alcohol detox.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone with AUD begins the detox process, their initial withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Headache or migraine
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Between 24-72 hours after their last drink, a person detoxing from alcohol may experience more severe and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
- Uncontrollable tremors
- Lack of physical coordination
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Hallucinations
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
What to Expect at an Alcohol Treatment Center
The good news is that no matter how severe the alcohol addiction may seem, treatment with behavioral therapies, peer-support groups, and/or medications can help people with AUD recover fully and profoundly transform their lives.
The process of entering a treatment center includes five main components:
1. Assessment
In the first step, the client undergoes an assessment. Treatment specialists ask a series of questions about the person's physical health, mental health, and family history. They will also ask questions about particular symptoms and behaviors related to alcohol addiction.
2. Alcohol Detox
In the next step, the client begins the alcohol detox process. In some cases, detox only requires broad supervision and occasional checking by a medical professional. In other cases, the detox process may include medications to prevent or modulate the most severe withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol detox typically lasts about a week.
3. Residential Rehab
Once the client has completed their detox, they begin the residential rehab program. Depending on the client's unique circumstances, this treatment can take various forms. Typically, it includes individual and group therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) are often used to help clients better understand the source of their addiction. These therapies support clients as they create healthier habits, and find ways to have fun that don't involve alcohol.
Our residences offer beautiful sandy beaches, serene oceans, and incredible views-providing ample inspiration and nourishment for recovery. Available complementary activities include:
- Yoga
- Hiking
- Weight training
- Cardio workouts
- Paddle-boarding
- Art therapy
Alcohol Rehab with California Care
Undergoing alcohol detox alone can be dangerous. The safest way to detox in Orange County, CA, is to enter a premier alcohol treatment center, such as California Care, that is staffed by trained professionals who can monitor, prevent, and treat potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms before they cause problems.
California Care's medical and psychiatric experts utilize evidence-based, individualized clinical care. We use evidence-based practices to ensure that each client's treatment is tailored to their unique situation. No two addictions are the same, so no two addiction treatment programs are the same.
At California Care Recovery, we strive to live each day to our fullest potential. And, likewise, there is no limit to what a client can accomplish at our Orange County rehab center. Our facility, based in Mission Viejo, is dedicated to supporting individuals seeking addiction recovery services or dual diagnosis treatment.
We can help each person achieve their goals and maintain sobriety regardless of their unique challenges. Contact us today to learn more about our
substance use disorder program and how we can help.
