How We Treat Alcohol Addiction

Mount Sinai Wellness Center is a state-of-the-art facility where patients can safely detox from alcohol under professional supervision. We also offer holistic treatments to encourage patients to replace drinking habits with healthier alternatives, such as yoga or horse riding. Patients have access to onsite AA and other group meetings for continuing help with overcoming alcohol addiction. Our alcohol rehab programs incorporate a wide range of treatments and therapies, including:

• Individual and group therapy
• Holistic activities
• Meditation
• Lifestyle classes

Everyone’s journey to sobriety is unique, and no two people are the same. Our Atlanta alcohol treatment programs are custom tailored to our patients’ individual needs and are designed to equip them with the skills and healthy habits they need to live life free of harmful substances.

Warning Signs of Alcoholism

It’s a common misconception that an individual must be so drunk they are left incapacitated on the floor to be an alcoholic. Sometimes it’s hard to tell that an individual is an alcoholic because they seem to lead a relatively normal life—they have a stable job, they have a family, they seem happy. But there are different levels of alcoholism, and some are easier to recognize than others. It can sometimes be difficult to notice signs of addiction. However, there are common signs and behavioral patterns that could indicate a person has an alcohol problem. The warning signs of alcoholism include:

• A person tends to feel hungover when they’re not drinking
• A person drinks alone or feels the need to drink in secrecy
• A person suddenly isolates themselves and becomes distant from their friends and family
• A person puts off their responsibilities and obligations, such as work or school, to drink
• A person makes excuses for their drinking habits, such as using it to relax, deal with any stress, or just to feel normal
• A person exhibits signs of irritability and extreme mood swings, especially when they are not drinking
• A person experiences frequent temporary blackouts, frequently forgets things, or acts strangely
• A person frequently falls or has many unexplained injuries and bruises
• A person schedules any events they attend around drinking or ensures alcohol will be at an event
• A person acquires multiple DUI tickets or loses their driver’s license
• A person frequently worries where their next drink is going to come from and when they will be able to get it
• A person needs to have a drink first thing in the morning
• A person has sudden and unexplained weight loss
• A person experiences the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as excessive shaking, nausea, and sweating
• A person’s symptoms of alcohol withdrawal subside the moment they have a drink

What Are the Different Types of Alcoholism?

The word alcoholic might bring up one specific image in your mind—a stumbling, drunk, slurring person. However, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism research found that there are five distinct types of alcoholism. These different patterns of alcohol dependence are:

• The young adult subtype: 31.5% of people who are alcohol dependent have this subtype of alcoholism. While 25 is the average age-dependent adults, most adults become dependent as early as age 20. Though young adult alcoholics tend to drink less than other types, most of their drinking is binge drinking, which tends to be more hazardous than non-binging habits. Many who suffer from this type of alcoholism are quick to deny it, using “having a good time” as an excuse.
• The young antisocial subtype: 21.1% of all who are alcohol dependent have this subtype of alcoholism, and 54% of them have antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Common signs of antisocial personality disorder are lack of remorse, impulsiveness, and regular fights with others. This type of alcoholism affects young people and includes the earliest age of onset drinking with an average of 16 years old. They tend to have the highest number of drinks in a day than any other subtype of alcoholic. Many young antisocial alcoholics have high rates of other substance abuse.
• The functional subtype: 19.4% of alcohol-dependent individuals are functional alcoholics. This subtype tends to be older individuals who start drinking at later ages and have later onsets of alcohol dependence. Functional alcoholics are able to hold down jobs and have stable, supportive families. Typically, alcoholism runs in the family and many functional alcoholics use alcohol to cope with depression. It is common for functional alcoholics to deny being alcoholics and avoid treatment. In fact, because they appear to be “normal,” many friends and family members tend to dismiss their unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
• The intermediate familial subtype: 18.8% of alcohol-dependent individuals are intermediate familial alcoholics. The average age of this subtype is 38, and many developed their alcohol dependence at around age 32. It’s extremely common for these individuals to have a family member who has an unhealthy relationship with or dependency on alcohol.
• The chronic severe subtype: While this is the rarest form of alcoholism, it is also the most dangerous. Only 9.2% of alcoholics are this subtype. Chronic severe alcoholics begin drinking at an early age but develop alcohol dependence later in life. They have the highest drinking rates of any subtype, with a maximum of 15 drinks a day. Alcoholism tends to affect their lives the most, as they have the highest divorce rates and lowest education and employment rates. Many chronic severe alcoholics come from families with other alcoholics and mental illness is extremely common among them.

How to Get An Alcoholic Help

It’s important to remember that every individual and situation is unique, so these steps may vary depending on the circumstances. Of course, our treatment center professionals can help. Here are some initial steps you can try to help a loved one or someone you care about:

1. Educate yourself: Learn about alcoholism, its signs, symptoms, and treatment options. This will help you understand the challenges your loved one is facing and how you can support them effectively.
2. Express concern: Approach the person with empathy and express your concern for their well-being. Use “I” statements to describe how their drinking affects you and your relationship with them. Avoid being judgmental or confrontational, as this can make them defensive.
3. Choose the right time and place: Find a calm and private setting to have an open conversation. It’s important to choose a time when they are relatively sober and receptive to discussion.
4. Offer support: Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and let them know that you are there to support them throughout the process. Offer to assist in finding resources, making appointments, or attending support meetings with them.
5. Avoid enabling behaviors: Refrain from participating in activities that may enable their drinking, such as providing them with alcohol or covering up the consequences of their actions. Enabling can hinder their motivation to change.
6. Suggest professional help: Encourage them to seek help from a professional, such as a doctor, therapist, or addiction counselor. These professionals can provide an accurate diagnosis, offer treatment options, and guide them through recovery.
7. Offer resources: Provide information on local support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other recovery programs that may be available in your area. These groups offer peer support and valuable strategies for coping with alcohol addiction.
8. Be patient and understanding: Recovery is a challenging and ongoing process. Understand that your loved one may face setbacks, and try to remain patient and supportive throughout their journey. Encourage them to continue seeking help and remind them that recovery is possible.

Remember, it’s crucial to involve professionals who specialize in addiction treatment to provide the most appropriate care and support. Our treatment center can create a customized treatment plan based on your loved one’s needs and circumstances.

Get Help for Alcohol Addiction in Atlanta, Georgia

Alcoholism can be a considerable roadblock in a person’s life, but it is by no means insurmountable. At Mount Sinai Wellness Center, we understand what you are going through and can provide the comprehensive treatment you need to overcome alcohol addiction and get on the road to long-term sobriety.