Alcohol addiction

Alcohol abuse has serious consequences on a social, familial, and physical level

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly known as alcohol addiction, is a widespread, chronic, and potentially progressive medical condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to consume alcohol. This disorder can have severe impacts on social, familial, and physical aspects of life.

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Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center

At Still Detox Luxury Rehab, located in Boca Raton, Florida, we hold a firm belief that inpatient treatment is essential for effective alcohol detox and recovery from addiction. Our center offers a secure and nurturing setting for individuals to navigate the withdrawal phase, emphasizing a holistic and individualized approach to care.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical condition characterized by an inability to manage or stop alcohol consumption despite the negative consequences it may have on one’s health, relationships, and responsibilities. It is a chronic disease that can range from mild to severe and is marked by symptoms such as a strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and a tolerance to alcohol that leads to consuming larger amounts to achieve the same effects. This disorder can have serious physical, emotional, and social impacts, and often requires professional treatment to overcome.

What we will explain:

  • Effects of alcohol use
  • Signs of alcohol overdose
  • Symptoms of alcohol addiction
  • Methods used to treat alcohol addiction

Alcohol Addiction Treatment
in Boca Raton, Florida

At Still Detox Luxury Rehab in Boca Raton, Florida, Our expert team of therapists and practitioners are available 24/7 through our helpline to provide support and guidance to those in need. Don’t wait to seek help – call Still Detox today to start your journey toward sobriety.

addiction treatment center in boca raton

Why Alcohol is Addictive?

According to The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) publication, alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic relapsing disorder associated with compulsive alcohol drinking, loss of control over intake, and the emergence of a negative emotional state when alcohol is not available. AUD is a spectrum disorder that can range from mild to severe and encompasses conditions often referred to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism. The moderate to severe end of this spectrum is typically what is referred to as alcohol addiction.

 

The NIAAA explains that alcohol, like other drugs, has a powerful effect on the brain, producing pleasurable feelings and blunting negative feelings. These effects can motivate some individuals to drink repeatedly, despite potential risks to their health and well-being. Over time, drinking to cope with stress, while providing temporary relief, tends to enhance negative emotional states between bouts of alcohol consumption. This can lead to further drinking and an unhealthy cycle of alcohol consumption.

How Long Does Alcohol Stay In The System?

The duration that alcohol stays in the system varies depending on several factors, including the amount consumed, the individual’s metabolism, body weight, age, gender, and overall health. Generally, alcohol is metabolized at a rate of about one standard drink per hour.

What are the Causes of Alcohol Addiction?

According to NIAAA, several factors contribute to the development of AUD, which is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse consequences.

Key factors increasing the risk for AUD include:


Alcohol Consumption Patterns

How much, how often, and how quickly an individual consumes alcohol plays a significant role. Alcohol misuse over time, including binge drinking and heavy alcohol use, increases the risk of developing AUD.


Early Age of Drinking

Starting to drink at an early age is linked to a higher risk of developing AUD later in life. Those who begin drinking before age 15 are more likely to report having AUD compared to those who start drinking at age 21 or later.


Genetics and Family History

Genetics account for about 60% of the risk for AUD. The interplay between a person’s genes and their environment influences this risk. Additionally, family history of alcohol problems can also increase the likelihood of developing AUD.


Mental Health Conditions and Trauma:

Psychiatric conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are often comorbid with AUD. A history of childhood trauma also makes individuals more vulnerable to AUD.


These factors, along with the lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse, contribute to the perpetuation of AUD and make individuals vulnerable to relapse.

Alcohol Use By Demographics in USA

 

CategoryStatistic
Overall Prevalence of Lifetime Drinking (Ages 12 and Older)221.3 million people (78.5%)
Youth Ages 12 to 175.7 million youth (22.3%)
Adults Ages 18 and Older215.6 million adults (84.1%)
American Indian or Alaska Native Adults922,000 adults (74.2%)
Asian Adults9.9 million adults (64.2%)
Black or African American Adults23.4 million adults (75.8%)
White Adults140.9 million adults (89.1%)
Adults of Two or More Races4.3 million adults (84.6%)
Hispanic or Latino35.3 million people (72.3%)

Alcohol Addiction Statistics

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol consumption and its impact in the United States are significant. Here are some key statistics:

  • More than half of US adults report drinking alcohol in the past 30 days
  • Approximately 17% of US adults have an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
  • In 2017, almost 74% of adults suffering from a substance use disorder struggled with an alcohol use disorder
  • In the same year, 38% of adults battled an illicit drug use disorder, and 1 out of every 8 adults struggled with both alcohol and drug use disorders simultaneously.
  • According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 85.6% of adults aged 18 and older reported drinking alcohol at least once in their lives, with 69.5% reporting having had alcohol in the past year, and 54.9% having had alcohol in the past month.
  • Binge drinking, defined as having at least 5 drinks for a man or 4 drinks for a woman in around 2 hours, was reported by 25.8% of people aged 18 and older in the past month.

Sources:CDC

Alcohol Addiction Treatment Near Me

Still Detox: A safe and supportive place to heal and grow

At Still Detox Luxury Rehab in Boca Raton, Florida, Our expert team of therapists and practitioners are available 24/7 through our helpline to provide support and guidance to those in need. Don’t wait to seek help – call Still Detox today to start your journey toward sobriety.