Alcohol is a social aspect in the lives of many individuals residing in Massachusetts. However, drinking in moderation is not possible for everyone. For those individuals who struggle with alcohol abuse, there are several issues that can arise from their problematic drinking habits. When alcohol has become a problem in an individual’s life, it can affect their family life and impact their careers or education. Alcohol abuse can lead to a physical dependency on alcohol. When this occurs, the individual needs to consume alcohol just to function or run the risk of becoming ill and facing the debilitating effects of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Alcoholism causes societal impacts and serious implications for the alcohol-addicted individual’s health and well-being. The risk of serious accidents from operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, attendance issues at work, loss of productivity at work, anger at home, and the possibility of abuse are only some of the serious impacts that alcoholism can incur for residents of Massachusetts.
If you or a loved one are searching for an “alcohol abuse treatment program near me,” contact Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center at 781.587.3636. Our alcohol detox process begins with a comprehensive health assessment, which is followed by a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs. We treat our patients compassionately and are ready to help you live your best life.
What Are the Health Risks of Alcohol Abuse?
The consequences of long-term alcohol abuse can take a toll on an individual’s overall health. The human body treats alcohol as a toxin for a normal person, and the body begins to eliminate the substance once it is ingested. The rapid metabolism only gets rid of between 2-10% of the alcohol, and the remainder is processed through the liver and excreted through the kidneys and the lungs. Those individuals suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder (Alcoholism) who have developed a dependency put themselves at serious health risks. Some of the health risks caused by alcohol abuse are:
- Liver damage
- Liver cancer
- Infertility in women
- Increased risk of Stroke
- Complications with pregnancies
- Fetal alcohol syndrome in children from their pregnant alcoholic mothers
- Esophageal cancer
- Increased risk of heart disease
Once an alcohol-addicted individual is physically dependent upon the substance, they face dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal occur due to the body’s physical dependence on the substance. Once deprived of alcohol, the alcohol-dependent individual’s body essentially turns on itself. The following are symptoms of alcohol withdrawal:
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Rapid Pulse
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Impaired coordination
- Difficulty speaking
- Disorientation
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
- Delirium Tremens
- Hallucinations
- Death
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can begin with a sick feeling. They start with nausea, but in time, the alcohol-addicted individual may experience a slight tremor in their hands or feel a shaky uneasy feeling creep over their body. The individual may have difficulty sleeping. Without proper care, these symptoms can grow in intensity. The alcohol-addicted individual may not realize it, but at this point, their blood rising is rising, and their heartbeat is increasing. The individual experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms may begin having difficulty performing simple tasks or speaking as their coordination begins to be impaired. An individual that is experiencing alcohol withdrawal requires medical care. Left untreated, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can prove to be fatal. If you or a loved one is experiencing the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, you should admit to a medically supervised inpatient drug and alcohol detox.
What Should I Expect at an Alcohol Detox in Massachusetts?
During a stay at an inpatient alcohol detox, an individual will be stabilized as they go through the alcohol detox process. Alcohol-addicted individuals will be cared for by professional medical and nursing staff as their bodies adjust and begin to return to normal functions. Nursing staff will work to minimize the discomfort individuals will experience with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The medical professionals will make an assessment and determine the proper treatment protocol for the alcohol-addicted individual. Heart rate and blood pressure will be carefully monitored for the crucial first three days of the alcohol detox process. If symptoms are severe enough, medical staff will authorize the use of medication to help alleviate the alcohol withdrawal symptoms during an individual’s alcohol detox stay. Approved medications that help to stabilize an individual are long-lasting benzodiazepines such as Librium or Ativan or barbiturates such as Phenobarbital. Individuals will be safely tapered off the benzodiazepine or barbiturate course of treatment they are provided until they are stable and medically cleared by a physician. While the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are highly unpleasant, the staff at the inpatient drug and alcohol detox will ensure that alcohol-addicted individuals are as comfortable as possible and that they experience a peaceful and restful stay during their stay.
What Should I Do After Going Through the Alcohol Detox Process?
After completing an inpatient stay at a medically supervised drug and alcohol detox facility, an individual would be wise to continue their treatment on an outpatient basis in an alcohol abuse treatment program. By participating in an alcohol abuse treatment program, the alcoholic will receive therapeutic treatment for their alcohol abuse in a safe and supportive environment. Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center, located in Wakefield, MA, offers an alcohol abuse treatment program.
The Alcohol Abuse Treatment Program at Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center in MA
Our alcohol abuse treatment program at Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center seeks to help individuals with alcoholism. Contact us at 781.587.3636 to learn more about the alcohol detox process. Our 24-hour staff is always available to answer any questions you may have. We provide the compassionate and professional care that each of our clients deserves.
