Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol addiction is initially treated through the process of detoxification, for many this is the first stage of treatment. Detoxification is the process of removing toxins, poisons or other impurities. In the specific case of an addiction to alcohol, detox refers to the process through which a person rids their body of alcohol. The detox from alcohol will occur in a safe environment such as a rehabilitation centre, where qualified professionals can continuously monitor the comfort as well as safety and continued health of the individual during their alcohol addiction treatment.

Our bespoke detoxification programme takes into account the individual needs of each client and we endeavour to start the process on admission to New Leaf Recovery.

Fortunately, at New Leaf Recovery we offer a comprehensive alcohol rehabilitation programme for those in need of alcohol rehab. This programme can begin once the initial alcohol detox has taken place.

Someone suffering with an alcohol addiction can experience anxiety, irritability, palpitations, tremors, insomnia and depression, all of which can lead to the desire for more alcohol to relieve these symptoms.

Alcohol also alters the transmission of nerve impulses, so users can experience a loss of balance, numbness of the hands and feet, and tremor.

The prolonged use of alcohol disrupts the brain’s chemistry to such a degree that the person’s cognitive abilities are severely impaired, resulting in a loss of judgement, slowed reaction time, and unpredictable or erratic behaviour.

Signs that you may be struggling with alcoholism and should seek support

• You have built up a tolerance to alcohol, meaning that you need to drink more to feel the same effects.
• You drink heavily on your own, even to the point of passing out.
• You have intense cravings for alcohol, to the extent that they affect your mood and concentration levels.
• You miss out on special occasions due to your drinking habits.
• You feel like alcohol has taken over your life.
• You lie or are deceptive about your drinking habits.
• You continue to drink despite the negative effects it has had on your home, work, social life, or mental health.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these signs, it is important to reach out for help. Contact New Leaf Recovery today and seek the support and guidance you need.

Alcohol withdrawal can be a very unpleasant experience, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Here's a breakdown of what it can look like:

Timeline of Symptoms

• 6-24 hours: After you stop drinking, mild symptoms can start to appear. These may include anxiety, shakiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and sweating.

• 12-48 hours: More serious issues can develop within this timeframe, including hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there) and even seizures.

• 48-72 hours: Delirium tremens (DTs), the most severe form of withdrawal, typically starts around this time. DTs involve vivid hallucinations, delusions, fever, and severe autonomic hyperactivity (increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing).

General Symptoms

• Physical Symptoms: Tremors, nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, fatigue, loss of appetite, racing heart.
• Psychological Symptoms: Anxiety, irritability, depression, insomnia, nightmares, cravings for alcohol.

Important to Remember

• Not everyone experiences all these symptoms, and the severity can vary depending on how much and how long you've been drinking.
• If you're concerned about withdrawal symptoms or have a history of severe alcohol use, it's crucial to seek medical attention before quitting abruptly. Doctors can help manage withdrawal safely and recommend treatment options.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence, you don't have to go through it alone. New Leaf Recovery can provide support and guidance to help you overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.

Alcoholism is usually predicated by a pattern of drinking in excess to the point of intoxication. Compulsive drinking on a regular basis eventually creates a chemical dependency, causing the body to crave alcohol. The individual then becomes unable to control the desire or need to drink, despite the consequences, therefore causing an addiction.

Although alcohol is considered a legal substance, it is the primary drug of choice in our society because of its widespread availability. Alcoholism has no social, economic, or cultural boundaries. Nearly 10% of adults in the UK abuse alcohol.

The pervasive effects of alcohol abuse and addiction can manifest to varying degrees on a physical, psychological, and behavioural level. While often used initially as a means of coping with stress, or the emotional challenges in one’s life, over time alcohol can eventually cause the reverse effect, as the ability to function becomes more and more impaired.

Physically, an alcohol addiction can also lead to severe liver damage and scarring (cirrhosis), high blood pressure, inflammation of the digestive system, impotence, and malnutrition. It increases the risk of cancer of the larynx, liver, oesophagus, and colon.

Over-consumption of alcohol over a short period of time can also lead to blackouts. This condition, called Anterograde Amnesia - the inability to recall recent events. When the blood alcohol concentration increases rapidly over a short period of time, it blocks the brain’s ability to retain short-term memory during that time.

The impact of alcohol addiction is not only disabling to your health, but it also affects personal relationships with loved ones, professional performance, social interactions, and the ability to manage the responsibilities of daily life. Because many people who are dependent on alcohol are unable to recognise that they have a serious problem; the initial, and probably the most important, step for alcohol addiction treatment is admitting that the problem exists.