Alcohol is among the most readily accessible and commonly abused drugs in the United States. Alcohol addiction is a chronic illness that can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, class, or other demographics. Because it is so common, easy to access, and integral to most social subcultures, the harmful realities of alcohol addiction are often underrated and overlooked.
The good news is that awareness of the dangers of alcohol abuse and addiction is growing. Consequently, there are more options than ever when finding alcohol addiction treatment. Alcohol abuse treatment in Tennessee is a rapidly growing industry, and more approaches to recovery are available as well.
Signs You May Need Alcohol Abuse Treatment in Tennessee
Due to its social prevalence, and the pervasive expectations around social drinking, it can be challenging to discern when it has crossed the line to abuse or dependence. Some key behavioral indicators of alcohol abuse or addiction are:
- Drinking alone
- Acting or feeling powerless over when and how much alcohol to consume
- Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
- Preoccupation with getting and drinking alcohol
- Having the desire to stop drinking but being unable to follow through
- Engaging in risky or belligerent behavior while intoxicated
- Becoming aggressive or violent when drinking
- Binge-drinking
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
- Needing to drink to feel okay
- Exerting significant financial and energetic resources to maintain drinking habit
- Struggling to keep work and personal commitments due to alcohol use
- Using alcohol is a high-risk situation, such as drinking and driving
- Denying having a problem with alcohol
- Legal issues related to intoxication
If you or someone you love is exhibiting one or more signs of alcohol abuse, it’s time to get help by finding substance abuse treatment in Tennessee. Reach out to a qualified addiction recovery specialist for support and guidance.
Finding the Right Tennessee Alcohol Rehab for You
Recognizing the problem and seeking help are the first and most vital steps on the road to alcohol addiction recovery. Finding suitable alcohol abuse treatment in Tennessee doesn’t have to be challenging. There are more alcohol rehab options available than ever before. Finding the right alcohol rehab is a matter of assessing your personal needs, values, and circumstances.
A physician or addiction recovery professional can conduct a thorough mental and physical evaluation to help determine what will be the most effective approach for a given situation.
For many people, medically assisted detox is a great option because it eases the pain of withdrawal and creates a smooth transition from detox into focused recovery work. While residential rehab is one of the most popularized forms of addiction recovery, it’s not feasible for everyone. Many people with alcohol addiction have ongoing career or familial responsibilities that make attending a 60 or 90-day residential program impossible.
Fortunately, many facilities offer an intensive outpatient program for alcohol addiction treatment. Intensive outpatient programs are, for many people, just as effective as residential rehab at a fraction of the cost.
How an Intensive Outpatient Program Can Treat Alcohol Abuse
An intensive outpatient program treats alcohol abuse while allowing the person in recovery to maintain their usual responsibilities and practice recovery tools in their daily lives with support and guidance. Typically, an intensive outpatient program will include both individualized and group therapy. It may consist of medically-assisted treatment, alternative therapies, educational resources, vocational support, legal advice, sober living support, and aftercare. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, reach out to your physician or an addiction recovery professional as soon as possible.
Help is available, and the sooner an addiction is addressed and treated, the easier it is to recover.