Alcohol is legal, easy to get, and socially acceptable in the US, so it’s not always easy to tell when habitual drinking becomes an alcohol addiction. What starts off as occasional drinking with friends can turn into daily drinking that creeps up on you over time.
Del Arroyo Recovery Center is here to support you. We offer comprehensive inpatient residential treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) at our private Southern California addiction treatment center in Agoura Hills, CA.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic condition characterized by an inability to control or stop drinking despite its negative consequences. It affects both physical and psychological health, leading to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and an increasing tolerance to alcohol.
Over time, alcohol addiction can strain relationships, damage careers, and contribute to liver disease, heart problems, and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Without proper alcohol addiction treatment, the condition can worsen, making recovery more challenging.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction is essential for early intervention. Some common symptoms of alcohol dependence include:
- Frequent blackouts or memory loss after drinking
- Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, shakiness, and irritability when not drinking
- Increased tolerance, needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect
- Difficulty controlling alcohol consumption despite wanting to cut back
- Drinking in dangerous situations, such as before driving
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to alcohol use
- Social isolation and strained relationships caused by drinking behavior
Stages of Alcoholism
Alcohol addiction develops over time, progressing through different stages. Understanding these stages can help individuals recognize when it’s time to seek help.
- Early Stage: Occasional binge drinking and an increased tolerance to alcohol. Individuals may justify excessive drinking as social or recreational.
- Middle Stage: Drinking becomes more frequent, and individuals may start experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop. This is when dependence begins to develop.
- Late Stage: Alcohol use takes priority over responsibilities and relationships. Heavy drinking leads to serious physical and mental health issues, and quitting without medical supervision becomes dangerous.
- End Stage: Chronic alcoholism severely affects overall health. Liver disease, heart conditions, and severe mental health disorders become prominent, making treatment urgent. At this stage, alcohol abuse can be fatal.
Early intervention can prevent the severe consequences of alcohol dependence. Seeking professional help from an addiction treatment center can provide the necessary support for lasting recovery.
Start with an Honest Assessment
It’s easy to dismiss problematic drinking patterns, especially if you’re surrounded by others who drink regularly. Weekend binges can feel normal if they’re a routine part of your social life.
If you have a nagging feeling that you may be drinking too much or feel guilty about things you’ve done while intoxicated, it’s time for an honest assessment.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Have I ever called in sick to work because of a hangover?
- Have I missed appointments or events because I was too hungover or drunk to attend?
- Have I had problems with my spouse, family, or friends because of drinking?
- Has anyone close to me ever asked me to cut back or quit drinking?
- Have I tried to limit my drinking or quit but found it too difficult?
- Do I experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms when I stop drinking, like irritability, headaches, shaking, or nausea?
- Is my drinking negatively impacting my everyday life?
Reach Out to Del Arroyo Recovery Center for Help
If you answered “yes” to some or all these questions, these are warning signs of alcohol addiction. If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, these are signs of alcohol dependency.
You can also use the Check Your Drinking tool from the Centers for Disease Control to assess your alcohol consumption.
It may be time to think about alcohol treatment, especially if you’ve tried but haven’t been able to quit on your own. Alcohol addiction is one of the most common substance use disorders, yet it’s also one of the easiest to deny.
Problem Drinking vs. Alcoholism
Problem drinking isn’t necessarily the same as alcoholism. Problem drinking can mean drinking more than you planned, binge drinking, or regularly exceeding the recommended daily limits. While problem drinking doesn’t mean you have alcohol addiction, continued overuse of alcohol can increase your risk of AUD (alcohol use disorder).
Alcoholism (or alcohol addiction), on the other hand, is a chronic disease in which you crave alcoholic drinks and are unable to control your drinking. People with alcoholism need to drink greater amounts to get the same effect and have symptoms of alcohol dependency, like headaches, irritability, or shakiness when they stop using alcohol.
If you’re concerned about how much or how frequently you drink, it’s time to take a closer look at your patterns and consider treatment.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs at Del Arroyo Recovery Center
At Del Arroyo Recovery Center, we offer a specialized alcohol addiction treatment program designed to help individuals at every stage of recovery.
Our comprehensive approach to substance abuse includes:
- Medically Supervised Detox: Medically assisted detox is especially important for heavy drinkers, as anxiety, vomiting, and dangerous withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens (“DTs”) can occur.
Our alcohol detox program provides 24/7 medical care to manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be used to ease discomfort and prevent complications.
- Inpatient Treatment Program: Our residential alcohol addiction treatment program offers a structured, supportive environment where individuals receive therapy, counseling, and holistic care tailored to their needs.
- Therapy and Counseling: Evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), help address the root causes of drug or alcohol addiction and develop coping strategies for long-term recovery.
Our holistic approach ensures that both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction to alcohol are treated, giving clients the tools they need to achieve and maintain sobriety. We also partner with Recovery Zone to connect clients with outpatient treatment as needed.
Dual Diagnosis and Alcohol Addiction
Many individuals struggling with alcohol addiction also experience co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. This is known as dual diagnosis. Without the support of mental health treatment, the risk of relapse remains high.
At our Los Angeles rehab, we provide specialized dual diagnosis treatment that integrates mental health care with drug and alcohol addiction recovery. Our team of professionals designs personalized treatment plans that address both substance abuse and mental health challenges.
By offering medically assisted detox, medication-assisted therapy, and emotional support, we help clients achieve lasting stability and wellness.
Therapies Used for Alcohol Addiction Treatment
We offer evidence-based solutions at our treatment center in Agoura Hills, CA, including mental health care and medical attention for individuals with co-occurring anxiety, depression, trauma, and other challenges.
- Individual Therapy: Evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) help individuals process trauma and change destructive thought patterns that can play a role in drug or alcohol
- Group Therapy: Peer support plays a vital role in alcohol rehab. Group therapy provides a safe space for clients to share experiences, receive encouragement, and learn from others facing similar challenges with alcohol and drug abuse
- Holistic Therapies: In addition to traditional therapy, we offer holistic treatments such as mindfulness practices, yoga, and art therapy. These approaches support emotional healing, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.
Individual therapy and group therapy are core parts of our residential treatment programs. We provide a safe and supportive setting where you can explore your feelings and learn vital new coping skills. Family therapy is optional but encouraged. We also offer a variety of holistic treatments, from yoga to outdoor recreational opportunities.
Relapse Prevention and Long-Term Support
Relapse prevention is at the heart of our addiction treatment program. Our trained therapists use a variety of proven therapeutic tools like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing to help you work through unhelpful thought patterns that may be contributing to your alcohol abuse.
After substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, we emphasize relapse prevention through a structured aftercare program.
Comprehensive Relapse Prevention Strategies
- Post-Treatment Follow-Up: Continued therapy and check-ins help clients stay accountable and navigate challenges after their residential program.
- Alumni Program: A strong support network is crucial for long-term recovery. Our alumni program connects clients with a sober community to maintain motivation and encouragement.
- Ongoing Therapy and Support Groups: Whether it’s through individual counseling or outpatient treatment with partner facility Recovery Zone, continued aftercare ensures that clients remain on the path to sobriety.
Get Help Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with drug abuse or alcohol addiction, it’s time to consider an inpatient program at Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Los Angeles, California.
The low staff-to-patient ratio at our six-bed luxury alcohol rehab center allows us to provide you with the highest level of care. The compassionate staff at our Agoura Hills alcohol addiction treatment center will tailor a treatment program just for you, based on your needs and history.
A new path forward is possible. Get in touch today at 877-535-0636 to verify insurance coverage or learn more about our alcohol detox and inpatient treatment programs.