Alcohol Addiction.

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder in New Jersey

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘everything in moderation’, but for some people, that’s easier said than done. If you’re struggling to control your alcohol consumption, you may have an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Recognizing the signs of alcohol use disorder and getting help can be life-changing. Our team at Blue Star Recovery values educating the community about what AUD is, how it develops, and how it affects your health and relationships. There are different types of treatment available to help you recover through medications, outpatient alcohol therapy programs, and more.

You don’t have to deal with this alone – there are many resources and support systems out there to help you live a happy, healthy life free from addiction. Start your journey to recovery with Blue Star Recovery today.

What are the Signs You May Have an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

If you’re worried you might have a problem with alcohol, there are some common signs to look for.

• When you find yourself drinking more or for a longer duration than you originally intended. You tell yourself you’ll have just one drink but end up having several without realizing it.
• Despite your desire to reduce or quit drinking, you find yourself unable to do so. You make promises to yourself or others that you’ll quit or cut back, but you continue drinking heavily.
• You devote a significant amount of time to drinking or recovering from the effects of alcohol. If drinking is interfering with work, family, or social responsibilities, that’s a red flag.
• You have cravings or a strong urge to drink. You experience a sense of reliance on alcohol to induce relaxation or enhance enjoyment in various situations.
• Your tolerance has increased. It takes more alcohol to feel its effects, or you don’t feel as intoxicated even though you’ve had several drinks.
• You continue to drink even though it causes problems with your health, relationships, work, or finances. Despite the harmful consequences, you can’t or won’t quit.
• You avoid people or places that don’t support your drinking. You prefer to socialize with other heavy drinkers.
• You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, like nausea, sweating, shakiness, or anxiety. This indicates that your body has become dependent on alcohol.

If any of these signs resonate with you or your loved one, it may be time to consider speaking with a doctor or seeking professional help. Recovery from an addiction to alcohol is difficult, but it is possible with the right treatment and support. The rewards of sobriety are well worth the effort.

What are the Health Risks of Long-Term Alcohol Abuse?

Long-term alcohol abuse takes a major toll on your body and health. The damage isn’t always obvious at first, but over time, it can become severe and even life-threatening. Some of the major health risks to be aware of include:

• Liver disease. Heavy drinking kills liver cells and can lead to alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The liver undergoes irreversible scarring and damage as a result of cirrhosis.
• Heart disease. Excessive alcohol use raises blood pressure, blood triglyceride levels, and the risk of stroke. It can also lead to heart failure and irregular heartbeats.
• Pancreatic damage. Long-term alcohol use inflames the pancreas and can cause pancreatitis. This painful condition prevents the pancreas from digesting food and producing insulin properly.
• Increased cancer risk. Alcohol abuse raises the risk of mouth, esophagus, breast, and colon cancer. The more you drink, the higher the cancer risk.
• Weak immune system. Drinking too much alcohol makes you more susceptible to pneumonia and tuberculosis and slows your body’s ability to recover from injuries or illnesses.
• Mental health issues. Alcohol use disorder frequently co-occurs with conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Excessive drinking also causes memory loss and thiamine deficiency, which can lead to severe brain damage.
• Social problems. Alcohol abuse strains relationships, causes financial difficulties, and leads to lost work productivity. It impacts nearly every aspect of the alcoholic’s life as well as the lives of those around them.

The health consequences of long-term alcohol abuse are many, but the good news is that treatment and recovery are possible. Speaking to a medical professional about treatment options is the first step toward improving your health, relationships, and quality of life.

What are the Causes of Alcohol Use Disorder?

How Alcohol Use Disorder Impacts Your Loved Ones

AUD doesn’t just impact you; it sends shockwaves through your entire social circle. Your loved ones feel the effects deeply and in many ways.

• Your family lives with constant worry and stress. They never know if today is the day you won’t come home or end up in the hospital. The unpredictability is emotionally draining.
• Your kids may face difficulties in school due to a lack of support or supervision at home. They’re also at higher risk of developing addiction issues themselves.
• Your spouse or partner likely feels frustrated, angry, and alone. The relationship suffers severely due to broken trust, lack of intimacy, and your inability to be fully present.
• Your friends don’t know how to help and may distance themselves to avoid enabling you or dealing with the chaos. You end up becoming increasingly isolated.

The damage to these relationships can be irreparable if left unaddressed. Taking the initiative to seek professional assistance in conquering AUD marks the initial stride towards rebuilding trust, making amends, and becoming the person your loved ones need and deserve.

With sobriety and work, you can strengthen your connections, be fully present in the lives of those closest to you, and undo much of the harm that was done. Making positive lifestyle changes will have a ripple effect of its own, allowing relationships to heal and flourish. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Your loved ones will support you fully in your recovery journey, but you must take that first courageous step. Their well-being and your shared future together depend on it.

Types of Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment in New Jersey

Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment at Blue Star Recovery

When seeking alcohol use disorder treatment in New Jersey, you can find compassionate and comprehensive care at Blue Star Recovery. Our program offers a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction.

We provide solution-focused, person-centered treatment incorporating therapeutic interventions such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based practice, relapse prevention, group therapy and more

Whether you require one-on-one counseling or prefer the support of a group setting, we are here to provide the compassionate care and expertise necessary to guide you on your journey toward healing and personal growth. Contact us today!