Category: Alcohol Addiction

If you are struggling with substance use, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.5 million people suffered from a substance use disorder in 2023.[1]

While substance use disorder can be difficult to overcome, therapy is the cornerstone that allows healing to happen. Substance use counselors help you identify the root causes of your alcohol use, develop healthy coping skills, and learn positive behavioral patterns to regain control over your life. If you are dealing with long-term alcohol use, therapy is the first step towards recovery.

Finding counseling for alcohol use disorder in Hazlet, New Jersey can be confusing. You might not even know where to start, especially if you are new to recovery. You can find an alcohol use disorder counselor in a private practice, hospital, or a drug and alcohol treatment center.

In this article, you will learn:

• What are the benefits of therapy for alcohol use disorder?
• Where can you find counseling for alcohol use disorder in New Jersey?
• Why is attending an alcohol use disorder treatment center the best option?

What are the Benefits of Counseling for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Whether you are simply attending therapy once or week or engaging in an outpatient program for alcohol use disorder, counseling is the main method of treatment. It helps you learn what caused your alcohol use to develop, teaches you healthy ways to cope, and arms you with vital life skills that will help you prevent relapses in the future.

The main benefits of counseling for alcohol use disorder include:

• Understanding the underlying causes of your alcohol use
• Developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage triggers and prevent relapse
• Learning the skills you need to develop a support network
• Setting and achieving recovery goals with the guidance of a therapist
• Making healthy lifestyle changes that will support your recovery journey
• Receiving education on how substance use disorder affects your brain, body, and life
• Developing a relapse prevention plan to use in case of a return to substance use
• Access to evidence-based therapies that help manage alcohol use disorder
• Mental health treatment for co-occurring disorders
• And more!

If you are looking to recover from AUD, therapy is the best place to start. At Blue Star Recovery, we offer evidence-based behavioral therapies in a variety of outpatient programs to help our clients achieve their recovery goals and regain control over their lives.

Where to Find Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in Hazlet

Therapy is arguably the most important tool for AUD recovery. If you are looking for alcohol use therapy in Hazlet, NJ, there are a few places you can go.

Private Practices

There are substance use disorder counselors who own private practices. You can set up an appointment for outpatient therapy with one of these counselors to begin your recovery journey.

In your first meeting, the counselor will assess your alcohol use disorder to determine the severity and decide what level of support you need. If simply attending therapy sessions will not suffice, they will refer you to a treatment program that suits your needs.

Hospitals

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency and end up at a hospital, you can receive alcohol use disorder counseling there. If your emergency is alcohol-related, a counselor will likely come in to talk to you. Make sure you are open and honest with them about your alcohol use so they can accurately create a treatment plan and refer you to the correct programs.

Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Centers

Lastly, the best place to receive therapy for alcohol use disorder is a professional substance use treatment center. This setting provides you with the highest level of support and care for alcohol use disorder recovery.

For example, Blue Star Recovery offers outpatient services that include both individual and group therapy. We have a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and an outpatient program (OP). We offer a variety of levels of care to ensure each client has access to the type of support they need.

At Blue Star Recovery, our counseling services are always evidence-based and clinically proven. That means you will have access to the most updated treatment for alcohol use disorder, setting you up for success from the start.

Get Connected to a Top-Rated Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Center

Outpatient treatment centers like Blue Star Recovery offer counseling for alcohol use disorder on an individual and group basis. If you are looking for alcohol use disorder therapy, you’ve come to the right place. Our treatment program is highly rated and person-centered, helping you feel comfortable during a difficult time.

At Blue Star Recovery, it is our goal to provide a plethora of comprehensive, evidence-based addiction treatment tailored to improving life outcomes of adults 18+ struggling with co-occurring addiction disorders. 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. Your treatment is individualized to meet your diverse needs. This means you will be able to receive the psychological, therapeutic, and pharmacological interventions needed to address what brings you to BSR.

Contact us today for more information on our alcohol use disorder counseling services in Hazlet, New Jersey.

References:

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

How much you drink matters because drinking too much alcohol can be bad for your health and increase your risk of becoming addicted to alcohol. But how do you know how much is too much? Understanding how the different drinking levels are defined and what the difference is between moderate drinking and heavy drinking can help you better understand your relationship with alcohol.

What is Moderate Drinking?

Drinking in moderation can be safe, and is the only way to consume alcohol without impacting your health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, published by the Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture, says that adults of legal drinking age (21+) can choose, if they desire, to engage in moderate drinking, which is defined as, “limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women, when alcohol is consumed.”[1]

The more you drink, the more risks you are taking with your health. It is better to drink less than it is to drink more.

But what is considered a standard drink? A standard drink contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which can be found in:[2]

• 12 ounces of regular beer
• 5 ounces of wine which is usually the equivalent of one glass of wine
• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (such as vodka or whiskey) which is the equivalent of one shot

What is Heavy Drinking?

There are a couple of different definitions of heavy drinking or heavy alcohol use. The National Institutes on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy alcohol use as:[1]

• Having more than 4 drinks on any day or having more than 14 drinks per week for men
• Having more than 3 drinks on any day or having more than 7 drinks per week for women

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines heavy alcohol use as binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past month.

What is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is a type of heavy drinking characterized by men having 5 or more drinks within about 2 hours or women having 4 or more drinks in about 2 hours.[1] Binging on alcohol can increase your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08%, which is the point when the effects of alcohol become apparent and coordination and judgment are affected. Binge drinking also increases the risk of accidental injury, poor decision-making, and alcohol poisoning.

The Dangers of Heavy Drinking

Binge drinking or other patterns of heavy drinking can harm your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 140,000 deaths are attributed to alcohol each year.[3]

Short-Term Risks

Immediate risks associated with drinking too much alcohol include:

• Accidental injuries
• Violence and crime
• Alcohol poisoning
• Risky sexual behaviors
• Poor decision-making
• Miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women
• Memory loss or “blackouts”

Long-Term Consequences

Drinking heavily over a long period of time can harm your physical, mental, and social health. Long-term health risks of heavy drinking include:[3]

• Alcohol dependence
• Alcohol use disorder
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Liver disease
• Digestive issues
• Certain types of cancers (breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum)
• Cognitive issues
• Dementia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Family issues
• Unemployment
• Homelessness

The best way to avoid these consequences is to drink in moderation. Moderate drinking is not associated with these risks.

Signs of a Drinking Problem

It is possible to drink heavily without having an alcohol use disorder. People who have an alcohol use disorder, or AUD, experience two or more of the following symptoms:[4]

• Drinking more or longer than intended
• Wanting to stop drinking or trying to, but failing on more than one occasion
• Spending excess time drinking or recovering from drinking
• Cravings or obsessing over alcohol
• Having trouble with work, school, or family as a result of drinking
• Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
• Giving up responsibilities or things you enjoy in order to drink
• Getting into situations where you put yourself in danger as a result of your drinking
• Continuing to drink despite the ways it is hurting your physical or mental health
• Needing to increase the amount you drink to feel the effects (tolerance)
• Having symptoms of withdrawal when you stop drinking (dependence)

The more symptoms you have, the more severe your drinking problem is.

Can Alcoholics Drink in Moderation?

Many people who drink heavily are not dependent on alcohol nor are they alcoholics, however, alcoholics cannot drink in moderation. People who struggle with alcoholism have difficulty controlling how much and how often they drink. Even when they try to drink in moderation, they find themselves binging, drinking far more than they intended.

If you regularly drink more than you intend to drink, it’s likely that you have a problem with alcohol.

Find Help for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Today

Living with alcoholism is no way to live–especially when there are resources for recovery available to you. Anyone can get sober and stay sober, no matter how far they’ve fallen.

At Blue Star Recovery, we meet you exactly where you are with compassion and understanding. Our New Jersey alcohol therapy center can not only help you get sober, but also achieve long-term alcoholism recovery.

The objective at Blue Star Recovery is to help clients recover in a safe and comfortable environment, with an abundance of peer and clinical support. We have therapies available to empower clients through their own recovery while uncovering their passion in life without the use of drugs or alcohol. Our staff is equipped and ready to help with any questions or concerns. Make the life-changing phone call today.

References:

1. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIH): Drinking Levels Defined, Retrieved Jan 2023 from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking
2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIH): What is a Standard Drink?, Retrieved Jan 2023 from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/what-standard-drink
3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Alcohol Use and Your Health, Retrieved Jan 2023 from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm
4. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIH): Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder, Retrieved Jan 2023 from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder

Are you or someone you know silently struggling with alcohol addiction while seemingly managing everyday responsibilities? Alcoholism is a prevalent and often hidden issue that affects countless individuals, even those who appear to function well in their daily lives. Recognizing the signs of a functioning alcoholic is essential in providing timely support and intervention. From increased tolerance and secretive drinking to prioritizing alcohol over personal obligations, the signs can be subtle yet impactful.

At Blue Star Recovery, we understand the complexities of alcoholism, and our dedicated team is here to provide the compassionate care and effective substance abuse treatment needed to help functioning alcoholics reclaim their lives and embark on the path to lasting recovery.

What is a Functioning Alcoholic?

A functioning alcoholic is a person who appears to maintain their daily responsibilities and outwardly successful life while still struggling with alcohol abuse or dependence. Despite their alcohol consumption, they can perform well in their job, manage personal relationships, and handle various obligations, often making it challenging for others to recognize their alcohol-related issues.

Signs of a high-functioning alcoholic include:

1. Consistently Drinking in Excess: They regularly consume alcohol in large quantities, sometimes even binge-drinking, without it noticeably affecting their daily responsibilities.
2. Maintaining Responsibilities: They are successful in their career or studies and seem to manage their personal life effectively, often hiding the extent of their alcohol consumption.
3. Frequent Alcohol Consumption: They drink regularly, and alcohol may be present in most social situations or gatherings they attend.
4. High Tolerance: They have developed a tolerance to alcohol, needing more to achieve the desired effect or feeling less intoxicated despite drinking significant amounts.
5. Denial and Minimization: They downplay the severity of their alcohol consumption when confronted and may become defensive or dismissive about any concerns raised.
6. Drinking Alone: They often drink alone or in secret to avoid judgment or detection by others.
7. Blackouts and Memory Loss: They experience memory lapses or blackouts, especially after heavy drinking sessions, yet function relatively normally in daily life.
8. Rationalizing Drinking: They justify their alcohol consumption by attributing it to stress relief, socializing, or as a reward for their hard work.
9. Isolation and Withdrawal: They may withdraw from social activities that don’t involve alcohol or prioritize events where drinking is prevalent.
10. Mood Swings and Irritability: They may experience mood swings, irritability, or other changes in behavior when they have not consumed alcohol for a period.
11. Physical and Emotional Dependence: They have developed a reliance on alcohol to cope with stress or emotional difficulties, and may find it challenging to abstain from drinking even briefly.

While high-functioning alcoholics may appear to have their lives together, they are still dealing with a serious issue that requires help and support to overcome. Encouraging them to seek professional assistance such as alcohol addiction treatment in New Jersey, and offering understanding and empathy can be instrumental in their journey toward recovery.

What are the Signs of Alcoholism?

Recognizing alcoholism in someone you know can be crucial in encouraging them to seek help and support. Here are some common signs of alcoholism that loved ones can watch for:

• Increased tolerance: Needing to consume larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect or feeling less intoxicated despite drinking more.
• Regular excessive drinking: Drinking heavily and frequently, sometimes to the point of intoxication, even during inappropriate or dangerous situations.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Failing to fulfill work, school, or family obligations due to alcohol consumption or its after-effects.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing physical or emotional withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop drinking or cutting back on alcohol consumption.
• Continued use despite negative consequences: Persisting in drinking despite experiencing social, legal, financial, or health problems as a result of alcohol use.
• Drinking alone or in secret: Engaging in secretive drinking to avoid scrutiny or judgment from others.
• Increased time spent on drinking: Devoting a significant amount of time to drinking, recovering from its effects, or planning the next drinking episode.
• Prioritizing drinking: Putting alcohol consumption above hobbies, interests, and relationships.
• Drinking as a coping mechanism: Using alcohol as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional difficulties.
• Defensive about drinking: Becoming defensive or irritable when confronted about their drinking habits or downplaying the seriousness of the issue.
• Physical changes: Displaying physical signs of alcohol abuse, such as bloodshot eyes, weight loss or gain, and deterioration in personal appearance.
• Drinking in the morning: Starting the day with alcohol consumption, which is not typical behavior for social drinking.
• Drinking to prevent withdrawal: Drinking to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms.
• Failed attempts to quit: Making unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit drinking altogether.

It’s important to note that experiencing one or two of these signs does not necessarily mean someone is an alcoholic. However, if you observe multiple signs or a significant change in their behavior related to alcohol, it may be an indication of a deeper problem. If you suspect someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, approaching the topic with care and compassion is essential, encouraging them to seek professional help and support. You can use our guide on how to prepare for therapy to further encourage yourself or a loved one to get help.

What Treatment Do Functioning Alcoholics Need?

Treatment for a functioning alcoholic should be tailored to address their unique needs and challenges, considering their ability to maintain daily responsibilities while struggling with alcohol abuse. Several treatment options can be effective for functioning alcoholics, depending on the severity of their condition and the level of support they require.Intensive outpatient treatment in New Jersey is a suitable option for functioning alcoholics who need structured and comprehensive treatment while maintaining their work, school, or family commitments. IOP provides a more intensive level of care than traditional outpatient programs, offering several hours of therapy and counseling sessions each week. This type of treatment allows individuals to attend therapy sessions during evenings or weekends, making it feasible for them to continue fulfilling their daily responsibilities. Through group therapy, individual counseling, and skill-building sessions, IOP helps functioning alcoholics gain insights into their addiction, develop coping mechanisms, and build a strong support network, all while maintaining some level of autonomy in their daily lives.A Partial Hospitalization Program is suitable for functioning alcoholics who require more intensive treatment than an IOP but do not need 24/7 supervision. PHP treatment in New Jersey offers structured treatment during the day, typically for five days a week, while allowing participants to return home or to a supportive living environment during non-treatment hours. This type of program is well-suited for individuals with moderate to severe alcohol dependence and co-occurring mental health issues. It provides access to medical and psychiatric support, individual and group therapy, and various evidence-based treatment modalities to address the underlying causes of alcohol abuse.
An outpatient program offers flexibility for functioning alcoholics who can manage their alcohol addiction with less intensive treatment. This type of program involves attending therapy sessions and counseling on a regular basis, usually once or twice a week. Outpatient therapy in New Jersey is beneficial for those with a milder form of alcohol use disorder or who have completed a more intensive treatment program and are transitioning to a less structured level of care. It allows functioning alcoholics to continue with their daily routines while receiving ongoing support, guidance, and accountability to maintain sobriety.For functioning alcoholics with co-occurring mental health disorders, a dual diagnosis treatment in New Jersey is essential. This treatment addresses both the alcohol use disorder and any underlying mental health issues simultaneously. By integrating mental health care and addiction treatment, dual diagnosis programs aim to provide comprehensive and holistic support, reducing the risk of relapse and improving overall well-being. Functioning alcoholics may benefit from dual diagnosis treatment to address any depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health concerns that may contribute to their alcohol use.Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be a valuable addition to the treatment plan for functioning alcoholics. MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications, along with counseling and therapy, to manage alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram may be prescribed to help reduce the desire to drink, discourage alcohol use, and promote abstinence.

MAT can be particularly beneficial for individuals with severe alcohol dependence, as it can improve treatment outcomes and enhance their ability to function in daily life while working towards sobriety. When combined with behavioral therapies and counseling, MAT provides a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex challenges of alcohol addiction, helping functioning alcoholics maintain their responsibilities while receiving the support they need to overcome their alcohol use disorder.

In each of these treatment options, functioning alcoholics can benefit from a supportive and understanding environment, evidence-based therapies, and a focus on developing coping skills and relapse prevention strategies. The goal is to empower individuals to overcome their addiction while maintaining their daily responsibilities and functioning effectively in their personal and professional lives. A comprehensive treatment approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of alcohol addiction can pave the way for lasting recovery and improved quality of life.

Benefits of Alcohol Therapy and Treatment

There are many benefits to receive from alcohol therapy and treatment. Even as a high-functioning alcoholic, an individual needs to seek treatment and support for alcohol abuse. The top benefits of alcohol therapy and treatment at Blue Star Recovery include:Alcohol treatment helps individuals achieve sobriety, leading to improved physical health. Abstaining from alcohol allows the body to recover from the detrimental effects of alcohol abuse, reducing the risk of liver damage, heart problems, and other alcohol-related health issues.Alcohol treatment offers therapeutic support and counseling, helping individuals address underlying emotional and psychological issues. By exploring and coping with emotional challenges, individuals can experience reduced anxiety, and depression, and improved overall mental well-being.Through alcohol treatment, individuals can rebuild damaged relationships and establish a supportive network of peers and professionals. Strengthening social connections aids in maintaining sobriety, as supportive relationships provide encouragement, understanding, and accountability.Alcohol treatment helps individuals regain control over their lives, allowing them to function effectively in their personal and professional spheres. With improved decision-making skills, higher productivity, and better time management, individuals can focus on fulfilling their responsibilities and achieving personal goals.Alcohol treatment equips individuals with coping strategies, relapse prevention techniques, and valuable life skills to navigate triggers and stressors effectively. By addressing the root causes of alcohol use, treatment fosters long-term recovery, reducing the likelihood of relapse and supporting a fulfilling, alcohol-free life.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Blue Star Recovery

In New Jersey, if you are seeking alcohol addiction treatment, Blue Star Recovery is dedicated to offering compassionate and all-encompassing care. Our program adopts a holistic approach that tackles the physical, emotional, and psychological facets of addiction. Whether you seek personalized one-on-one counseling or prefer the camaraderie of group sessions, our team is committed to providing the understanding support, and expertise required to guide functioning alcoholics on their path toward healing and personal development. Contact us today to discover how Blue Star Recovery can be instrumental in assisting you as a functioning alcoholic on your journey to recovery.