Because alcohol is legal, prescription and illegal drugs often overshadow alcohol addiction. Alcohol, however, is just as addictive as other substances and often easier to get. Today, many people from all walks of life struggle with alcohol dependency. In the LGBTQ community, many self-medicate with alcohol to manage cultural prejudice or stressful family situations. Others find bars to be a safe and inclusive space. Both scenarios lead to increased levels of alcoholism across LGBTQ communities nationwide. Many have trouble finding help and may try to detox at home. Alcohol detox can be uncomfortable and dangerous. Alcohol detox programs across the country help people overcome alcohol addiction every day.
La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center serves the LGBTQ community in the heart of Hollywood, California. Our inclusive programs include drug and alcohol detox programs. Call us at 888.903.9898 to learn more.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is increasingly common. Many people ignore alcohol addiction and confuse dependency with social drinking. There are, however, distinct signs of alcohol addiction. These include:
- A high tolerance or drinking several beverages before feeling intoxicated
- Craving alcohol
- Lacking the willpower to stop drinking
Alcohol addiction is characterized by withdrawal symptoms. When the body becomes dependent on a substance, it undergoes uncomfortable and dangerous reactions when a person quits cold turkey. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Irritability
- Night terrors
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Changes in body odor
- Skin discoloration
- Signs of liver failure
- Drug-seeking behavior
- Confusion
Long-term alcohol abuse can cause liver failure and death. It can also harm other organs. Withdrawal symptoms can be lessened and monitored in a detox program. Alcohol detox programs can also prevent relapse and potential alcohol poisoning.
What is Alcohol Detox Treatment?
Alcohol detox programs are structured as inpatient or outpatient care. Inpatient programs house residents for 30, 60, or 90 days to manage detox and withdrawal. Outpatient centers work with residents still living at home. These programs require residents to visit the clinic several hours each day for detox support, monitoring, and psychiatric therapy. Both inpatient and outpatient work to reduce the risk of relapse and provide tools for effective recovery. Most detox treatments also offer the option of medical assistance. These programs pair specific medications with detox to lessen withdrawal. Medically assisted detox also closely monitors a person’s vital signs and watches for detox-related health problems.
What Are the Side Effects of Alcohol Detox?
Initial alcohol detox can last 2 to 4 days. Detox occurs in stages as alcohol leaves the body and withdrawal begins. The severity of symptoms depends on a person’s overall health and duration of alcohol dependency. As the body learns to cope without alcohol, detox creates physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. The following may occur:
- Headaches
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Drinking alcohol disrupts brain activity. When a person drinks, it alters GABA reception in the brain. GABA is a chemical responsible for sleep and relaxation. When a person stops drinking, the brain takes time to return to normal GABA production. This causes both physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms are often called alcohol withdrawal syndrome or AWS. AWS is best monitored in an alcohol detox program. These programs provide safe and effective detox alongside tools for recovery.
Start Alcohol Detox Today at La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center
Alcoholism is increasingly common. Today, the LGBTQ community faces alarming rates of alcoholism. Many LGBTQ individuals struggle to find safe and inclusive detox centers. At La Fuente, we understand. Many of our staff members have navigated detox and are now in recovery. Our unique staff brings personal and professional experience to serve each client’s detox needs. Right here in Hollywood, CA, we bring cutting-edge drug and alcohol rehabilitation and psychiatric therapy to the LGBTQ community. If you or someone you love is ready to step into sobriety, call us at 888.903.9898 to speak to an intake specialist.
