Treating Alcohol Addiction in Port Matilda, PA

Alcohol addiction is a common but complex condition that has physical and psychological consequences and can become life-threatening. As reported by the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism, 29.5 million people in the United States, ages 12 and older, had alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2022. Alcohol addiction breaks down relationships at work, in the family, and in the community. It eats away at a person’s sense of control over their life, making it feel almost impossible to break free from the dependence and have hope for the future.

At St. Joseph Institute in Central Pennsylvania, we understand the dangers of alcohol and how easily addiction develops. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, our compassionate team offers individualized treatment delivered without judgment.

Understanding Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction, clinically known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is characterized by a compulsive need to consume alcohol despite its negative consequences. What often begins as casual drinking can escalate into a destructive cycle of dependency, wherein a person experiences cravings, loss of control, and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. Factors contributing to alcohol addiction include genetic predisposition, environmental influences, psychological factors, and societal norms.

At St. Joseph, we recognize the complexity of alcohol addiction and the necessity of tailored interventions to address each individual’s unique circumstances. We adopt a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and social aspects of addiction.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

How can you tell if you or a loved one is on a path to alcohol addiction? Most people know, even if they are unwilling to admit it to themselves, when their drinking becomes problematic. However, it can be helpful to have a list of potential signs of addiction to use as talking points with a loved one (or with yourself!).

• Being unable to control the amount of alcohol you drink
• Drinking alone
• Becoming upset or violent when questioned about your drinking habits
• Wanting to cut back or stop drinking but being unable to do so
• Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol, or recovering from alcohol use
• Feeling a strong craving for alcohol when you’ve gone without it for a period of time
• Failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home due to alcohol use
• Continuing to drink alcohol even though you want to quit and are tired of the physical, social, work, or relationship problems that are resulting from your use
• Losing interest in social activities and hobbies you used to enjoy
• Using alcohol in risky situations, such as when driving or swimming
• Developing a tolerance to alcohol so you need more to feel its effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms — such as nausea, sweating and shaking — when you don’t drink, or drinking to avoid these symptoms

If some or all of these behaviors apply to you or to your loved one, now is the time to seek help. You are not alone, and treatment can help free you from alcohol’s grip so that you can maintain long-term health and well-being.

Risk Factors for Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction risk factors are generally understood to include a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic factors:

• If you have one or more blood relatives who have suffered from alcohol use disorder, you have a higher genetic risk for alcoholism than someone who does not have blood relatives with the disorder.
• Genes linked to personality traits such as impulsivity and disinhibition are associated with an increase in substance use disorders.
• The same genes linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are associated with an increased risk of alcohol abuse.
• Some gene combinations affect the body’s dopamine reward systems, resulting in a more intense “high” from alcohol that reinforces further alcohol use.

Environmental factors:

• Stress: Regularly experiencing stress can trigger alcohol use as a way to avoid or temporarily escape the stressful feelings.
• Parental modeling: Children who have parents who deal with stress by becoming intoxicated are at higher risk for alcohol use disorder as adults.
• Peer pressure: Friends who encourage regular drinking promote a pattern of overindulgence.
• Exposure to trauma: Children who are exposed to verbal, physical, or sexual abuse, or other forms of trauma, are more likely to experiment with alcohol.
• Age at first drink: Multiple studies have shown that the younger you are when you take your first drink, the more difficulty you’ll have regulating your alcohol intake.

It’s important to remember that having one or more genetic or environmental risk factors does not define your destiny. If you are suffering from alcohol addiction, you can overcome it no matter how many risk factors are at play. What you need is professional treatment and ongoing support, which St. Joseph Institute can provide.

The Treatment Journey

The journey towards recovery from alcohol addiction is marked by challenges and setbacks. However, the supportive environment at St. Joseph Institute empowers individuals to confront their addiction and embark on a path towards healing. For most of our clients, this path begins with detoxification and continues with either residential or outpatient treatment.

• Detoxification: Detox is the process by which the body rids itself of alcohol toxins. This phase is often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe complications. Our detox unit is supervised by medical professionals who provide 24/7 monitoring along with medications and other interventions as needed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
• Long-term Treatment. After detox, the work of recovery begins in earnest. Our medical and therapeutic team will recommend residential treatment or intensive outpatient programming, depending on each client’s unique situation. Both residential and outpatient treatment comprise individual, group, and family therapy as well as relapse prevention training to help you navigate cravings, manage stress, and cultivate healthier coping mechanisms.
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Alcohol addiction frequently coexists with other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Our treatment facility integrates dual diagnosis treatment, wherein clients receive specialized care that addresses both addiction and any underlying mental health conditions.
• Family Involvement: Alcohol addiction impacts not only the individual but also their loved ones. Thus, we encourage family involvement through education, counseling, and family therapy sessions. By fostering open communication, we help clients rebuild relationships and create a supportive network to help reinforce their commitment to sobriety.
• Aftercare Planning: Recovery from alcohol addiction extends beyond treatment into everyday life. Our team works with each client to make sure they have the necessary resources and support systems in place when they return home. Our aftercare support may include outpatient therapy, support groups, retreat programs, utilization of our CaredFor app, and involvement with our Alumni Program.

Help for Alcohol Addiction near State College, PA

Alcohol use disorder is a formidable adversary, but it is not insurmountable. Through compassionate care, evidence-based interventions, and unwavering support, you can overcome the grip of addiction and forge a path toward a brighter, sober future. Let St. Joseph Institute help. Contact us today to learn more.