Alcohol Rehab & Treatment Los Angeles CA

Alcohol Addiction, or alcohol use disorder, is a brain disease characterized by the inability to stop drinking regardless of the negative social, behavioral, or health consequences. The amount of drinking can vary from person to person. Some people drink heavily all day, while others binge drink and then stay sober for a while. The unifying factor is someone who relies heavily on drinking and can’t stay sober for an extended period of time.

While researchers have tried to narrow down the causes of the disease, there are a wide array of behavioral and psychological factors that can contribute to developing an alcohol addiction. Alcoholism is a very real debilitating disease that causes changes to the brain and neurochemistry, so an addict may not be able to control their actions. It is progressive and fatal, if left untreated.

Alcoholism can be harder to identify than other addictions. As opposed to illicit drugs like heroin or cocaine, alcohol is socially acceptable and more widely available. It can be hard to tell the difference between someone who likes to have a drink, and someone who has an addiction to alcohol. Some of the symptoms of alcohol use disorder can be:

• increased quantity or frequency of use
• high tolerance for alcohol, or lack of “hangover” symptoms
• drinking at inappropriate times, such as first thing in the morning, or in places like work
• wanting to be where alcohol is present and avoiding situations where there is none
• changes in friendships–choosing friends who also drink heavily
• avoiding contact with loved ones
• hiding alcohol, or hiding while drinking
• dependence on alcohol to function in everyday life
• increased lethargy, depression, or other emotional issues
• legal or professional problems such as an arrest or loss of a job

Addiction gets worse as it goes on, and it is important to recognize the symptoms early, whether in yourself or a loved one.