According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, nearly 14 million adults in the United States have an alcohol abuse problem and need to find alcohol residential treatment. Alcohol is the worlds most abused drug and affects both the mind and the body. When people seek to end the nightmare of alcohol abuse, it often requires specialized care at alcohol rehab centers in Portland to help the patient deal with the physiological issues of withdrawal as well as counseling and support to achieve long term sobriety.
Why is Alcohol Addictive?
Alcohol is a Central Nervous System Depressant. It also produces a sense of euphoria and increased self-confidence.
Alcohol affects a section of the brain called the reward center, consisting of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the nucleus accumbens and the cerebral cortex. When exposed to a rewarding stimulus such as food, sex or exercise, the reward center responds with a rush of dopamine-producing a pleasurable sensation. Under normal circumstances, the reward center helps reinforce positive behavior, such as working out.
However, drugs such as alcohol can hijack the reward center, causing the pleasurable rush to become associated with the use of alcohol. In addition, the brain also becomes acclimated to the use of alcohol, requiring a greater amount to achieve the same high, in a phenomenon called tolerance. The combination of association with the reward center and tolerance is what makes alcohol so addictive.
Other Effects of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse has long term effects on the body, including:
- Hepatitis
- Liver fibrosis
- Fatty Liver
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of cancer
Studies have also indicated that long term alcohol abuse can lead to dramatic changes in personality and behavior, as well as impairments in memory and language function which may continue even if the patient achieves sobriety.
Alcoholic poisoning is caused by drinking a great deal of alcohol in a short amount of time. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Slow, irregular breathing
- Low body temperature
- Blue tinged skin
If you suspect that someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning seek immediate medical attention.
What is Alcohol Rehabilitation Treatment?
If you are seeking alcohol rehabilitation in the Portland area, try to find an alcohol residential treatment center that offers withdrawal management and counseling to help achieve long term sobriety. When people attempt to stop drinking alcohol, they often find withdrawal symptoms to be a serious impediment. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Nausea and Vomiting
In extreme circumstances, delirium tremens or DT can occur, resulting in confusion, racing heart and even death
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be treated with benzodiazepines to mitigate some of the symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia.
Finding Alcohol Rehab Centers in Portland
A good alcohol rehabilitation treatment center should also provide counseling such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help teach you coping mechanisms for long term sobriety. Great alcohol rehab centers in Portland will also offer post-treatment care such as the 12-step program to support sobriety. the most important thing is to find help right away.