Alcohol, while often enjoyed socially, has a darker side that casts a significant shadow across the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a staggering 29.5 million people ages 12 and older had Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the past year, accounting for 10.6% of this age group.
This alarming statistic is further underscored by the fact that an estimated 15 million individuals grapple with an alcohol use disorder in the nation, yet less than 10% of them receive the treatment they need.
At The Encino Recovery & Detox Center, we recognize the severity of alcohol addiction. Our team of trained medical professionals and licensed therapists provide a supervised medical detox and residential recovery program with dual diagnosis therapy to help overcome alcohol abuse.
Alcoholism in a healthcare setting is often referred to as clinically referred to as “Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)”. It is a chronic disease characterized by an uncontrollable desire to consume alcohol, despite its detrimental effects on one’s physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships.
Individuals with AUD often find themselves trapped in a cycle where they build a tolerance to alcohol, leading them to consume larger quantities to achieve the same effects. Increased consumption can result in physical dependence and addiction. The body craves alcohol to function normally, and any attempt to reduce or stop intake can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
The causes of alcoholism are rooted in genetic, environmental, or psychological factors. While some individuals may be genetically predisposed to develop AUD due to family history, others might turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress or trauma.
Alcoholism typically causes a variety of symptoms including:
Addiction presents differently in each individual. Typically not all symptoms are present at once. The Encino team will assess each patient comprehensively for both symptoms of alcohol addiction and underlying mental health problems.
At its core, alcoholism is deeply rooted in the brain’s intricate chemistry and circuitry. When alcohol is consumed, it affects the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers responsible for transmitting signals that regulate thought processes, behavior, and emotions.
Specifically, alcohol increases the release of dopamine in the brain’s reward centers, which is what produces the feelings of pleasure and euphoria during intoxication. Over time and with consistent heavy drinking, the brain starts to adapt to these elevated dopamine levels, leading to increased alcohol consumption to achieve the same pleasurable effects.
This cycle can eventually result in the brain becoming reliant on alcohol to release dopamine, setting the stage for addiction.
Furthermore, chronic alcohol consumption can lead to alterations in other neurotransmitter systems, including those involving gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. While GABA’s activity is increased, leading to the sedative effects of alcohol, the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate’s activity is reduced, impairing cognitive functions and judgment.
These chemical imbalances, combined with the brain’s adaptive responses to prolonged alcohol exposure, contribute to both the physical and psychological aspects of alcohol dependence. As the brain continues to adapt to the presence of alcohol, individuals find themselves needing to drink more to achieve the same effects, leading to increased tolerance and further entrenching the cycle of addiction.
The journey to recovery often begins with detoxification. This process can be challenging and, in some cases, life-threatening. Our medical team ensures a safe detox experience, using evidence-based methods to manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare the individual for the next phase of treatment.
At the heart of our treatment approach is the “Relational Model of Care.” We believe in the power of human connection. Through individual and group therapy sessions, patients explore the root causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and build a supportive community.
Recovery is not just about abstaining from alcohol; it’s about holistic well-being. We integrate practices like meditation, sound baths, and fitness instruction, ensuring patients heal in body, mind, and spirit.
Recovery is a lifelong journey. Our aftercare programs, from alumni groups to continued therapy sessions, ensure that patients have the tools and support they need for long-term sobriety.
Navigating the financial aspect of treatment can be daunting. We’re here to help. The Encino Recovery and Detox Center accepts a wide range of insurance plans. Our dedicated team assists patients and families in understanding their coverage and ensuring they maximize their benefits.
The Encino understands the severity of alcohol addiction. Our treatment facility provides both a safe environment for detoxing and on-going programs to support the recovery journey for people with alcoholism.
Our team of compassionate medical professionals and licensed therapists will help you or a loved one through the entire process by providing comprehensive care at each step of the recovery journey.
Detox is the initial stage of alcohol addiction therapy. It includes the process of eliminating alcohol from the body while being medically monitored.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include:
Our team of doctors and nurses closely monitor patients throughout the detox process to ensure their safety and comfort.
After detox, it is highly recommended for individuals struggling from alcohol addiction to enter our inpatient rehab program. Our team provides a variety of treatments to help build healthier coping strategies to avoid using alcohol.
We use the following treatment approaches, depending on the individual’s needs:
Our Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a structured program that aids individuals in understanding the interplay between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By identifying and challenging harmful beliefs, CBT helps in developing coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges, thereby fostering a positive behavioral change.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Encino is tailored to assist individuals in building a life that feels meaningful and worth living. DBT emphasizes balancing acceptance and change, equipping individuals with skills to manage painful emotions, and decrease conflict in relationships, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery.
Through Individual Therapy, we provide a safe, confidential space where individuals can explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, work through challenging memories, and identify aspects that they would like to change. Our expert therapists work one-on-one with clients, providing undivided attention and customized strategies to navigate through their recovery journey.
Understanding the pivotal role of family in the recovery process, our Family Therapy program is designed to mend broken relationships and foster a supportive environment at home. This therapy involves working with family members to explore dynamic patterns, improve communication, and resolve conflicts, ensuring that the family becomes a pillar of support in the individual’s recovery journey.
Our holistic approach offers:
Many individuals with AUD also have underlying mental health issues such as depression or anxiety among others. Our treatment approach at The Encino Detox Center is guided by an integrated dual diagnosis philosophy. We comprehensively assess and treat both the addiction and the co-occurring mental health disorders.
Our experienced team of mental health professionals works closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique needs and challenges.
An integrated treatment approach combines evidence-based therapies for both addiction and mental health disorders. This may involve a combination of therapy approaches, medication management, and psychoeducation to address the specific needs of each individual.
Starting the journey to overcome alcohol addiction can feel intimidating, but it’s the first step to creating a life without addiction and managing mental health problems.
At The Encino Recovery & Detox Center, we welcome your initial step with compassion, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude, leading to a positive journey towards healing and recovery.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics. 2023. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Esser MB. 2016-2021. Deaths from excessive alcohol use in the United States. Centers for Disease Control.
The seclusion, outdoor spaces, therapy space and privacy truly give this treatment center a spa-like appeal with private bedrooms for all.
The Encino Recovery and Detox Center is an amazing treatment center which leaves little to nothing to be desired.
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