When hearing the word “addiction,” many people think of illicit drugs, dirty needles, or abuse of pain medications. All of those can be a part of addiction, but one of the most common addictions is legal, socially acceptable, and sometimes hidden for a long time. Alcoholism is an addiction, and it is widespread.
If you’re in Florida and wondering how to find alcohol addiction treatment in your area—and what alcohol addiction is, exactly—you don’t need to search the term “substance abuse treatment near me” online. Instead, call 833.551.2304 to speak with someone from the caring and compassionate staff at Gulf Breeze Recovery about our alcohol addiction treatment programs and services in the Sunshine State.
What Is Alcohol Addiction?
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is the handbook used by healthcare professionals in the United States and much of the world as the authoritative guide to diagnosing mental health conditions. It uses descriptions, symptoms, and other criteria for diagnosing problems with mental health. The name the DSM-5 assigned to alcohol abuse is now “alcohol use disorder,” and it lists criteria for the mental health condition.
The criteria listed in the DMS-5 are the following:
- Alcohol often taken in more significant amounts or over a more extended period than was intended
- A persistent desire or unsuccessful effort to cut down or control alcohol use
- A great deal of time spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects
- Craving or strong desire or urge to use alcohol
- Failure to fulfill significant role obligations at work, school, or home due to alcohol use
- Continued use of alcohol despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use
- Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous
- Continued alcohol use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol
- Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect or a markedly diminished effect with the continued use of the same amount of alcohol
- Withdrawal or taking alcohol to relieve withdrawal
If someone exhibits two to three symptoms in the past year, the diagnosis is classified as a mild case. Four to five criteria met is classified as a moderate case, and six or more as a severe case.
Why Is Professional Help Needed for Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
For those struggling with long-term alcohol abuse, quitting cold turkey can lead to severe physical symptoms or even death as the body adjusts to the absence of the depressive substance.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia and nightmares
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Tremors
It is crucial to seek professional alcohol addiction treatment for a safe and successful recovery. The caring and compassionate staff at Gulf Breeze Recovery has worked with thousands of clients in various stages of their recovery from alcoholism and alcohol addiction.
About Delirium Tremens and Fatal Complications of Alcohol Addiction
The most severe type of alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens (DT). Its symptoms may include:
- Severe confusion and agitation
- Seizures
- Fever
- Auditory or visual hallucinations
- Tactile hallucinations such as feeling itching, burning, or numbness that is not occurring
These symptoms constitute a medical emergency and require immediate medical care. These reactions can lead to death if not adequately treated. At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we offer safe, medical detoxification where our professional medical staff monitors our clients 24 hours a day. Following detoxification, our holistic treatment program helps our clients reclaim their health and overcome addiction.
Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Florida at Gulf Breeze Recovery
If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol addiction, contact Gulf Breeze Recovery today at 833.551.2304 to learn more about our program, which has helped many people overcome their addiction and embrace life. We help people not just to survive but to thrive.
