24 X 7 Helpline For Mental Health Emergencies

28 + Years

In the Rehabilitation, Reintegration & Recovery space


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800+ Capacity

India’s largest psychichairtic hospital and rehabilitation centre


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1000+

Patients reintegrated back to society every year


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8 centers

Speciality Centres equipped with cutting edge infrastructure, housing and strong community

Alcoholism: An Overview

 

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is often considered to be a ‘bad habit’ but it is a serious mental health condition. Psychological, genetic, and environmental factors play crucial roles in the development of the disease. Alcohol addiction is said to have occurred in an individual when they binge drink or consume heavy quantities of alcohol and have trouble staying sober for a long time. If a person suffers from the social, relationship, or workplace problems due to alcohol consumption, they must seek help through a rehabilitation centre for alcohol to recover from the illness.

Alcohol addiction  is treatable and manageable with the right help. Seeking professional help for alcohol addiction and following the right alcohol addiction treatment plan with an expert alcohol de-addiction team can lead to long-term recovery. Personalised  alcohol addiction treatment is necessary as addiction impacts each person in their own way and the causes of alcohol addiction differ for each person.

Cadabams, India’s most trusted mental health institution, offers comprehensive and  customised plans from a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, alcohol counsellors, physicians who work round the clock and are with you every step of the way. We offer world-class evidence-based treatment that is fit for all stages and types of alcohol addiction. Our experienced team has used a wide range of psychotherapeutic means, medication management and psychosocial intervention over the last 28 years to provide solution-oriented alcohol addiction treatment. Our dedicated team offers you a recovery plan that will help you commit to sobriety and decrease the chances of relapses. 

Talk to our specialists to find out the best-suited program for you.

Symptoms of Alcoholism

How to Spot Signs of Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol problems are very difficult to recognise. As opposed to substance abuse problems that are clearly visible among people, recognising alcoholism is tough. One of the primary reasons for such problems is the wide availability of alcohol and how it is an accepted social drink in many cultures.

To diagnose a person with alcohol addiction, doctors need to understand whether the person wants to have a few drinks now and then or has a real problem. While the diagnostic criteria are based on psychometric assessments, here are some of the symptoms to look out for:

  • Increase in alcohol consumption quantity or frequency of use
  • High tolerance for alcohol, or lack of “hangover” symptoms following consumption
  • Drinking at inappropriate times or for no particular reason, such as first thing in the morning, or in public or workplaces
  • Hanging out with friends and in groups that also take part in heavy drinking or a sudden change in friends’ circle
  • Avoiding contact with close friends and family
  • Increased dependency on alcohol to function normally in life
  • Excessive lethargy, wanting to stay home, depression, and other emotional issues
  • Legal problems and trouble managing work leading to slack in performance

The social consequences of alcoholism only worsen with time, hence the best way to treat someone is by recognising the early symptoms and committing them to get help.

Causes of Alcoholism

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or alcohol addiction can stem from a variety of factors. After long periods of heavy drinking, the brain of the individual starts to rely heavily on alcohol to produce certain chemicals.

One of the main effects of drinking is the neurochemical changes in the brain. It becomes difficult for the individual to quit alcohol, leading to several alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Here is how several factors play a role to give rise to serious cases of alcoholism:

  • Biological factors:

Genetics and physiology have a huge role to play in the development of alcoholism. According to recent studies, scientists have recognized as many as 21 genes in different chromosome regions that might be responsible for the development of alcohol addiction. If these genes are passed on to the younger generation in the family, then the chances of developing alcoholism later in life can increase substantially.

Apart from genetics, certain chemicals in the brain can increase the possibilities of alcohol abuse. Some individuals can limit their consumption of alcohol. But for those with a different physiological composition of the brain, there may be  an impulse to keep going. 

  • Environmental factors:

Scientists have found that there are certain environmental factors that can also influence an individual’s drinking habits and cause them to develop alcohol problems. Some of the factors might be their proximity to stores and pubs, being economically affluent, and coming from families and friend groups that drink often. 

  • Social factors:

People who have been a victim of alcohol abuse at an  early age are susceptible to developing the same alcohol problems as adults.

  •  Psychological factors:

Different individuals deal with their life situations differently. Their coping mechanisms differ and depend on the current situation and environment. Excess stress is also known to increase the chances of alcohol addiction.

As alcohol tends to bring pleasure to the brain and the effects of drinking seems to calm the nerves, people might depend on it to cope with anxiety, stress and depression.

Risk Factors for Alcoholism

Various risk factors might contribute to the individual developing alcohol addiction in life. Having these risk factors in life does not necessarily mean that the person will develop alcohol addiction but they can increase the probability. They are as follows::

  • Starting to drink at an early age: Teenagers in high school and young adults in their early 20s often binge drink as part of their social habits. Individuals who developed the habit of drinking at an early age may develop alcohol addiction over time if they do not limit their habits.
  • Being exposed to alcoholism at the family level: Children and teenagers who grow up in a household where drinking is a common habit or have  a family member or a parent who is a victim of alcohol abuse, then there is an increased likelihood of the child developing  alcohol addiction
  • High levels of stress: Professionals with long working hours under extreme stress and responsibility, can develop habits of drinking alcohol in order to help them sleep or cope..
  • Continuous drinking for a long period of time: People who started drinking early in their life and continue the habit for a long period develop alcohol abuse problems. Since they are drinking regularly, it is easy for them to miss out on the signs of developing this mental disorder. In such cases, the individuals tend to develop a high tolerance for alcohol which means the body needs the same level of alcohol to function normally as it would have done otherwise.
  • Peer pressure: One of the most important risk factors for people developing alcoholism issues early in life is peer pressure. Teenagers and young adults often give in to drinking habits in order to fit in.

 

Effects of Alcohol Addiction on Family

The social consequences of alcoholism are very adverse, especially in a family setting. The patient with alcohol addiction slowly starts to lose control of their actions as the situation worsens.

As significant behavioural changes start to be seen, family members or close friends might be able to notice. This leads to confrontation, followed by troubles in maintaining personal relationships at home. 

How does alcoholism affect families?

Alcohol and family problems go hand in hand. Alcoholic parents tend to be impulsive and unstable. Their parenting skills start to degenerate with the increase in their addiction.

The effects of drinking are such that alcoholics* tend to interact with children in inconsistent ways while sending mixed signals. The children also grow up in an environment where alcohol is an accepted part of life, thus increases the risk of them taking up underage drinking. 

It has been seen that the social consequences of alcoholism are such that children with alcoholic* parents tend to have more academic problems than others their age. Heavy drinking might also lead to domestic violence with children often being the victims.

Such violence aids in the development of trauma, causing psychological disorders as they grow up, generating fear among them to develop intimate relationships in their adulthood. The emotional functioning of the child also may be damaged for life. 

Alcohol addiction is an expensive disease. This means, to keep drinking, the individual needs to spend a substantial amount of money throughout his addiction periods. This leads to further problems at home regarding financial issues. Alcoholics* also tend to lose their job over low performance which also hits families with financial problems.

How Is Alcoholism Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis of alcohol addiction goes a long way in ensuring that the patient does not develop further complications of the disease later in his life. The following diagnosis test and methods are carried out to confirm alcohol abuse problems:

  • The doctor might ask questions about drinking habits and will have to speak to family and close friends
  • The patient would also be required to take part in several lab tests and imaging tests 
  • Complete physical examination of the body is also done during the diagnosis process
  • Doctors will also be required to perform a comprehensive psychological examination

At Cadabams, our multi-specialty team of psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists is involved in the diagnosis of alcohol addiction. Experienced professionals work together using clinically-approved assessments to determine the symptoms, severity, causes and customised treatment plans for alcohol addiction

 

What Makes Us Different?

Personalised Treatment 

We believe that every individual’s needs are different and we do our best to provide you exactly what you need for a long-term recovery using a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and holistic treatment options like yoga and meditation, among others.

Reclaiming Control 

At Cadabams, recovery is more than symptom reduction, we strive to ensure that you/ your loved one receives comprehensive psychosocial rehabilitation to re-enter society. Our hallmark services like occupational therapy and supported employment pave the way for a successful reintegration. 

Caregiver Support

Guaranteeing a healthy support system for caregivers is our priority. We offer families and caregivers therapeutic support to keep them happy and relaxed so they can be the companion their loved one needs. 

Community Care

Our group therapy and 12-step programs help build trust and respect for others coping with alcohol dependence. We believe in letting residents motivate and support each other to attain long-term sobriety.


Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction

What happens when you stop drinking?

When one suddenly stops drinking, it leads to a condition called alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Withdrawal is common among all patients of addiction which occurs as the body takes time to adjust to the new change.

Alcohol has a specific sedative effect on the brain which suppresses certain neurotransmitters making the  person feel at ease after drinking.Due to prolonged drinking, the brain and the entire central nervous system becomes dependent on alcohol-produced chemicals. When the patient suddenly stops drinking the brain scrambles to adjust to the new chemical in balance in the body.

There can be various ways to deal with alcohol addiction problems. The main problems that arise in the path towards alcohol treatment and getting rid of the addiction include the process of dealing with the  alcohol withdrawal syndrome. To combat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, the body requires comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment to get back to a normal state. 

During the withdrawal period, the patients are likely to suffer from nausea, headache, vomiting and stomach ache issues. Severe cases may lead to anxiety issues and patients might experience hallucinations; and seizures which may, in rare cases lead to death. So, the main focus of alcohol treatment in the beginning is alcohol withdrawal treatment to help the patient reduce the symptoms and get back to normal life easily. 

Alcohol addiction treatment procedures might include:

  • Detoxification

Alcohol rehabilitation treatment facilities are inpatient programs that address the various aspects of addiction to help with alcohol addiction and prevent their withdrawal symptoms easily. During the detoxification stage, an essential part of the treatment process, the alcohol withdrawal treatment is medically managed and can take anywhere between 2 to 7 days. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms generally subside within the first 2 weeks. Post the detoxification stage, treatment shifts to therapeutic and psychosocial interventions.

  • Learning skills and establishing a strict alcohol addiction treatment plan: 

At Cadabams, alcohol rehabilitation treatment plans require the help of many specialists – some to address the physiological aspects and some for the psychological aspects. The idea is to set a recovery goal and involve the  patient in their recovery journey through  counselling activities. They are taught several skills which include healthy coping mechanisms, grounding techniques and refusal skills among others. 

  • Psychological Counselling:

This part of the alcohol treatment comprises counselling sessions and attending self-help groups. Attending group therapy sessions that are built on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous groups can help patients understand the psychological factors that lead to alcohol addiction and seek support and insight from others battling the same problem. Other counselling techniques involve couples therapy and family techniques involve activities. Mental support from the health care provider and family of the patient is an important part of the treatment for alcohol addiction and can help them recover faster.

Alcohol addiction treatment depends on what is right for your situation and how you can reach your goals. Many patients find that a combination of treatments works best for them, and at Cadabams rehabilitation program, the focus is on coming up with a treatment program that is just right for you. Our alcohol addiction treatment center offers different treatment plans to suit every need. Our in-patient, and multiple residential and rehab programs ensure that you have the treatment option you need. There is no one-size-fits all treatment for alcohol addiction syndrome, overcoming it requires consistent alcohol dependence syndrome treatment sessions. The process can be long and it will require consistent dedication, from the patient and their loved ones, and the willingness to respond positively to therapy and medication provided by professionals.

An effective alcohol addiction treatment plan will require:

  • Notifying the medical professional about the history of alcohol abuse
  • Support from family
  • Initiating a personal commitment to getting, and remaining, sober

 

Once you accept that you have a problem with alcohol then it’s time to seek the proper treatment for alcohol addiction that will suit you best, in the long term. The treatment may include one or more of the following:

  • Detoxification
  • Counseling
  • Medications
  • Behavior modification 

The Road to Sobriety

Early treatment of alcohol yields the most effective results. Have you been wondering how to quit alcohol? Or how to stop drinking alcohol? The only solution to alcohol addiction in most cases, is seeking timely help from a rehab centre for alcohol and intervention. Close family and friends should keep an eye on the patient to help them stay away from destructive behaviours. 

Here are some lifestyle changes that the patients should consider on their road to sobriety:

  • Eat healthy: Patients should change their food habits and consume a nutritious, balanced diet
  • Exercise and practise meditation and yoga
  • Change the social situation and stay away from people and situations that might lead to a relapse
  • Maintaining a routine to bring back order into life
  • Consider seeking professional help and support from loved ones

 

Getting Help For Alcohol Addiction

Why is it Hard to Overcome Alcohol Addiction?

It can be really stressful to deal with Alcoholism or have a loved one dealing with the illness. Seeking help and support for alcohol addiction is essential to help patients lead functional lives. If you are staging an intervention for a loved one with alcoholism, ensure you follow these guidelines. 

  • Make sure the person is comfortable and does not feel threatened.
  • Close family members or a partner should lead the conversation.
  • Do not include anyone who may be mistrusted by the individual.
  • Calmly take them through the options available such as a residential treatment facility or alcohol addiction treatment centre
  • Reassure them that seeking help will help them lead a fuller and happier life.
  • Make sure they feel supported and not isolated. 
  • Use positive language and ensure that they feel loved and appreciated.

Cadabams is India’s leading Alcohol and De-Addiction rehabilitation centre for alcoholics* and other associated problems. Visit our residential treatment alcohol rehab in Bangalore for a guided tour of our Alcoholism treatment centre.

Alcoholism FAQ: All you need to know

Alcohol abuse is the scenario wherein an individual gets in the practice of drinking too much alcohol quite often and it starts interfering with their daily life. Drinking too much alcohol at one time or too frequently are both signs of alcohol abuse.

Yes, Alcoholism can be counted as a disease. It’s nothing but a chronic condition that is represented by the intake of too much alcohol despite knowing the adverse social and health effects and leading to distortions in your thinking ability. To identify if an individual is an alcoholic, you can look for the following characteristics:

  • They have a persistent desire to continue drinking
  • They find it hard to put a stop to alcohol consumption despite multiple attempts
  • While not drunk, they feel anxious, are irritated, and are constantly in a negative emotional state

Being a chronic disease, there isn’t any foolproof way of curing alcoholism, however, you can still give the following steps a try:

  • Give them the motivation to stay sober and help them deal with emotional or personal issues
  • Include family members in the counselling  sessions for giving the individual the proper love and care needed for continued sobriety
  • If the individual suffers from any mental disorder (depression, anxiety, etc.), get them treated

What is alcohol poisoning?

Alcohol overdose or alcohol poisoning occurs when the alcohol level in the blood becomes so high or toxic that it begins to shut down the basic life-support functions like temperature regulation, breathing and heart rate. If you suspect someone is having a case of alcohol poisoning, you need to seek immediate medical assistance. Some of the signs you need to look out for are severe mental confusion, weak pulse, irregular heart rate and blood pressure, a bluish tinge to the skin, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, seizures, etc.

People who indulge in binge drinking from time to time are prone to alcohol poisoning. Cadabams is one of the best treatment and rehabilitation centres for alcohol addiction that can help manage the condition as well as prevent relapse.

How does alcohol detox work to treat alcoholism?

After seeking alcohol addiction treatment from a rehab centre, the person is encouraged to go through a detoxification or withdrawal management period. It may be uncomfortable or even dangerous if the alcohol detox program isn’t carried out the right way. Hence, Cadabams focuses on offering a medically-supervised alcohol detox program to ensure that the patient withdraws safely from alcohol use.

The detox process can’t replace the results that long-term alcohol rehabilitation efforts can provide. So, after the detox, the patient is shifted to an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation centre for alcoholics* to continue the recovery process. Cadabams offers a comprehensive counselling and therapy program for alcohol addiction treatment in India, which also addresses the behavioural, psychological and social consequences of alcohol addiction.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Some of the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms are: 

  • Anxiety and Headaches
  • The feeling of nausea and vomiting
  • Shaky hands and excessive sweating
  • Insomnia

What is Rehab?

Why is rehab necessary for addiction?

Myths and Facts About Alcohol Addiction

There are several misconceptions about alcoholism, let us discuss some of them in detail.

Myth – It is okay to get drunk once in a while

Fact – Binge drinking is one of the most serious risk factors that can lead to long term complications like liver and heart diseases. It also increases the risk of cancer. If individuals have four or more drinks (women) and five or more drinks (men) then there is a high chance of this habit developing into a risk factor for alcohol addiction.

Myth – Moderate drinking is safe and does not carry any risks

FactModerate drinking might be considered to be safe upto certain degrees but it does not mean that the habit is entirely risk-free. For certain categories of individuals, this habit might lead to serious issues. These categories include:

  • Pregnant women or those who are trying to get pregnant
  • People who are responsible for working with heavy machinery
  • Individuals with heart failure or pancreatic diseases
  • Patients of stroke 
  • People with medications that are known to interact with alcohol
  • People who have a family history of alcohol addiction

Myth – Wine or beer cause less damage than hard liquor

Fact All types of alcohol ultimately have the same ingredient and are as much responsible for causing alcohol dependence as others. Moreover, different types of drinks have different standard measurements which mean that ultimately they have the same quantities of alcohol.

Myth – Drinking is not a problem as long as the person does not feel the necessity to puke

Fact – The more drinks a person can consume at one go means that they are developing high alcohol tolerance. Developing alcohol tolerance is a bad sign and is a very serious risk factor. This means that without alcohol the person might not be able to do tasks that a sober person can in the same circumstance.

Myth – Coffee can help sober up quickly after alcohol consumption

Fact – One of the wider known myths that coffee can help people sober up or that it is the answer to how to get rid of alcohol from the body is false. Coffee contains a stimulant called caffeine which helps the individual stay awake and alert. It does not help with the processing of alcohol in the body. The only right way to deal with a hangover is to let the body get the time to break down the alcohol components.

Myth – Alcohol helps to cheer people up 

Fact – A lesser-known fact about alcohol addiction is that alcohol does the opposite of cheering people up. Although it might help people develop pleasurable feelings during drinking, alcohol is actually a depressant. This means, its mode of action is to slow down the activities in the brain. 

 Complications and Risks from Alcohol Addiction

There are several other diseases associated with severe alcoholism. These health complications include the following:

  • Development of ulcers
  • Diabetes
  • Bone loss
  • Birth defects in cases of drinking during pregnancy
  • Heart and liver disease
  • Sexual health problems
  • Increased susceptibility to cancer
  • Suppresses immune functions
  • Vision complications

Alcohol addiction is a treatable disease and is also avoidable. With early diagnosis and proper help, patients can recover, reduce the risk of the aforementioned complications and go on to live a healthy life. 

 

Rehab or Rehabilitation is supervised programme which includes therapy sessions designed to assist alcoholic individuals to put a stop to excessive alcohol consumption and motivate them to live a healthier lifestyle.

Does Alcohol Impact Everyone the Same Way?

No, the impact of alcohol intake varies from person to person based on their body size, metabolism, tolerance, and dependence of each individual, and whether someone indulges often in binge drinking.

Call us on our mental health helpline +91 96111 94949 for further details on getting alcohol treatment in India or Alcoholism related emergencies.

Disclaimer – It is important to note that addiction should be referred to as ‘alcohol use disorder’ or ‘alcohol dependency’  to better address the effects of this psychological condition. Words like addict, junkie, etch should be avoided as they place the blame on the individual. Individuals/person/people suffering from substance use disorder or substance dependence syndrome should be used.

Living with Alcoholism: Recovery Stories 

Why Cadabams?

We use our 28+ years of expertise to ensure that you get the treatment you need and deserve. Our multispecialty team of psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and physicians continually work with you and your family members to ensure a well-rounded and holistic alcohol addiction treatment. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced professionals and strong community support, we offer world-class evidence-based treatment that is fit for all stages and all types of alcohol addiction. As pioneers in private behavioural healthcare services, we pride ourselves on our renowned psychotherapy,  pharmacotherapy, neurofeedback and community-based treatment for alcohol use disorder.       

 

Alcohol addiction  is a disorder that is best combated with the support of trained professionals. Our programs help you or your loved one recover by using the top therapeutic interventions used worldwide. Our high-quality and comfortable facilities, qualified mental health professionals, caregiver support plans, post-diagnostic support, post-care support and crisis intervention ensure that all your needs are met. At Cadabams, we care for you.

Luxurious Living

At Cadabams, we provide clean, modern, fully furnished accommodations with all the necessary creature comforts.

Modern Amenities

Kitchen and dining hall, laundry facilities, indoor games area, yoga and meditation hall, outdoor games area for cricket, badminton, Round the clock psychiatrist and counsellor support, 24×7 ambulance on demand.

Healthy Cuisine

Our everyday menu is curated by Dieticians aimed at providing healthy and nutritious and tasty meals to satisfy everyone’s palate.

Entertainment Options

Recreation facilities such as TV, sports, gym, picnics and outings and more.

Dependences is an overwhelming desire to drink alcohol and developing of withdrawal symptoms upon stopping.

Symptoms observed on stopping alcohol

A person needs help if found with the following

Accepting that there is a problem with drinking alcohol is the big step to recovery.

Let us guide you on your wellness journey

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