Alcohol Rehabilitation Center | Alcohol Recovery Programs

Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Los Angeles, CA

Are you in search of an alcohol rehab center in Los Angeles for yourself or a loved one? The Discovery House is accepting new admissions to our leading alcohol recovery program. Alcohol addiction is one of the most common addictions across the country, and we have helped thousands overcome this dependence at our alcohol rehabilitation center. We believe in treating the whole individual and creating custom plans to help the mind, body, and spirit overcome addiction. Here at The Discovery House, we understand the hardship of addiction and the struggles of those who seek treatment with us. We know what it takes to overcome addiction, and we have become a leading alcohol rehab center because of this. We are committed to every client who walks through our doors and will assist in any way we can to prevent relapse.

All About Alcohol Addiction

According to the most recent studies in the US, one person in every six has an alcohol problem or addiction. This means that millions of American families are affected by alcoholism and alcohol dependence each and every day. Many do not receive the  addiction treatment they need to live a sober life. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of alcoholism is important for family, friends, co-workers, religious leaders, teachers, and medical professionals. One effective way to receive addiction treatment is by getting help from an alcohol rehabilitation center. These centers offer a range of therapies and alcohol recovery programs to support individuals in their recovery journey.

Defining Alcoholism

Alcohol addiction, alcohol abuse, binge drinking, alcoholism – these are all words that are often used interchangeably. In reality, they are actually quite different.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

We hear a lot about the heroin epidemic and fentanyl in Los Angeles but we hear very little in the news about alcohol addiction. This could be because it’s a legally controlled substance, which has caused us to become numbed to its dangers. Alcoholism is similar to any other substance addictions and is a chronic relapsing disease. It’s also incredibly common, affecting over 17 million Americans each year. Seeking help at an alcohol rehab center can be the first step towards recovery.

What is Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse means that the person may not be physically dependent on alcohol, but it is causing problems in their life or presenting a barrier to living a full and enjoyable life. Alcohol abuse is one of the early warning signs that a person is heading toward alcohol dependence and alcoholism and may need to visit an alcohol rehab center.

What is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is when a person drinks an excessive amount of alcohol in a very short amount of time. What constitutes the behavior of heavy drinkers? Well, it differs between men and women. Binge drinking for men is consuming 5 or more drinks in about two hours, and for women, it’s 4 drinks

The CDC says that binge drinking is the most common, costly, and deadly pattern of excessive alcohol use in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 26.9 percent of people aged 18 and older participate in binge drinking. It’s incredibly common. However, most people who binge drink are not alcohol dependent meaning that they don’t typically need to consume alcohol to function on a day-to-day basis. For those who do struggle with an alcohol addiction, getting help from an alcohol rehabilitation center can be a life-changing decision.

Am I an Alcoholic?

Take our assessment here:

If you answered ‘Yes’ to two or more of these questions, you should seek professional help at an alcohol rehab center.

Why is Alcohol Addictive?

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, “Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations.”

Factors such as genetics, environment, and mental health can also contribute to the development of alcohol addiction.

Fortunately, there is hope for those struggling with alcohol addiction. Recovery programs offered at alcohol rehab centers offer a comprehensive approach to treatment that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of addiction.

What does this mean, exactly?

It means that addiction is a disease that has major effects on the structure and function of the brain. Like other diseases such as diabetes or cancer, it is very complex but it begins with something simple; pleasure. Often, people drink to feel good or as an escape from reality.

The Pleasure Center and Addiction

Pleasure has a distinct signature: the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, a cluster of nerve cells lying underneath the cerebral cortex a.k.a the brain’s pleasure center.

The brain registers all pleasures in the same way, whether it’s derived from eating chocolate, exercising, or sex. All drugs of abuse cause a powerful surge of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens. However, there is a big difference between doing things that generate dopamine naturally versus substance-induced dopamine. Certain drugs can release 2 to 10 times the amount of dopamine that natural rewards such as eating and sex do. For individuals struggling with addiction, seeking help at an alcohol rehabilitation center is crucial as substance-induced dopamine can be detrimental to the brain’s pleasure center and lead to destructive behavior.

Some signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence and alcoholism are the same:

  • A person has a strong urge to drink
  • It may be hard or impossible for a person to quit drinking once they begin
  • More and more alcohol is needed to reach the same high or effect that the person drinking wants (this is called a tolerance to alcohol)
  • When a person stops drinking intentionally, or because they can’t obtain any alcohol, they begin to have uncomfortable physical symptoms (withdrawal)
  • Risky behaviors while drinking, such as unsafe sex and driving while drinking

If you or a loved one is experiencing these signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence or alcoholism, it may be time to get help from an alcohol rehabilitation center in Los Angeles.

What does withdrawal from alcohol look like?

Symptoms of withdrawal can be mild to life-threatening. This is a physical response rooted in the body’s need for alcohol. Both someone with alcohol dependence, and someone with alcoholism, can experience withdrawal symptoms. This is why attending an alcohol recovery program at an alcohol rehab center will always be a safer option, where experienced professionals are on standby to offer assistance at the drop of a hat.

Some of these symptoms include:

  • Racing heart
  • Tremors and shaking
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Seizures (convulsions)

When a person uses alcohol frequently, their body (and brain) gets used to having it in the body. This is physical dependence and can usually be caught when the following actions are considered the norm:

  • Drinking alone
  • Trying to hide drinking habits from friends and family members
  • Increasing legal, work, and relationship problems
  • Financial troubles
  • Keeping alcohol in the car or work desk
  • Gulping drinks quickly or always ordering doubles
  • Becoming anxious or irritable if feeling that alcohol may not be available or something will interfere with getting a drink
  • Starting the day with a drink in order to feel “normal”
  • No longer enjoying activities that were once important
  • Having blackouts when drinking, and not remembering promises made or events

There are many different ways that people have conquered their addiction to alcohol. Some work, some don’t, and for most, it merely boils down to preference. Consider enrolling at an alcohol rehab center in Los Angeles to overcome addiction and achieve long-term sobriety. These types of therapy, however, are evidence-based and have been proven time and again to be the most effective.

For those looking for professional help, an alcohol rehabilitation center can offer a range of evidence-based therapies to help overcome addiction.

What about Alcoholics Anonymous?

Alcoholics Anonymous (also known simply as AA), is a fellowship of men and women who have all had problems with alcohol. There are thousands of meetings all over the world – it’s available in most places. It’s a completely unbiased and judgment-free space where anyone who is struggling with addiction – and wants to do something about it – can come to listen and share.

There has always been a lot of controversy over AA and whether or not it’s an effective way to treat alcoholism. However, many people have credited their sober life to the fellowship. Though it is important to note that it may not be enough for everyone seeking recovery. That’s why many people choose additional support through an alcohol rehab center. We use the 12-step model as part of our alcohol recovery programs here at The Discovery House and have seen many success stories come to fruition as a result.

Addiction Information for Family and Friends

It can be difficult to know the best way to help the people we love when they are struggling with alcoholism. It tears families apart every day and wreaks havoc on the lives of everyone involved. But families can have an incredible impact on the recovery of their loved ones, especially by encouraging them to receive treatment at an alcohol rehab center. In fact, families that are more involved with their loved one’s recovery tend to see higher success rates.

There are many ways to help a loved one to quit drinking. From learning how to stop enabling them, getting involved in support group meetings, or providing research and options for the best alcohol rehab centers in Los Angeles. Addiction is a family disease, so let’s recover together.

Get Sober and Stay Sober, Like These People Did

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Nick

Nick’s substance abuse started innocently enough with just a few drinks hanging out with friends. It took a lot for Nick to realize that he had a problem with alcohol, including a car accident, broken relationships with his family, and countless blackouts. He even began to contemplate suicide before he reached his bottom and decided to come to us for help.  Read Nick’s recovery story

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Joseph

Joseph’s drug use began with simply wanting to fit in as a teenager. After being kicked out of middle school for his drug use, his behavior escalated to the point in which legal authorities were involved. When he was 18 he spent 3 years in prison for robbing houses, which he did to sustain his drug addiction. But he recovered. Read Joseph’s recovery story

Finding Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

The Discovery House in Los Angeles is an ally for rehabilitation, and we will support you or your loved one at every stage of recovery. We understand how you and your loved ones feel and know how difficult an alcohol recovery program can be to get started. Our support systems and staff are here for those struggling with alcohol addiction to lean on, and we are dedicated to helping anyone who walks through our doors live a fulfilling sober life. The Discovery House employs some of the most compassionate and highly trained addiction and behavioral health professionals in the country. Visitors to our luxury alcohol rehab center receive individualized holistic care that identifies and targets the behaviors and underlying issues at the root of alcohol addiction. We are accepting new admits, so book an appointment today and begin the journey toward rediscovering life.

When someone has been an alcoholic for a long period, they may already have some permanent physical and mental damage. However, this does not mean they are without hope.

Alcohol recovery programs should be started as early as possible. Like with many diseases, prevention is best, but this does not always happen. This is a strong reason for action when signs and symptoms of alcoholism, or dependence, are noticed by family or friends. In cases where the addiction has progressed, seeking professional help at an alcohol rehab center is crucial. These centers provide specialized programs and resources to help individuals overcome alcoholism and any related physical or mental damage. Getting someone to admit that they have an alcohol problem can be a difficult task.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism, we can help. Call us at 818.452.1676 to learn more about our alcohol recovery programs in Los Angeles, CA.

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