Understanding and Treating Alcohol Use Disorder at South Shore Recovery Center

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a leading cause of preventable diseases and one of the most common forms of addiction or substance abuse. Experts at South Shore Recovery Center provide personalized treatment for individuals with AUD or dual diagnosis. Addiction treatment plans use multiple therapy methods to address all active disorders and underlying issues impacting patients and their ability to maintain abstinence. We use a holistic approach to care, ensuring every individual feels heard, supported, and understood. Treating substance use disorder may involve making substantial lifestyle changes. We guide those in our care through the recovery process using evidence-based and complementary therapies. 

Understanding and Treating Alcohol Use Disorder at South Shore Recovery Center

Transform Your Life Starting Now With Our Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery Program

Alcohol therapy programs at South Shore Recovery Center empower patients by giving them the tools and resources to do the following:

  • Learn essential life skills
  • Repair and strengthen relationships 
  • Build the foundation for a healthier future

A physician from our team of experts combines evidence-based personalized addiction treatment with compassionate support to help individuals thrive in recovery.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is a disease that causes people to abuse alcohol despite negative social consequences and health side effects. The signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder vary significantly depending on multiple factors, including overall health and the presence of mental health disorders. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “28.9 million people ages 12 and older had AUD in 2023.” Anyone can develop alcohol use disorder regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Early intervention and treatment reduce the risk of severe complications or health side effects.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder

Everyone reacts to addictive behaviors differently. However, some common signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder include: 

  • An inability to stop abusing alcohol despite negative personal or professional consequences 
  • Withdrawal symptoms during periods of abstinence 
  • Increased alcohol tolerance 
  • Inability to control drinking habits 
  • Uncharacteristic aggression or agitation 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Memory issues and difficulty concentrating 
  • Extreme mood swings coinciding with alcohol abuse 
  • Self-destructive or risk-taking behaviors 
  • Work or school absences and loss of productivity due to alcohol abuse 

A clinical assessment is the only way to diagnose alcohol use disorder accurately. Individuals with co-occurring addiction or mental health disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, benefit from early intervention. We recommend that anyone concerned about their drinking habits or the drinking habits of a loved one be assessed by a health professional as soon as possible. 

Understanding the Psychological Impact of Addiction

Alcohol influences brain receptors and interferes with neural signaling, causing profound psychological side effects for many people. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), chronic alcohol abuse ”causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well, affecting functions that include:

  • learning
  • judgment
  • decision-making
  • stress
  • memory
  • behavior”

Substance abuse can have long-term or permanent psychological and physical side effects. Alcohol use disorder treatment provides people with addiction medicine and the tools and resources they need to heal.

How We Treat Alcohol Use Disorder at South Shore Recovery Center

South Shore Recovery Center takes a comprehensive approach to treating alcohol use disorder. Our care plans utilize various services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), individual and group therapy, and holistic therapies. We empower those in our care by fostering a community of support and understanding. 

Our programs address all active forms of substance use disorder (SUD). Many people with alcohol use disorder have co-occurring addiction issues related to opioid use disorder (OUD) or other substances. We treat all substance dependence and co-occurring mental health disorders simultaneously to ensure the best outcomes.

Managing Cravings in Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Cravings can cause complications during treatment unless patients learn to manage them with healthy coping skills. We teach individuals to manage cravings effectively by doing the following: 

  • Identifying triggers 
  • Developing effective coping strategies 
  • Engaging in therapy and supportive services 
  • Practicing mindfulness and improving self-awareness 
  • Creating a support system at home
  • Establishing relapse prevention and crisis management strategies
  • Practicing regular self-care 

We guide patients through information that will help them identify and address cravings and triggers during treatment with psychotherapy. Many therapy modalities reduce the severity of cravings, making them easier to manage. 

Engage in Group Therapy Sessions

Patients recovering from AUD benefit from engaging in group therapy sessions. People gain a sense of belonging from group therapy and often feel more comfortable sharing their experiences with others who have similar life experiences. Group therapy provides patients with a safe space to discuss concerns, learn from one another, develop essential skills, celebrate milestones in addiction recovery, and build a support system. Therapy sessions also increase accountability and help patients remain committed to treatment. 

Master Coping Strategies for Lasting Sobriety

Addiction recovery services at South Shore Recovery Center ensure patients learn coping strategies for lasting recovery. Individuals recover from alcohol use disorder through stress management, personal growth, personalized treatment, and regular self-care. Practical coping skills allow people to continue healing and growing after they complete treatment and transition to continuing care. 

Practice Stress-Relief Techniques

We teach patients stress relief techniques to reduce anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of alcohol use disorder. A few of the standard stress relief techniques patients learn in rehabilitation include: 

  • Deep breathing exercises 
  • Progressive muscle relaxation 
  • Mindfulness meditation 
  • Guided meditation 
  • Yoga or other low-stress physical activities 
  • Journaling and other creative outlets
  • Social support 

Day and half-day treatment programs at South Shore Recovery Center give patients the time and space to practice stress-relief techniques in a supportive environment. 

Gain Confidence in Maintaining Sobriety

Maintaining abstinence from alcohol requires dedication and a willingness to make lifestyle changes. Our compassionate team uplifts patients and facilitates personal development to ensure they acquire the skills to make lifestyle changes. We help people build the foundation for a sober life using evidence-based and holistic therapies. By actively engaging in treatment, individuals gain self-confidence and learn to navigate cravings and other symptoms. 

Experience Holistic Healing for Body and Mind

South Shore Recovery Center uses a whole-person approach to treatment, combining various therapies to support mindfulness and healthy lifestyle changes. Self-care is an essential part of the whole-person approach to recovery. We use complementary therapies and an integrative approach to help patients heal mentally and physically. 

Nurture Your Body With Nutrition and Exercise

Lifestyle changes are vital for nurturing positive mental and physical health. Regular physical activity and nutritious meals help the mind and body work more effectively. South Shore Recovery Center provides patients with referrals and resources to ensure they receive the support they need to maintain healthy behaviors, including nutritional and exercise coaching. Individuals who improve their physical health often experience fewer psychological symptoms of alcohol use disorder. 

Learn Relapse Prevention Techniques

Relapse prevention techniques are critical for long-term sobriety. Patients use practical strategies to effectively manage triggers and overcome challenges in recovery. Some standard methods for substance abuse prevention include: 

  • Identifying high-risk situations, behaviors, or beliefs 
  • Developing essential coping skills 
  • Practicing self-care 
  • Setting clear boundaries 
  • Creating a relapse prevention strategy 

South Shore Recovery Center offers comprehensive relapse prevention education to support patients in their recovery journey.

Alcohol use disorder is one of the most common causes of preventable diseases and addictive behaviors. To learn more about treatment programs and services at South Shore Recovery Center, call our office today at (774) 515-2878.

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Questions About Treatment?

If you or your loved one are ready to begin healing from substance use disorder or mental health challenges in Plymouth, Massachusetts, South Shore Recovery is here for you. Let us guide you on your journey toward sustainable wellness by reaching out to our knowledgeable and compassionate team today.
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