In the United States, one in 10 people is struggling with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS). Ethyl alcohol (EtOH) is what makes up many alcoholic substances, but what is EtOH abuse? At BlueCrest Recovery, we offer alcohol abuse treatment programs. Contact our team online or call 888.292.9652 to get help.
What Is EtOH Abuse?
Ethyl alcohol, also called ethanol, is the pure form of alcohol that comes from grain. In its purest form, ethanol works as a cleaning agent or antiseptic. EtOH abuse doesn’t refer to drinking pure ethanol but to drinks that contain alcohol and inert substances. All alcoholic beverages contain ethanol.
EtOH abuse affects the reward center of the brain, causing the release of vast amounts of dopamine. This dopamine lets your brain know that drinking alcohol is a pleasurable experience it should repeat, which leads to cravings. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, leading to slowed reactions, slurred speech, and more. Some of the signs of EtOH abuse include:
- Having difficulty reducing your alcohol intake
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Needing progressively more alcohol
- Experiencing powerful cravings
Because your body quickly gets accustomed to functioning with alcohol, your tolerance levels begin to increase. This tolerance means you need to drink progressively more alcohol to get the same effects, putting you at risk of alcohol poisoning. This may cause vomiting, seizures, slow heart rate, and trouble breathing. It can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
About Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs
EtOH abuse affects your physical and mental health, potentially putting your life in danger. The best way to break free from an alcohol use disorder is to turn to a treatment center like ours for help.
We offer a variety of programs to help you understand what led to your dependence on alcohol and make it easier for you to manage the triggers that cause cravings and put you at risk of relapsing. Our most intensive option is our partial hospitalization program (PHP).
During a PHP, you receive the same level of care you would get during inpatient services while still being able to return home each night. You have hours of treatment sessions every week, including individual and group therapy, so that you can start addressing the reasons you may have turned to EtOH abuse in the first place.
If you complete a PHP and require more care, or if you could benefit more from a program that requires fewer treatment hours, we offer our intensive outpatient program (IOP). At our center, the IOP allows you to still get hours of individual, group, and family therapy sessions while giving you more independence.
We also offer outpatient treatment programs that require even fewer treatment hours. They are suitable for people who have a safe home environment and feel more confident in their sobriety. The main focus of outpatient treatment programs is to help you avoid relapses, which means learning what your triggers are and addressing them.
For those who need medications, we also offer medically assisted treatment. By incorporating drugs like Vivitrol, we can help you avoid cravings so that you can continue your recovery.
Achieve Long-Term Sobriety with BlueCrest Recovery’s Alcohol Abuse Treatment Program
EtOH abuse is a severe condition that has the potential to put your life at risk. By turning to treatment programs, you can learn the best strategies to get sober and avoid relapses.
BlueCrest Recovery’s caring and compassionate team offers many treatment levels, letting you find the one that best suits your needs. Contact BlueCrest Recovery online or call 888.292.9652 today to learn more.
