According to a 2014 report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the primary substance abuse problem in Texas is alcohol addiction. It was found that, in 2012, more than half of students between grades seven and 12 had used alcohol at some point, and 25% of those had done it in the last month. An estimate between 2011 and 2012 showed that nearly half of all Texas residents over the age of 12 had consumed alcohol in the last month. Nearly 30% of patients attending publicly funded treatment in Texas were doing so for alcohol addiction
Of the 78,000 people admitted to substance abuse programs in Texas in 2013, nearly 22,000 were dealing with an alcohol abuse problem. By contrast, the next closest level of admissions was marijuana at 18,000 patients. The average age of patients attending treatment was 39 with an average of 23 years between first use and admission to a treatment program. Not only does this show the problem with alcohol abuse in Texas, but it also demonstrates how difficult it is for people to realize that they have a problem and then seek treatment for it.
Some Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Because alcohol is legal and acceptable to use in many social settings, unlike prescription drugs or illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin, it’s often difficult to discern an alcohol problem. This is also compounded by the fact that being drunk or some level of intoxicated is tolerated in many situations. So those struggling with alcohol addiction can easily be in denial about their problem. The following are some typical warning signs of alcohol addiction that you can apply to either yourself or a loved one:
- When alcohol consumption interferes with everyday life due to being drunk or hungover
- If you find yourself in dangerous situations, such as driving while intoxicated
- When memory loss or frequent blackouts occur after drinking
- If you find yourself unable to stop drinking once you’ve started, such as finishing a bottle of wine or all the beer in a case
- When drinking continues despite serious health problems being exacerbated by the drinking
- If you feel the need to lie about your alcohol consumption or hide it from others
- When alcohol begins to interfere with relationships, finances, employment and general enjoyment of life.
- If you experience increased tolerance while drinking, or withdrawal symptoms when alcohol consumption stops
Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
When you make the decision to seek treatment for alcohol addiction, you should search for facilities that have a wide range of experience and treatment programs to offer their guests. Addiction is more than just substance abuse and it often involves complex psychological issues that are different for every person. As such, it’s important that addiction treatment is also strongly personalized to give guests the best chance at a lasting recovery. In general, your treatment choices range from inpatient residential, short-term residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and general outpatient.
At Healing Springs Ranch in Tioga, Texas, you will find all of these treatment options as well as expert staff members experienced in addressing co-occurring disorders and trauma. The residential rehab programs at Healing Springs don’t just treat patients’ issues with addictions, but also any underlying issues or mental conditions that may actually be the root cause of addiction for many people. A large number of guests struggling with addiction have other issues that may have gone undiagnosed for a long time. Addressing these issues, along with the addiction, gives you the best chance to experience a true recovery.
Don’t wait another day to get out from under the burden of addiction. Give Healing Springs Ranch a call today at 866-656-8384 and let us give you more information about our programs and treatment facility.