Alcohol Rehab In Massachusetts

In the United States, over 221 million people admit to drinking alcohol at least some of the time.[1] We understand that there is a world of difference between an enjoyable drink with friends and alcohol addiction. But many people may not understand that difference, and they might not even realize they’re developing a dependency.

According to the latest national survey, 10.2% of the population struggles with alcohol use disorder (AUD).[2] This contributes to nearly 5 million emergency room visits, as well as an unfortunate 140,000 deaths each year.

We understand that nobody plans to become an addict, which is why we offer compassionate alcohol addiction treatment without judgment. Understanding more about how alcohol affects your mind and body could prevent addiction from setting in or help you reach out for help when you need it.

How Addictive Is Alcohol?

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that can cause dependency in the brain. Despite being less controlled than some other substances, it is one of the most addictive. Many factors can determine how likely alcohol addiction, also called alcoholism, could affect you, including:[3]

• Age
• Genetics
• Daily stress levels
• Personal circumstances
• Other substances used, including prescription medications
• Diet and lifestyle

Someone who eats a healthy, balanced diet, exercises regularly, and takes no prescription medications may be able to drink alcohol with a low risk of addiction. However, there are no guarantees. If that person has a family history of alcohol dependency, they could be at risk no matter how healthy their lifestyle is. That’s why it’s critical to drink in moderation and understand the signs that could indicate a problem is developing.

Alcohol Use: Drinking Culture in the United States

Alcohol is a part of American culture and has been for hundreds of years. From a glass of wine with a good meal to popping a bottle of champagne to celebrate an achievement, there are so many situations that “call” for alcohol.

Unfortunately, this has created a culture where it’s difficult for people to say “No” when offered a drink, even if they know they don’t want one or they’ve already had too much. There is a stigma around not drinking at social events, particularly around not accepting a drink when it’s offered to you. Having the confidence to politely decline a drink without having to explain yourself should be the norm. With the right treatment for alcohol addiction from Engage Wellness Acton, MA, you or a loved one can get to a point where those situations become easier to handle.

Alcohol is also seen as a way of “drowning sorrows,” and it’s socially acceptable to drink heavily when dealing with life’s troubles, such as:

• A relationship breakup
• Bereavement
• Trauma
• Work-related stress
• School bullying or other issues
• Dealing with mental illness, such as anxiety or depression

This last point is highly problematic because alcohol is a depressant. Someone may struggle with depression and drink alcohol to feel lighter and disconnected in the moment. Later, they will suffer from alcohol withdrawal, which can lead to deeper feelings of depression. Physically, alcohol can alter the volumes of chemicals in the brain, leading to potentially deeper and more prolonged periods of depression. If this prompts further alcohol use, it can become a deadly spiral.

Alcohol Addiction Warning Signs

With so many people drinking alcohol every day, how do you know if you’re developing a dependency? You could look for the following behavioral signs:[4]

• Wanting to not have a drink then having one anyway
• Thinking about drinking alcohol during the working day or when busy with other tasks
• Lying to hide how much you drink
• Forgetting responsibilities, such as work deadlines or family commitments, due to alcohol use
• Prioritizing occasions that will have alcohol over those that won’t
• Feeling low or “not yourself” unless you’ve had a drink
• Feeling distressed if you don’t have access to alcohol
• Mood swings and irritability with no other obvious cause
• Encouraging others to drink alcohol so you can justify having a drink

You may also notice frequent headaches, nausea, fidgeting, dulled vision or “glassy” eyes, a lack of focus, or even a lack of coordination. If any of these sound familiar, or you’ve seen these behaviors in someone else, you can speak to the team here at Engage Wellness Acton, MA for advice. We can help you encourage someone to get help without judgment or shame, or talk you through your own next steps.

How Does Alcohol Impact Your Body and Mind?

Over time, alcohol wreaks havoc on the body. Your system isn’t capable of constantly processing large volumes of ethanol (the chemical name for alcohol) regularly and will suffer wear and tear. This can lead to:[5]

• Liver disease or permanent cirrhosis, scarring that replaces healthy tissue
• Various cancers, including liver, esophagus, mouth, larynx, rectum, colon, or breast
• Immune system problems
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Malnutrition and associated problems
• Reduced bone density
• Gastrointestinal ulcers and other digestive tract diseases
• Brain damage and eventual coma if AUD is untreated

Alcohol also impacts your weight, how well you sleep, your hydration levels, your skin, and, of course, your mental health.

We’ve already touched on the link between alcohol and depression. However, the impact of alcohol on the mind could go much deeper. Research suggests that continuous alcohol use changes the structure of the brain physically, leading to memory loss and confusion.[6] It could also cause permanent problems with balance, speech, and judgment.

AUD could cause someone to become incapable of continuing their career if they no longer have the mental or physical acuity to work effectively. It can also leave people at a much higher risk of injury due to falls, slips, or trips.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Recovery With Engage Wellness Acton, MA

While alcohol use can be problematic, it’s also highly treatable with the right approach. Speak to Engage Wellness Acton, MA, and discover how we work with clients just like you or your loved one every day. Our holistic methods ensure that we consider the root causes of alcohol dependency to help you develop the resilience to deal with any of those situations—without turning to alcohol.

Our approach encompasses body, mind, and psyche, so every aspect of your life can benefit from our alcohol addiction treatment programs. You can learn to handle social situations without needing to drink and gain the confidence to prioritize healthy pastimes that empower you to stay away from alcohol.

We know that addiction isn’t a choice, and we tailor all our treatment plans to the individual, taking your unique circumstances into account. Reaching out for help shows strength and determination. You’re not alone, and we have the right experts and techniques in place to help you overcome alcohol dependency and its associated mental health conditions.

Contact Engage Wellness Acton, MA, today, and let’s get you or your loved one on the road to recovery.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment Levels of Care

Professional treatment for alcohol addiction at our Massachusetts treatment center requires comprehensive care that addresses both the intense physical cravings and psychological aspects of dependence. Our accredited facilities just outside Boston provide multiple levels of care with evidence-based treatment while helping you develop essential recovery skills and heal from alcohol’s effects on your mental health and well-being.

• Day Treatment/Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): The highest level of outpatient care, providing six days of full-time treatment weekly with structured group therapy, individual counseling, and medical oversight from experienced clinicians. This intensive program at our addiction treatment center helps establish early recovery while developing crucial coping skills and relapse prevention strategies.
• Intensive Outpatient (IOP): A flexible treatment option offering three hours of care five days weekly, balancing recovery work with daily life responsibilities. Our outpatient services focus on understanding alcohol addiction triggers, managing cravings, and building a strong support network through evidence-based therapies.
• Outpatient Program (OP): Weekly therapy sessions that reinforce recovery skills and provide ongoing support for your recovery journey. Treatment includes regular check-ins, relapse prevention planning, and continued work on co-occurring mental health conditions in a supportive environment.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Our healthcare team provides targeted support for cravings and dual diagnosis treatment for mental health disorders that may complicate recovery. Evidence-based medications can help support long-term recovery and overall well-being.
• Veterans Recovery track: Specialized alcohol addiction treatment addressing the unique needs of service members. The program integrates evidence-based care, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, with peer support from others who share similar experiences.

Treatment Modalities for Alcohol Addiction

Our evidence-based treatment options address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of alcohol addiction through multiple therapeutic approaches.

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured therapeutic approach that helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to drinking. CBT for alcohol addiction teaches practical coping skills and strategies to manage triggers and prevent relapse.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This specialized therapy helps regulate emotions and develop mindfulness skills. DBT provides tools for distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness while maintaining sobriety.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A trauma-focused therapy that helps process and heal from past traumatic experiences that may contribute to alcohol use. EMDR reduces the emotional charge of difficult memories.
• Family Program: Comprehensive support that involves loved ones in the recovery process through education, counseling sessions, and communication skills training. Family therapy helps repair relationships and build a strong support network.
• Group Therapy: Group therapy for alcohol addiction utilizes structured sessions where people share experiences and learn from others in recovery. Group work builds community, reduces isolation, and provides peer support and accountability.
• Holistic Treatment: Holistic treatment for alcohol addiction provides complementary approaches like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and stress management techniques that support overall wellness and healing during recovery.
• Motivational Interviewing: A collaborative counseling method that strengthens personal motivation for change. This approach helps resolve ambivalence about recovery and builds commitment to sobriety.
• Relapse Prevention: Strategic planning and skill-building to identify triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and maintain long-term recovery. Relapse prevention for alcohol abuse Includes creating detailed action plans for high-risk situations.
• Twelve-Step Program: A structured recovery model that provides spiritual principles, peer support, and accountability. Twelve-step programs for alcohol Include working with a sponsor and attending regular support group meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Rehab in Massachusetts