Drug & Alcohol Rehab Near Elmwood Park, New Jersey
In Elmwood Park, just as is true for the entire United States, alcohol abuse is a serious problem. Although drinking alcohol itself is not necessarily an issue, abusing the substance can create substantial problems for those who drink, which leads to people seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder.
In 2016, 37% of the 3,596 Bergen County residents admitted to addiction treatment listed alcohol as their primary drug of choice, which means that roughly 1,330 struggled with an addiction to alcohol.1 Additionally, a total of 107 Elmwood Park residents sought treatment for substance abuse that same year. Of that number, 39 were admitted for alcohol abuse.1
Yet because alcohol is legal and can be relatively safe if consumed in moderate amounts, how can you identify whether or not treatment is necessary? Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic and relapsing brain disease that is “characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using.”2 According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), those who exhibit at least 2 of the following signs and symptoms in a 12-month period are likely to have an addiction alcohol:2
- Drinking more or longer than you intended
- Failing to cut down or control drinking.
- Spending excessive time drinking or recovering from drinking.
- Craving alcohol.
- Experiencing job, school, or family problems due to excessive time spent drinking or recovering from drinking.
- Continuing to drink despite it causing social or interpersonal problems.
- Giving up enjoyable activities or interests in favor of drinking.
- Engaging in dangerous behaviors while drinking, such as drinking and driving.
- Continuing to drink despite knowing that it is causing or worsening physical or psychological problems.
- Needing to drink more than before to feel the same desired effects.
- Experiencing withdrawal after discontinuing alcohol use.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder, it is important to seek professional help. Although 6.2% of the adults in the United States had AUD in 2015, less than 10% of them received treatment.2 Seeking treatment will help you or your loved one to overcome the disorder and lead a fulfilling, sober life. Browse our directory today to find a treatment program that suits your needs.
Sources:
- Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. (2017). New Jersey Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Substance Abuse Overview 2016.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol Use Disorder.