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Recovery Advantage Program

Gateway Offers Specialized Alcohol Treatment, Close to Home and Work.

Approximately 88,000 deaths come from excessive drinking every year. About 17 million Americans have alcohol use disorders (AUD) based on statistics. But only 10% of them receive treatment for this mental health disorder. Because stopping alcohol use suddenly can cause serious problems such as seizures, delirium and chest pain, people need to get professional help and treatment before they stop using alcohol.

What Is an Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of drinking marked by difficulty in controlling drinking. A person with AUD may drink even when it’s causing physical and psychological problems. They may also experience serious withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop.

Gateway Foundation Is Treating Alcohol Addiction with a New Alcohol-Specific Program

  • New program tailored to treat alcohol addiction, allowing patients with alcohol use disorders to receive specialized treatment.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for alcohol dependence and to ease withdrawal symptoms.
  • Alcohol withdrawal management program, which includes MAT and 24-hour access to medical and nursing care in a non-hospital setting.
  • Customized treatment plans with evidence-based practices that address the underlying causes of alcohol addiction.
  • Active alumni community with monthly social events and meetings to keep alumni engaged in recovery.
  • Full continuum of care that meets the patient where they are in their recovery journey.

The “All or Nothing” Myth

Alcohol use disorder or alcoholism can be mild, moderate or severe. People who are dependent on alcohol can be highly functioning, highly compromised or somewhere in between.

Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms

AUD may be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the number of symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of AUD include:

  • Difficulty controlling the volume of alcohol consumed
  • Desiring to reduce consumption of alcohol but being unable to do so
  • Spending countless time drinking alcohol, looking for alcohol or recovering from its use
  • Feeling a strong urge to consume alcohol
  • Being unable to do major assignments at home, work or school
  • Drinking alcohol even when you know it’s causing social, physical or relationship problems
  • Staying away from social activities, work and hobbies because of drinking
  • Using alcohol while swimming, driving or in other dangerous situations
  • Having withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating and nausea when you refuse to drink

When a person frequently drinks heavily and suddenly stops, they may experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including:

  • Sweating
  • Hand tremors
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Seizures
  • Fatigue and irritability
  • Hallucinations

Alcohol withdrawal could become a life-threatening situation if not properly treated.

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Risk Factors for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use may start in the teenage years, but AUD is more common in young adults in their 20s and 30s. Some of the risk factors that can increase the likelihood of AUD include:

  • Frequent alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol regularly for a long time or binge drinking can cause AUD.
  • Starting drinking at an early age: Those who start drinking early have a higher risk of AUD.
  • Family history: The risk of AUD is higher for those whose family members or parents have problems with drinking.
  • Depression, anxiety or other mental health illnesses: People with a mental illness such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are more likely to become addicted to alcohol.
  • Trauma: People who have experienced emotional or physical trauma are more prone to alcohol use disorder.

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

The approach for treating alcohol use disorder may vary based on the patient’s needs. The main goal of alcohol use disorder treatment is to put an end to alcohol use for the patient and enhance their quality of life. Some of the treatment options for alcohol use disorder include:

  • Detox and withdrawal: Treatment may start with detoxification — a form of medically monitored withdrawal that takes about a week. The patient may need to take medication to prevent or reduce withdrawal symptoms.
  • Psychological counseling: Counseling and therapy for individuals and groups will enable the patient to understand their drinking problem. Family therapy will help family members provide support during the recovery process.
  • Oral medications: Some medications help the patient reduce the urge to drink by producing a terrible reaction when they drink. Others help overcome cravings for alcohol immediately after the patient stops drinking.
  • Support groups: Support groups can help anyone recovering from AUD abstain from drinking, prevent or manage relapses and make all required lifestyle changes.
  • Psychotherapy: AUD usually occurs with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or PTSD. Psychotherapy, also called “talk therapy,” will help treat all co-occurring mental health illnesses.

Insurance Accepted

Insurance plans generally cover most costs associated with Residential Treatment. Gateway is considered a preferred or in-network provider for multiple insurances including:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
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Get Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder or Binge Drinking

Gateway has been providing evidence-based treatment for alcohol use disorder for the past 50 years. Take your first step toward recovery by calling our 24-hour helpline to get a confidential consultation at 877.505.4673 now. Or send a message to us through our contact page for a fast response.