Alcohol Dependence

Tarzana Treatment Centers offers specialized treatment programs to address the various aspects of alcohol dependence and recovery. If you already know that you or a loved one needs alcohol or drug treatment, please call us at 888-777-8565 or contact us by email here. If you need more information, read below.

Alcohol Dependence

Why do some people continue to drink alcohol when it has caused problems in their lives? It is difficult for most people to understand, especially if that person is a family member or close friend. The answer is that he suffers from a disease that uses his mind and body against him. To the outsider, the disease concept of alcoholism may be seen as an excuse. To the alcoholic, it sheds light on the dark, lonely world and offers hope.

For decades, research has shown that alcoholism is indeed, by definition, a disease. It is both chronic and fatal. But even with validation by the most credible medical and psychological professionals, this concept is not accepted by most Americans. While it is easy to accept that a segment of society is allergic to certain foods, or is lactose intolerant, or can’t eat sugar, it is apparently more difficult to stomach the idea that another has an adverse reaction to alcohol. A look into the world of an alcoholic might advance understanding.

Alcoholics normally describe their first drink as a kind of heaven. No matter how easy life had been for him up to that point, something was missing. Alcohol perfectly fills his “hole in the soul”. From that moment on, the quest for that feeling continues. At first, the potential alcoholic carries the appearance of a normal drinker like his friends and family. Tolerance develops for alcohol, meaning that he needs more alcohol to get the same effect. At the same time, the effect is minimizing. Problems begin to develop, and he signs a virtual contract with alcohol, accepting the problems as long as that hole is being filled. One may wonder, knowing all of this, why some people continue to drink or use drugs more. Substance dependence is a problem of the body and mind.

Initially, the mind is satisfied by the pleasant effects of the substance.
Tolerance develops and more is required for the desired effect.
Heavier alcohol or drug use results in physical dependence.
The mind continues to seek that pleasant feeling.

In time, a kinship develops between the alcoholic and alcohol based on trust. He trusts that alcohol will always take away the emotional pain that he feels, even if it is only temporary. Depression accompanies alcoholism, so he begins to feel that alcohol is the only thing in the world that won’t let him down. It is no wonder that the alcoholic becomes delusional and denies the reality of his circumstances.

Tarzana Treatment Centers offers specialized treatment programs to address the various aspects of alcohol dependence and recovery, including alcohol detox. We provide alcohol treatment in the San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley, Long Beach, Reseda and Northridge. Please call us for alcohol or drug treatment at 888-777-8565 or contact us by email here.