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Alcoholism leads to about 88,000 deaths every year in the USA, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It’s essential to understand the differences between social moderate alcohol consumption and drinking that’s harmful, dangerous, and which can become a possibly fatal addiction. It’s important to note that when alcohol consumption becomes abusive, with the help of a treatment program and ongoing support, even the most serious cases of alcoholism can be successfully treated.

Silvermist offers residential alcohol abuse and addiction treatment in Pennsylvania. In a serene and supportive environment, adults receive a holistic and personalized approach to treatment and recovery. Learn more about our addiction treatment center—including our various treatment modalities—by getting in touch with Silvermist today.

We can be reached online or by phone at (724) 268-4858.

Diagnosis Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

In order to be diagnosed with AUD, a person must demonstrate at least 2 of the 11 criteria below during the same 12-month period. The level of severity of the AUD diagnosis (mild, moderate or severe) depends on how many of the 11 criteria you (or someone you know) meets.

The criteria for AUD diagnosis are:

  • Were there occasions where you drank more or for longer than anticipated?

  • Have you tried to cut back or stop drinking but couldn’t?

  • Do you spend large amounts of time drinking or recovering from its after effects?

  • Do you get cravings or urges to drink?

  • Have you noticed that drinking (or dealing with sickness from it) repeatedly interferes with your home or family responsibilities? Has your drinking caused relationship, work, or school troubles?

  • Do you continue to drink despite you knowing it causes problems with your loved ones?

  • Have you sacrificed activities that you enjoyed or were important to you so that you could drink instead?

  • Have you found yourself in dangerous situations during or after drinking? Examples: driving, swimming, walking in a dangerous area, having unsafe sex.

  • Have you continued to drink despite the fact it made you feel anxious, depressed, or alcohol was making another health problem worse? Have you had a memory blackout and continued to drink?

  • Have you been drinking much more to gain the same effects, because your usual number of drinks are having less effect than before?

  • When alcohol is wearing off, have you experienced withdrawal symptoms, such as the shakes, irritability, restlessness, anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, nausea, sweating, or hallucinations?

If you or a loved one have any of these symptoms, the pattern of alcohol consumption may be a cause for concern. The more symptoms present, the more urgent it is to change the situation. A healthcare professional can conduct a formal assessment of the symptoms to determine if AUD exists.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

The more someone drinks, the more tolerant to alcohol the body becomes. At the same time, the brain may become more dependent on its influence. When the effects of alcohol wear off, a person who is dependent on it can experience uncomfortable and distressful withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild to possibly fatal.

Alcohol withdrawal side effects include:

  • Mild: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, shakiness, mood swings, brain fog and heart palpitations

  • Moderate: raised blood pressure, irregular heart rate, higher body temperature, rapid respiration, confusion, excessive sweating, irritability and intensified mood disturbances

  • Severe Delirium Tremens (DTs): fever, hallucinations, seizures, agitation, severe confusion and possible death

The first step in alcoholism treatment is addressing any withdrawal symptoms to relieve the person’s discomfort and preventing any more serious symptoms from happening. Withdrawal treatment also provides an opportunity to encourage the person to enter long-term AUD treatment.

Medical Detox for Alcohol Withdrawal near Pittsburgh PA

It’s important that anyone who has a severe drinking problem to avoid a sudden stop in drinking. When drinking is completely cut out, the onset of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be so rapid and serious that it could put the person in immediate danger of medical complications or death. The safe way to quit drinking and manage any withdrawal symptoms is to have a professional medical detox.

Silvermist Recovery partners with licensed medical detox providers, helping to minimize discomfort throughout every stage of the detox process. Once patients complete the detox process, they can complete the next stage of their care through Silvermist Recovery.

Treatment after Detox

Once detox is completed through a Silvermist Recovery affiliate and the brain and body have been cleared of alcohol, the next recommended step is to enter some type of formal residential or outpatient treatment.

Residential, or inpatient, treatment for alcohol use problems makes alcohol inaccessible when cravings and urges happen. A residental setting also gives the person a chance to relax in a safe and secure environment without having to deal with the stress that daily living can bring. Around-the-clock monitoring, medications, support and therapies are available in a residential treatment center.

Outpatient treatment, meanwhile, can be effective for people who have a mild case of AUD. Outpatient treatment (OP) can take place through a doctor’s office, a clinic and frequent attendance of 12-step support group meetings. OP is well-suited for people who have job and family commitments and also have good social support.

Other services typically provided by both residential and outpatient programs include:

Find the Help You Need Now in Pennsylvania

Silvermist is committed to providing confidential, high-quality therapy to affect real change. Our residential addiction treatment center gives you or a loved one the opportunity to heal from substance abuse in a private setting, and our aftercare program offers long-term support for long-lasting recovery. The residential and aftercare treatment programs at Silvermist incorporate evidence-based treatments to help young adults develop their abilities, recognize their individualism and minimize their addictive traits and behaviors to lead sober, rewarding and fulfilling lives.

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