Huntington Beach pier at sunset

Orange County Alcohol Rehab

Alcohol is a psychoactive substance with dependence-producing properties. Regular consumption of alcohol can lead to a host of health problems. Such as chronic diseases like liver disease, heart disease, various cancers, and poor pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can result in significant social and economic consequences for individuals.

10.2% of Americans aged 12 years and older lived with an alcohol use disorder in 2020. Even more, up to 3 million people die yearly from alcohol abuse. Excessive drinking can undoubtedly lead to a variety of problems for individuals. Unfortunately, not many people realize that they are abusing alcohol, making it more difficult to stop. 

Seeking help for alcohol abuse or addiction can feel overwhelming. However, support from trusted professionals can help people struggling to get their life back on track. At Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, we believe that recovery begins with the proper support.

Table of Contents

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Some people consume alcohol occasionally. Those living with an alcohol use disorder have a medical condition. This medical condition results in an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use. They cannot prevent their use regardless of its consequences. 

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) goes by many names. Some people refer to this disorder as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and alcoholism. 

It’s important to note that AUD is considered a brain disorder. It can be mild, moderate, and severe in some cases. Unfortunately, chronic alcohol consumption can result in lasting changes in the brain. These changes perpetuate AUD and make an individual more likely to relapse.

Even if an individual has a more severe alcohol use disorder, studies have shown that treatments can help. These treatments may include behavioral therapy, mutual-support groups, and medications. Supervised treatment can help a person with this disorder get on the path to recovery.

Risk Factors for AUD

Anyone can develop an alcohol use disorder. Whether a person develops the disorder depends on certain factors. These factors include how much alcohol they consume, how often, and how quickly they finish. Over time, alcohol misuse (including binge drinking and heavy alcohol use) can increase a person’s risk of developing the disorder. 

Other risk factors that play a role in developing AUD include:

  • Drinking at an Early Age: Those who begin drinking at an early age, specifically before the age of 15, were 5 times more likely to develop alcohol use disorder compared to individuals who waited until age 21.
  • Genetics and Family History: Two other factors that can increase the risk of AUD are genetics and a family history of alcohol problems. One of this disorder’s most significant influences combines genetics and a person’s environment. Additionally, a parent’s drinking behavior can increase the chances of a child developing AUD later on.
  • Mental Health Conditions: Various psychiatric conditions, including depression, PTSD, and ADHD, can increase a person’s risk of developing AUD.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is a pattern of unhealthy drinking habits. A person may have a problem with controlling their drinking. They may also be preoccupied with alcohol or continue to use alcohol. In some cases, they will continue to drink alcoholic beverages despite the negative consequences.

Many people who abuse alcohol tend to drink more to get the same effect. Or they may experience withdrawal symptoms when the use of alcohol has rapidly decreased. It’s important to note that the symptoms of alcohol abuse can be mild, moderate, or severe. A person may have one or two signs or a variety of symptoms.

Some signs of alcohol abuse may include:

  • Having an inability to reduce your alcohol consumption
  • Having a desire to limit your alcohol consumption but making unsuccessful attempts
  • Feeling an intense urge to drink alcohol 
  • Having a difficult time completing essential obligations, such as for work or school 
  • Reducing social and work activities by using alcohol 
  • Consuming alcohol in situations where it’s not safe, such as when driving or swimming
  • Developing a tolerance level for alcohol to get the same effect 

Those living with alcohol use disorder may also experience periods of being intoxicated and periods of withdrawal. 

  • Alcohol intoxication: Intoxication occurs when an individual has a certain amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. The higher the concentration of alcohol, the more likely a person is to have harmful effects.
  • Alcohol withdrawal: A person living with AUD may experience alcohol withdrawal. This occurs when a person engages in heavy alcohol use but experiences mental or physical problems from seriously reducing or stopping alcohol completely.

Types of Therapies for Alcohol Abuse

There are various types of treatment available for those living with AUD. Those struggling with their alcohol consumption should consider substance abuse treatment to start their road to recovery. Drug and alcohol treatment gives people various therapeutic options to treat addiction.

Here are a few common types of therapies available:

  • Detox: The first line of defense for AUD recovery is often detoxification managed by a medical professional. 
  • Psychological Counseling: Individual and group therapy is available to patients dealing with AUD to help them better understand their problem with alcohol and continue to support the recovery journey.
  • Oral Medication: In some cases, oral medication may be prescribed to help individuals manage their urge to engage in alcohol consumption. While this is not a cure for those living with AUD, it can provide support in the recovery process.

Alcohol Rehab in Orange County

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, alcohol rehab can offer invaluable support and aid in recovery. Rehab can address the core underlying issues causing substance abuse patterns and help individuals confront these issues to regain control. Alcohol rehab can also help individuals learn new and positive routines supporting their well-being.

Additionally, alcohol rehab can encourage individuals to find new meaning in life and recover from substance use disorders. Participating in a rehabilitation program enables those with alcohol abuse disorder to refocus on themselves while at the treatment facility. 

There are many treatment centers to choose from in Orange County, California. However, Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center stands out among the rest. 

Here at Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, we offer comprehensive detox and rehab programs. We aim to help individuals living with addiction reach the best versions of themselves. We are proud to provide our patients with the best medical and holistic treatments at our rehab facility. Your recovery is essential to use, which is why our team is present 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Contact us today to learn more about our available programs for addiction patients. Your road to recovery begins today.

Alcohol Rehab FAQs

Alcohol addiction treatment refers to the various methods used to help individuals reduce or stop their alcohol consumption and achieve lasting sobriety. These methods can range from medical and psychological treatments to peer support.

Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to a range of physical, mental, and social problems. Treatment can help individuals stop the harmful use of alcohol, reduce the risk of associated health problems, and improve their overall quality of life.

Treatments can be broadly categorized into:

  • Detoxification: The process of safely managing alcohol withdrawal.
  • Behavioral Treatments: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement, and family therapy.
  • Medications: Drugs like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
  • Mutual-Support Groups: Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

The duration of treatment varies based on individual needs and the type of treatment. While detoxification usually lasts a few days to a week, ongoing therapies and support can last from several weeks to several years.

Not everyone requires detox. It’s primarily for those with severe addiction or those who are at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Yes, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and, in severe cases, life-threatening. It’s recommended to detox under the supervision of medical professionals.

Medications can be effective for some people, especially when combined with counseling or behavioral therapies. They work differently for each individual, so it’s essential to work closely with a doctor.

While they are not formal treatment, mutual-support groups can play a crucial role in recovery by providing ongoing peer support.

They can educate themselves about addiction, be understanding and patient, avoid enabling behaviors, encourage sobriety, and participate in family therapies or support groups.

No, relapse can be a common part of the recovery journey. It doesn’t mean treatment has failed but rather that treatment might need to be revisited or adjusted.

Many insurance plans cover alcohol addiction treatment, but coverage varies. It’s essential to check with the insurance provider to understand the specifics.

The cost varies based on the type and duration of treatment, facility, location, and insurance coverage. Some programs offer sliding scale fees or financial assistance.

Table of Contents
Free Insurance Verification
Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Clinically Reviewed By

Dawn Masick, LMFT

Dawn has experience dealing with various relational, emotional, and psychological struggles. Dawn’s training has prepared her to work with children, teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families. She has undergone training in DBT, TF-CBT, and Family Therapy.  Other competencies include dealing with ADHD, mood/anxiety disorders, parenting challenges, addiction, PTSD, co- dependency, and relationship issues. I have experience in residential, school-based mental health, children’s community mental health, victims of crime (VOC), and private practice settings.

Dawn has been committed to guiding clients through their trauma, coming alongside them in their healing, and supporting them as they navigate life changes. Dawn’s passion is working with clients struggling with trauma in substance abuse and mental health.