If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from alcohol addiction, discuss it with them honestly and openly. Remember that a problem drinker cannot be coerced to quit alcohol. Several free and confidential peer support groups for families dealing with alcoholism are available. Al-Anon is a group of people who have faced the same challenges as yours. Often, listening to other people's stories will help them cope with the challenges they face. Avoid emotional appeals, because they may increase the problem drinker's guilt and compulsion to consume alcohol. If you are looking for the best rehab treatment in lake forest, you come here on the right place.

Signs of alcoholism

The symptoms of alcoholism vary depending on the stage of addiction. During the early stage, the individual might be blacked out from excessive drinking or have difficulty with memory. He or she might also lie about the amount of alcohol he or she drinks. In addition, he or she may have problems with work, relationships, finances, and overall satisfaction. If you suspect a loved one of alcoholism, it is vital to seek treatment.

A common symptom of alcoholism is the inability to control one's drinking. Someone suffering from alcoholism may say, "I'm just going to have one drink." Despite their intentions, they end up drinking excessively. This behavior is a definite sign of alcohol addiction. You'll be able to tell if someone you love is having trouble controlling their drinking if they say, "I'll have one drink today."

If you see these signs, you should speak with the individual about getting treatment. The severity of alcoholism also influences how many signs of alcohol abuse a person is exhibiting. A person with mild alcoholism might not even be aware that he or she is abusing alcohol. However, if there are six or more signs of alcoholism, a person may be suffering from a severe alcohol addiction. Treatment options for severe alcoholism are more challenging in these cases.

Treatment options

When choosing the most effective treatment option for alcohol addiction, cost is often an important consideration. To reduce expenses, consider whether your insurance coverage covers the treatment, or if you can take advantage of sliding scale fees. Some programs may even offer lower prices or payment plans for those without insurance. Also, be aware that overcoming alcoholism is a process that will probably include some setbacks. Listed below are some of the best options.

Inpatient rehab. This treatment option offers you 24 hour care in a residential environment. During the inpatient program, your addiction will be treated by medical professionals trained to treat you. Outpatient rehab, on the other hand, will require you to visit your treatment facility on a weekly basis. In the process, you will learn about alcoholism and how to overcome triggers. Once you learn to identify these triggers, you can work on preventing relapse.

Intensive outpatient programs. This treatment option is appropriate for those who need a combination of therapy and doctor visits. It will offer structure and guidance without an extended stay in the hospital. Individual therapy can be beneficial throughout the addiction treatment process. A licensed therapist will teach patients healthy coping mechanisms and develop new communication skills. These methods will help them gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the issues that affect their lives. However, there are risks involved with these methods.

Genetic factors

One study conducted by the Linkoping University found that people with a genetic predisposition to alcohol addiction have lower levels of the protein GAT-3. GAT-3 codes for a brain protein that regulates the neurotransmitter GABA. Alcohol dependence has been widely linked to GABA, and decreased levels of GAT-3 in the brains of people who died from alcohol use disorder. Other research suggests that genes may play a role in alcohol addiction. In addition, people with mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, are at greater risk of turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

One genetic variation that has been associated with alcohol abuse is ALDH2 (a dihydropyridine dehydrogenase 1). People with this gene have higher amounts of acetaldehyde in the blood, which is responsible for many of the unpleasant side effects associated with alcohol use. If you have this gene, you will likely have a higher risk of alcohol abuse. Genetic studies are aimed at identifying the gene responsible for the tendency to develop alcohol addiction.

Although genetics can predict alcohol and drug addiction, researchers must overcome public mistrust in the use of genetic tests. Physicians must also develop a better understanding of genetics and addiction to effectively treat patients. Alexandra Shields, director of the Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital Center on Genomics, noted that a national survey of primary care physicians showed that only 5 percent of physicians felt confident using genetic testing in interpreting the results and recommendations.