Alcohol addiction affects the lives of countless people and their families across New Jersey. But what is it about this state that’s different in terms of alcoholism? Could it be the different approaches to alcohol rehab in New Jersey as compared to those seen in other states? It very well might be! Stay with New Jersey Digest as we examine just how the unique set of alcohol addiction therapies affects individuals in recovery in the Garden State. Who knows? You might even find the right type of therapy for yourself or your loved one as you read!
What constitutes alcohol addiction?
Addiction to alcohol has terrible physical and psychological consequences, and it’s a global epidemic, not just one in New Jersey! Although an excessive desire to drink is fundamental to alcohol use disorder, that is not all it entails. Physical reliance and emotional connection to drinking are symptoms of the disorder, which further complicates matters and can significantly impact a person’s day-to-day functioning.
Alt-tag: Picture of a person holding a glass of alcohol.
Caption: Before looking into the different approaches to alcohol rehab in New Jersey, you need to understand the addiction itself.
What do the numbers say?
As per the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), around 5.7 million youngsters aged 12 to 17 (22.3% of all demographics) have drunk an alcoholic beverage at least once before in their lives. This doesn’t automatically mean we are dealing with addiction among youth. It does signal that a potentially troubling trend exists, though.
Diving deeper into statistics, the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reports that approximately 16.1 million people aged 12 and older have engaged in heavy alcohol use within the past month. Speaking precisely about the individuals between the ages of 12 and 17, around 63,000 have reported heavy alcohol use in the same timeframe.
The growing concern about high-intensity drinking and its impact
A worrying trend that is gaining attention is high-intensity drinking, which involves consuming alcohol at levels significantly above the established thresholds for binge drinking, differentiated by gender. This pattern of consumption is not just a step beyond traditional binge drinking but represents a far more dangerous level of alcohol intake. Individuals engaging in this behavior, consuming twice or even thrice the amount specified for binge drinking, face dramatically increased risks. Specifically, these individuals are up to 70 times more likely to require emergency medical attention after consuming double the binge drinking limits. The risk escalates further, with those drinking three times the limit being 93 times more likely to end up in the emergency department due to alcohol-related issues.
This stark increase in emergency department visits among high-intensity drinkers highlights the severe health implications and potential for acute harm that this drinking behavior poses.
Alcohol rehab approaches in New Jersey
Suppose you were looking to combat your or your loved one’s alcohol addiction in New Jersey. Would you look for a program that allows you to receive treatment while staying at home? Or would you rather like to receive all-around care in a rehabilitation facility? Whatever your wishes, the state is here to please you with its range of treatment programs!
Alt-tag: Picture of a person who is discussing the: different approaches to alcohol rehab in New Jersey.
Caption: The alcohol rehab approaches are varied to suit the needs of everyone who might need help.
In-depth look at inpatient alcohol rehab
The first type of treatment we cannot help but mention is certainly inpatient treatment adopted at Level Up Treatment Lawrenceville, commonly known as We Level Up Lawrenceville NJ. What this particular facility is known for (and this program while at it) is a supportive setting that allows for supervised detox. We Level Up Lawrenceville NJ staff is always on hand to monitor patients. This can significantly reduce the risk of serious withdrawal symptoms (e.g., delirium tremens) turning life-threatening.
As they receive treatment within a medically controlled setting, patients receive well-rounded support that combines different forms of therapy, counseling, and support groups. This results in both their physical and psychological symptoms being addressed. What’s more, with no access to alcohol and no contact with the triggers of daily life, the chances of their making a full recovery become drastically higher.
Alcohol detox
There’s no talk about the actual recovery without alcohol detox. We are talking about a process that involves the body clearing itself of this substance. It’s rather discomforting, but sometimes, it can even lead to severe complications. As we have already implied, professional supervision during alcohol detoxification is required for safe withdrawal management.
The detox process typically unfolds in phases:
- This initial stage involves a review of the individual’s alcohol use, health history, and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Next, medical interventions help manage withdrawal symptoms, with medications often used to ease discomfort and mitigate risks.
- Professionals develop a personalized treatment strategy that includes therapy and support groups, aiming to address the underlying causes of addiction.
- The final step involves moving into a longer-term treatment program, focusing on the psychological aspects of addiction and reinforcing recovery support through embracing change and lifelong learning.
Exploring psychotherapy for long-term sobriety
Psychotherapy plays a huge role in staying sober, as it helps uncover the psychological and emotional roots of alcohol addiction. It also helps individuals adopt healthier coping mechanisms and build a strong foundation for a new-found sober lifestyle.
Alternative therapies and treatments for chronic pain typically complement psychotherapy, as prolonged pain can (more often than not) lead to substance abuse. Traditional practices like acupuncture, mindfulness, and yoga have proven especially effective!
Alt-tag: Picture of a person who is trying to obtain long-term sobriety.
Caption: Psychotherapy has been proven helpful for many people.
The different approaches to alcohol rehab in New Jersey suit everyone’s needs
It’s clear that different approaches to alcohol rehab in New Jersey exist, but choosing the right option for you or your loved one ultimately boils down to understanding that everyone’s situation is different. For one person, inpatient rehab could be just the thing that happens to lead them to recovery. Yet, for others, it could be the outpatient program that lets them stay in touch with their regular, daily life. Still, it’s encouraging to see that such a variety of programs are available. This diversity means that there’s hope. But above all, it means that there is a suitable path for those ready to make a change!
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
