Alcohol Use Disorder is among one of the most severe health problems we face today. More than 80,000 U.S. deaths are caused each year by excessive alcohol consumption. Direct and indirect causes of death include drunk driving, cirrhosis of the liver, accidents, cancer, and stroke.
Drinking patterns are not the same for every alcoholic. While some people get drunk every day, others binge drink at specific times depending on their emotional state. This is why, at Summit Malibu, we understand that alcohol addiction manifests differently for each individual struggling with the disease. We do not have one specific program that we use for every client that enters treatment. At Summit Malibu, we have many therapists that work at our treatment center, giving us the ability to pair each client with the correct treatment professional.
Although we do not know the specific reason this disease develops, we are aware of several contributing factors. Genetic predisposition, environment, and mental health are the leading risk factors for developing this disease.
Common symptoms of an alcohol addiction problem include blackouts, a change in personality, work and family issues, legal trouble, and a lack of interest in activities that were once a priority. Often times, it is the feelings of unmanageability, being out of control, and the obsession of the mind that brings someone to the point to seek treatment. Unfortunately, for many people, it takes losing what is most important to them for them to seek the help they need.
At Summit Malibu, we take pride in making each client feel comfortable enough to discuss any shameful events that may have occurred while they were using drugs or alcohol. Often when a person enters treatment, they have destroyed many aspects of their life, we believe it is essential to help each client deal with things one step at a time. Facing a drug or alcohol addiction is overwhelming in itself, which is why we help each client face their own reality one step at a time.
