Alcoholism, also referred to as alcohol use disorder or alcohol dependence, affects about 18 million adult Americans. The condition can range in severity from mild to severe and can even be life-threatening in some cases. If you’re a heavy drinker and can’t control the amount of alcohol you consume, turn to Salisu Aikoye, MD, and the experienced team at Sal Psychiatry Services in Norwalk, California. They can diagnose and treat alcoholism to restore your health and quality of life. Request an appointment by phone or online today. Telehealth visits are also available.
Alcoholism is a psychiatric disorder in which you have difficulty controlling the amount of alcohol you drink. You might want to drink less or avoid alcohol altogether but can’t without help from a professional. Alcoholism can cause problems for your health, job, or relationships with other people. Treatment at Sal Psychiatry Services can help you regain control of your life.
If you or a loved one have alcoholism, you might experience the following signs or symptoms:
Withdrawal symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, sweating, shaking, a rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and hand tremors, as well as agitation, hallucinations, anxiety, and seizures.
Complications associated with alcoholism can include liver problems, heart damage, neurological complications, digestive problems, bone damage, cancer, or diabetes complications.
Other potential problems include eye damage, sexual dysfunction, birth defects during pregnancy, a weak immune system, coma, and even death. If you suspect you have an alcohol dependence, seeking treatment is imperative.
Alcoholism can happen to anyone, but some factors increase your risk of developing it. Examples include a family history of alcoholism, drinking alcohol at an early age, binge drinking, depression or other mental health disorders, peer pressure, and a history of trauma.
To diagnose alcoholism and develop a treatment plan, your psychiatrist reviews your medical history and symptoms. They ask questions about your drinking habits, complete a physical examination and psychiatric evaluation, and might recommend you undergo lab or imaging tests to detect or rule out underlying health problems.
If you suffer from alcoholism and want to restore your health, your Sal Psychiatry Services specialist might recommend:
Participating in a medically managed detoxification program can help. You might stay in a treatment center for several days or a week and take medications that reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Counseling with a psychiatrist helps you learn behavioral change strategies that make avoiding alcohol easier. Your provider might recommend group therapy, family counseling, or individual counseling sessions.
Taking oral medicines or receiving injections may reduce your urge to drink alcohol during recovery.
If you have a chronic disease or alcohol-related health problem, your Sal Psychiatry Services provider can offer treatment or refer you to a highly trained specialist.
Don’t live with alcoholism when help is within reach. Request an appointment with Sal Psychiatry Services over the phone or book online to get started today.