Medically Reviewed
Medically reviewed by Erika Dalton, LMSW
Written by Tampa Bay Recovery staff
Updated on August 14, 2023
Contents
Rehab in St. Petersburg
It’s time to put your health first. Call us right now to learn how we can help you break the cycle of addiction for good and create a new life of possibility
At Tampa Bay Recovery Center, we offer several types of options for alcohol rehab in Tampa that help those struggling to find sobriety. Our expert clinicians understand that alcoholism is a disease. This allows us to help you overcome your illness and find recovery. Then, you can begin to lead the life you want to live. It can be said that one of the oldest and most common addictive substances in the world is alcohol. From celebrating to socializing, drinking alcohol is a habit that millions of Americans participate in. However, for some, alcohol consumption can spiral out of control until it becomes an addiction.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease that causes a person to become unable to stop abusing alcohol. They continue to consume it despite the negative impact on their lives. Their dependencies are both physical and emotional in nature. Alcoholism also falls into the category of substance use disorders, which includes drug addiction.
The brain naturally produces chemicals like endorphins that create feelings of joy and happiness. Addiction to alcohol robs the brain of its ability to create these. As a result, the person begins to rely on alcohol consumption to create pleasurable feelings. Withdrawal symptoms begin when a person tries to stop drinking. Because of this, attending Tampa alcohol treatment becomes necessary. Alcohol rehab in Tampa provides professional assistance that allows a person to stop using alcohol and become sober.
What to Expect During Alcohol Rehab in Tampa?
Those who attempt to stop drinking alone fail more often than not. Additionally, they will likely experience withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable and can even be deadly. For this reason, alcoholism requires professional alcohol rehab. Treatment often begins with detox, which helps the person rid their bodies of the toxins built up during alcoholism. From there, a person either goes to residential treatment or to outpatient care.Â
Outpatient care comes in several forms, including:
– Partial Hospitalization Program
– Intensive Outpatient Program
– Virtual IOP
– Outpatient Rehab
– Long-Term Rehab
All outpatient rehab options build on the treatment that began in detox or residential care. Common alcohol rehab includes individual therapy, group therapy, and holistic therapy. The goal is to prepare a person to avoid relapsing and enjoy living a sober life. Aftercare plans can be set up so they remain supported after graduating from formal treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
While it can be difficult to understand when addiction to alcohol has begun, there are signs and symptoms. These involve physical signs, which can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Experiencing hangovers
- Bloodshot eyes
- Weight gain or loss
- Blackouts
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Changes in blood pressure or heart rate
- Redness in the nose or face
- Poor coordination
- Slurred speech
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
- Alcohol induced psychosis
In addition, alcohol addiction can cause behavioral and emotional signs and symptoms. These include:
- Attempting to stop drinking and being unable to do so
- Spending a lot of time obtaining and drinking alcohol
- Loss of interest in hobbies or pastimes
- Isolating
- Relationship problems related to alcohol consumption
- Work or school life suffering because of drinking
- Using alcohol to manage signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental illness symptoms
- Increase in mental illness symptoms, such as depression and anxiety
If a person is unsure if they or a loved one is now in the grips of alcohol addiction, they can get professional advice. Our admissions staff can provide guidance..
Health Complications from Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction can take a serious toll on your health. Some effects of alcohol addiction can be minor, while there are many that can be life-threatening. The short-term health effects of alcohol abuse can include:
- Reduce in brain activity
- Poor reflexes
- Blurry vision
- Restlessness
- Difficulty breathing
Long-term health effects of alcohol can be dormant until they begin causing someone physical issues. Medical supervision and treatment is required for treating any of these conditions:
- Liver Disease
- Heart problems
- Bone loss
- Memory Loss
- Increased risk of cancer
- Vision problems
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Ready to Escape Addiction? Let's get Started
Tampa Bay Recovery Center is a premier leader in the provision of addiction treatment services. If you or someone you love is in need of professional care to address a substance use disorder, reach out to us right now at (813) 733-8774 to speak with an admissions specialist who can get you started on the road to recovery.
Benefits of Alcohol Rehab in Tampa
Too often, people assume alcohol rehab is a cold, clinical experience. They think it will just be white-knuckling their way through each day, trying not to drink. In contrast, our programs provide several wonderful benefits. Tampa Bay Recovery Center is with you through each day of your treatment. We help you understand what started your addiction and how to end it.Â
We teach you healthy coping skills that mean you are less likely to succumb to relapse. For those just leaving detox or residential treatment, our alcohol rehab in Tampa provide the perfect step down. We help them learn to embrace life as a sober person. In addition, we work with you to plan your treatment goals so you get the exact level of assistance you need.Â
We also treat dual diagnosis disorders, which is the condition of having both an addiction and at least one mental illness. The mental health diagnoses can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more. Addressing both diseases at the same time saves time and money.
How We Treat Alcohol Addiction in Tampa
At Tampa Bay Recovery Center, we utilize a number of modalities to address the underlying causes of addiction. Recovery shouldnât be a one-size-fits-all approach. With cutting-edge modalities, our clients can find the space needed to heal with an evidence-based approach.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR involves a trained therapist directing a person in relation to eye movements while discussing previous traumatic events. This therapy helps many people reduce symptoms related to trauma-based conditions. In turn, this helps them feel less of a need for alcohol consumption to help with residual effects of trauma such as flashbacks and anxiety.
Brainspotting:Â Another breakthrough in treating trauma, brainspotting involves using fixed eye positions combined with talk therapy. When trauma is reduced, it positively impacts alcohol addiction treatment.
Red Light Therapy (RLT): RLT is the practice of using low levels of red or near-infrared lights. This therapy helps treat conditions related to the skin and muscle tissues.
Holistic Therapy:Â Many facilities and therapists use holistic therapy to help treat the mind, body, and spirit as a whole. Holistic therapy can include yoga, massage therapy, acupuncture, art therapy, and more.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT combines talk therapy with medications that assist in alcohol addiction treatment. The combination helps those in alcohol rehab in Tampa make progress. The FDA-approved medications assist in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings for alcohol.
Overcome Addiction with evidence-based, expert care.
Alcoholism Statistics
A recent report shows just how prevalent alcohol use disorders are in the U.S. In 2019, over 14 million adults ages 18 and older had an AUD. Even children and teenagers are not immune.
 In that same year, approximately 414,000 people aged 12 â 17 had an AUD. Starting to drink at an early age can contribute to becoming an alcoholic. People who began drinking before they were 15 were five times more likely to become an alcoholic. The CDC reports that 29 people die every day in the U.S. due to motor vehicle crashes related to alcohol impairment. Driving drunk often happens after a person binge drinks.Â
For men, binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks in two hours. For women, the number is four drinks. The CDC estimates around 40% of Americans binge drink. Nine out of ten of those who do are underage.
The Impact of Alcohol Addiction on Families
More often than not, the person entering treatment isnât the only one who needs to recover. Often overlooked, family members have faced years of trauma from seeing their loved one fall into the grips of addiction. Family members can develop their own maladaptive patterns and enabling behaviors to help them cope with their loved onesâ addictions. This type of behavior can prevent their loved one from truly getting the help they need. While each family dynamic is different, the impact of addiction on families cannot be understated. With multiple resources and options available, itâs important to remember that millions of families are struggling nationwide and millions have also recovered. Learn more with our guides below:
No matter if this is your first time in treatment or your 15th, we want to make this your last. If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol addiction, the first step to getting help is that first call. Alcohol addiction can be incredibly destructive not just for the individual drinking, but for the entire family and support system. You donât have to do this alone. Our admissions coordinators are standing by, ready to guide you through the treatment process. Give us a call right now.
Our Philosophy
We believe that getting help for substance use disorders is about much more than just trying to get through another day of not drinking or using drugs. Our mission is to help people reclaim their lives by teaching them how to effectively deal with the stress, trauma, and anxiety that contribute to their addictions.Â
Meet Our Team
Our staff has over 60 years of combined experience in treating behavioral health disorders. Our compassionate and empathetic approach has helped hundreds.