Am I Addicted To Alcohol
Only a trained addiction professional can diagnose you with an alcohol use disorder . To be diagnosed with AUD, individuals must meet any two of the below criteria within the same 12-month period:
- Using alcohol in higher amounts or for a longer time than originally intended.
- Cravings, or a strong desire to use alcohol.
- Continuing to abuse alcohol despite the presence of a psychological or physical problem that is probably due to alcohol use.
- Being unable to cut down on alcohol use despite a desire to do so.
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of alcohol.
- Continuing to abuse alcohol despite negative interpersonal or social problems that are likely due to alcohol use.
- Giving up previously enjoyed social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
- Being unable to fulfill major obligations at home, work, or school because of alcohol use.
- Using alcohol in physically dangerous situations .
- Having a tolerance .
- Developing symptoms of withdrawal when efforts are made to stop using alcohol.
Alcohol Tobacco And Other Drugs
The misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and prescription medications affect the health and well-being of millions of Americans. SAMHSAs 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that approximately 19.3 million people aged 18 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year.
Options For Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment
The good news is that however severe or longstanding an alcohol problem, most people can benefit from some form of treatment. There is a wide range of treatments for alcohol use disorder available to you, from 12-step programs to inpatient rehab lasting several weeks. The main types of addiction treatments offered to people with alcohol use disorder include:
- Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy , motivational enhancement, and marital and family counseling can help you change drinking behaviors through counseling.
- Medications can help offset the changes caused by alcohol in your brain, reduce heavy drinking, and make it easier for you to remain sober.
- Peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs help you cut back or quit drinking through support from others who have faced similar challenges.
Each person struggling with alcohol use disorder is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment that works for everyone. Understanding your treatment options is an important first step in getting the help you need. If you would like to learn more about alcohol treatment options, call Drug Helpline on .
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What Should I Ask When I Call A Ca Substance Abuse Hotline
When you decide to reach out for help, you probably already feel concerned about your substance abuse. However, some people might not be able to tell the difference between occasional use, abuse, and full-blown addiction. Knowledgeable hotline advisors can help you to sort out your thoughts on the matter and provide you with clear answers that will help you determine how serious your substance abuse is, whether you need professional help, and what kind. So, when you call a helpline you should get answers to some or all of these questions:7
- How do I know that I need to go to rehab?
- Are there options for free rehab in California?
What Questions Should I Ask The Operator
When you call the National Drug Helpline at , no questions are off limits. You can ask for information without fear of judgment, blame, or concern about legal or personal outcomes. Questions that hotline operators can help you with include:
- The dangers of drug addiction and abuse, including the potential for frequent overuse
- Treatment options for the drug in question, such as inpatient and outpatient
- Potential costs of treatment
- Availability of treatment centers
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When Should One Call A Gambling Hotline
Addiction is a journey that can quickly go from casual fun to a problem. What starts as a harmless activity just for entertainment can slowly progress to an activity one needs to take part in to feel any self-worth and happiness. It, paired with desperation for money, can create a situation where the person loses money and keeps wanting to gamble over and over again, trying to win back what they lost. The phenomenon is also called loss chasing and has been studied extensively. Its something almost all addicts have in common.
Gamblers need to recognize when their habit transitions from harmless fun to a problem. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, the fifth edition, also called the DSM-5 for short names the signs and symptoms of problem gambling.
These Are:
- Feeling the need to gamble
- Feeling irritable when they think about or try to stop
- Trying to stop but giving in every time
- It has become the main thought in their minds for most of the day and is the main thing they plan about
- Using it as a coping mechanism
- Continuing even when theyre constantly losing money
- Resorting to lying, to hide the addiction
- Having problems in their personal and professional lives because of it
- Always trying to figure out how to source money from those around them to spend it on fueling the habit.
When the addiction gets out of hand, the addict can help themselves. These can be little things like recognizing a problem and then doing something about it.
Drug Addiction Helpline Vs Hotline
There’s often confusion between drug addiction hotlines and drug addiction helplines. Both are important 24/7 resources for anyone struggling with addiction, but there are some key differences between the two. When struggling with drug addiction, it is important to know all of the resources available to you so that you can get the help you need.
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Are Addiction Hotlines Free And Confidential
Alcohol and drug addiction hotlines are free to call and require you to provide no identifying information. You are under no obligation to move forward with treatment or to make any type of commitment whatsoever. They are there strictly to provide support, guidance, and information.
If you contact a service that asks for identifying information or says you must seek treatment as a result of your call, chances are you are not in contact with a hotline. Most of the numbers youll call claiming to be addiction hotlines will not do these things. But occasionally, scam numbers are circulated to the public.
If you are uncomfortable at any time during the call, you are free to hang up and contact another number.
What Is An Alcohol Or Drug Addiction Helpline
Calling a free 24-hour drug or alcohol addiction treatment hotline or helpline number is a great way to connect with someone who has experience with drug and alcohol abuse or addiction and related issues and who can help you find rehab and recovery centers in your area. You may wish to know about drug rehab or talk to a helpline for drug addiction. You might want to contact a helpline about drug withdrawal or talk to a relapse prevention hotline. Drug addiction helplines can provide information on treatment facilities, the detox process, substance use and additional addiction-related topics.1
Recovery.org is an American Addiction Centers Resource and can help you or a loved one find the treatment you need. If you are ready to learn more about your rehab and addiction recovery options, contact our compassionate team of admissions navigators who are ready to offer drug and alcohol help free of charge at .
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Nationwide Numbers For Alcoholism Helplines
There are several national alcohol hotline numbers that operate in the United States and provide useful resources to those struggling with drinking-related problems:
911: This is the 24-hour emergency phone number for any life-threatening or crisis situation, including alcoholism-related problems.
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence : 1-800-NCA-CALL : This nationwide alcohol crisis hotline offers information, education, and hope to people with a drinking problem.
National Institute on Drug Abuse :1-800-662-HELP : This 24-hour helpline is dedicated to preventing substance abuse. In addition to the toll-free number SAMHSA alcohol abuse hotline, online help is available to locate treatments and trials.
National Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222: This is a free and confidential alcohol poisoning hotline that is available 24 x 7. Experts are available with advice on all kinds of poisoning, including drugs and ethanol.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK : This number is available around the clock to people in distress. Representatives provide free help and resources through locally-operated crisis centers.
Alcoholics Anonymous: 1-212-870-3400: This national alcohol helpline has a team of volunteers who have experienced drinking problems and are willing to help those struggling with alcoholism.
Hotline Questions: What Are My Treatment Options
Many approaches have been successful in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction:5,6
- Behavioral therapy is designed to help a person struggling with addiction learn the skills needed to make meaningful change. Through therapy, theyll learn the ways that unhealthy thoughts and beliefs keep them using, and theyll develop problem-solving skills and techniques that can be used to avoid drug use in the future.
- Programs involving the 12 Steps are effective in helping people stay sober. These treatment programs rely on social support, fellowship and spirituality.
- Motivational interviewing helps the recovering individual develop their own motivations to remain sober and create plans to stay away from drugs or alcohol.
- Contingency management uses positive reinforcements and rewards to encourage patients to remain drug-free.
- Medication is useful in some cases to block the effects of drugs of use, relieve cravings or alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
- Alternative methods of treatment are also available. Holistic treatments include acupuncture, meditation and yoga. Equine therapy, wilderness programs and art or music therapy are also provided at some alcohol and drug rehab centers. You may be able to locate specialized treatment, such as programs for LGBTQ+ people.
Drug addiction and abuse has many causes and a variety of approaches may be needed to treat the individual. Programs are tailored to each patient and there is something for everyone.
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What Kind Of Addiction Treatments Are Available
Alcohol and drug addiction is a complex and long-lasting medical condition characterized by compulsive behaviors despite negative consequences. Addiction is also a relapsing disease, meaning a person can return to drug or alcohol use during an attempt to quit or even many years after quitting. The good news is that addiction is treatable and there are many effective options available to help people struggling with substance misuse. Treatments can help people stop using drugs or alcohol, stay drug-free, and lead a productive, healthy, happy life.
It is worth noting that no single addiction treatment is right for everyone and the treatment plan needs to be individualized to address the needs of each person. A drug and alcohol hotline can help you identify the level of care that you or your loved one needs and the programs nearby that offer those types of addiction treatments.
The main types of addiction treatments that are used in treating drug and alcohol misuse include:
Medical detox: This is the phase of addiction treatment during which the body is allowed to rid itself of harmful substances under medical supervision. For some substances, detox can be dangerous if not conducted under such supervision. Medical supervision ensures that any health complications that arise as well as withdrawal symptoms and cravings can be managed by the healthcare team to ensure safe and comfortable detoxification.
List Of Best Addiction Hotline Services
Here are the top addiction hotline services:
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Recovery First Treatment Center & River Oaks Treatment Center
As some of the top-rated addiction treatment facilities, these centers offer personalized treatment and a full continuum of care, including safe and comfortable medical detox, personalized individual counseling tailored to each patient, as well as nature-based programs designed to help in recovery. You can give them a call to check your insurance coverage or you can do it by filling out an online insurance form.
Questions To Ask An Addiction Hotline Specialist
Addiction hotline operators frequently answer questions such as:
- How do I know I have an addiction?
- What should I know about my/a loved ones addiction?
- How does my addiction affect my overall health?
- What are the signs of a drug overdose?
- Is treatment available for my addiction?
- Does health insurance cover addiction treatment?
- Is free treatment available?
- What is the treatment success rate?
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Can A Person Start Rehab Or The Recovery Process At The Time Of The Call
American Addiction Centers is the largest network of facilities in the United States that provides varied levels of care and wrap-around support for people who are ready to take control of their addiction.
Our facilities provide treatment programs that are backed up by research and delivered by a staff of qualified addiction professionals. What makes AAC truly stand out from other organizations is our wide range of treatment options, our 90-day promise, and our alumni network.
AAC is the nations leading provider in addiction treatment and research. We are committed to working with you to determine the best course of action to treat the disease impacting your life, and we are just a quick phone call away.
Is It Free To Call A Drug And Alcohol Addiction Hotline
Yes, calls to the drug hotline are free. If it is a toll-free number, you will not incur any charges for the call. The information will also be provided completely free of cost. You do not need to have health insurance to call a drug and alcohol hotline. However, should you decide to start addiction treatment, you will need to pay for the treatment through your health insurance policy or out of pocket.
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What Are Ca Addiction Hotline Services
A California abuse hotline number is a phone number people can call to get help regarding their alcohol or drug abuse issues. Addiction helpline advisors provide general information about alcohol, drugs, and addiction, listen to callers problems and answer their questions. Well-trained CA hotline representatives can offer support and advice, share resources, and direct callers to best-suited treatment options, and local rehab facilities.5
California was the state with the largest numbers of both facilities and clients in addiction treatment for every odd year from 2007 through 2017. The SAMHSAs 2017 N-SSATS report includes 1,311 California facilities, with a total of 118,607 clients in treatment. The number of clients in treatment under the age of 18 was 5,013.6
Types of care California clients were receiving was:6
- Total outpatient: 104,972 clients, of which:
- 48,501 and 8,361 in regular and intensive treatment respectively.
- 3,170 in day treatment or partial hospitalization.
- 1,755 in detox.
- 43,185 on Methadone/Buprenorphine maintenance or Naltrexone treatment.
The percentage of clients treated for both drug and alcohol abuse was 31.6 %, and 46.5% were diagnosed with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders.6
Why Should I Call A Drug Abuse Helpline
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, calling an addiction or drug abuse helpline is an important step in the recovery process. There is no shame or harm in making the call, whether its to ask a question or start treatment. It takes a great deal of strength to admit you have a problem and begin the recovery process.
You are not alone, and it is very important that you call to speak to a sympathetic, well-trained individual who knows what youre going through right now and how it feels to finally make the leap. This substance abuse helpline staff member can provide resources about rehab centers near you and information about other recovery services like support groups.
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Purposes Of A Substance Abuse Hotline
Substance abuse hotlines are a resource for people struggling with addiction. People commonly call a hotline to contact an addiction professional since this is the most accessible path for many people who may not otherwise have regular medical care. Addiction professionals who work at the hotline can provide information and make referrals for people struggling with their addiction who may not know where to turn for inpatient care or counseling services. Substance abuse counselors can also provide information and advice for loved ones, such as referrals to local intervention providers and support groups that focus on co-dependency issues.
Substance abuse hotlines are not a substitute for 911 and other emergency services, but the professionals who work for them are generally experienced in talking with people in a crisis. In an emergency, a hotline professional may be able to help a caller get in touch with emergency medical or police assistance, point the caller toward a domestic violence shelter or other resources or just provide a third-person perspective to help people with addiction issues see the need to escape a potentially dangerous situation. In all cases, the person on the phone with a caller is empathetic and supportive, and above all, non-judgmental and understanding of what the caller is going through.
Who Should Call A Substance Or Drug Abuse Hotline
Anyone can call the drug or alcohol abuse addiction hotline for advice. Parents, family members, friends, acquaintances or even the person themselves even may call for advice, help, or just to explore treatment options. The addiction hotline is free to use and there is no obligation to enter treatment. Call us at
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