Treatment of Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism

Many people get into serious trouble because of their drinking, causing harm to themselves and those around them.

There is a strong evidence base of research that shows that alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, is a primary, chronic brain disease.

Heavy drinking is described as ‘alcohol abuse’ also known as ‘alcohol use disorder.’

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How To Stop Drinking

Alcoholics cannot accurately predict what is going to happen when they put alcohol into their system. It might be one drink and then home or it might be a three-day bender. All that is predictable is that the illness of alcoholism gets worse never better if untreated.

As a result, patients who undergo an abstinence-based programme have a much better chance of  long-lasting recovery.

The specialised residential treatment programme for alcoholism that has been developed here at Castle Craig often starts with detox. This is physically removing the alcohol from the body. Then treatment can begin where a patient can come to terms with their alcoholism and learn the tools to remain sober free from a drink.

Functioning alcoholics
Alcoholism is a cunning and baffling disease. Despite a dependency on alcohol, many alcoholics remain functional in their personal life and at work. However, this perceived “functionality” doesn’t change the signs or symptoms of being an alcoholic.

Common alcoholic symptoms

  • Having withdrawal symptoms
  • Criticisms from family and friends about their drinking
  • Using alcohol to cope with stress or mental issues
  • Enduring legal consequences from drinking
  • Facing professional consequences from drinking
  • Increased tolerance to the effects of alcohol
  • Substantial time spent planning to abuse alcohol or recovering
  • A desire but inability to cut down drinking
  • Reduced interest and time spent on hobbies or responsibilities
  • Having to constantly excuse or justify drinking
  • Memory lapses
  • Using alcohol to steady nerves and tremors throughout the day

Health Risks & Side Effects of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol is toxic to the body’s cells when consumed in amounts other than those recommended. Prolonged heavy drinking and binge drinking have a variety of adverse effects on the body, including:

  • Alcoholic brain damage and Chronic liver disease
  • Memory blackouts, Anxiety & depression
  • Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
  • Chronic liver disease, Infertility in men and women
  • Increased risk of many types of cancer
  • Anxiety & depression

Alcohol Treatment Programme at Castle Craig

Detox

Detoxification—the treatment of any withdrawal syndrome associated with the abrupt or gradual cessation of the alcohol—is the first step on the road to recovery, and Castle Craig’s 30+ years of experience are what help make our success rates so high. More.

Our alcohol rehab detoxification is supervised by an experienced team who work together to make detox as safe and comfortable as possible.  We understand that this is an extremely difficult time and provide 24/7 round-the-clock care, support, and encouragement.

We closely monitor all patients throughout detox until they are stable; easing withdrawal symptoms and reviewing a patient’s care several times a day. A specialist doctor is available exclusively to Castle Craig, onsite, 24 hours a day, seven days a week in case of emergency.

Detoxification is more supportive when there is a shared room environment and in general patients share a bedroom during detoxification although there is provision for single and single en-suite accommodation.  After detox patients move to a bedroom that is either single or shared.

We do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach to treatment. Because each patient comes to us with unique life experiences and circumstances surrounding their addiction, the personal treatment needs of each individual are taken into account when we form their alcohol treatment plan.

Our world-class psychiatrists, doctors, nurses and therapists meet regularly to discuss the patient’s ongoing condition and update their treatment plan according to their progress in treatment.  Because our treatment is residential and located on one site, patients can join in the daily routine of individual counselling and group therapy as soon as their physical condition permits.

Castle Craig’s Treatment Model for Alcohol Addiction

Because of our belief that alcohol addiction is a primary, chronic brain disease and that patients must undergo an abstinence-based programme in order to achieve long-lasting recovery, we utilise the 12 Steps, along with other treatment methods.

Often alcoholism is accompanied by other conditions such as depression, eating disorders, or sleeping disorders. We take into account the comorbidity of these conditions in creating personalised treatment programmes.

Our proven treatment model for a life free from alcohol addiction is made up of evidence-based therapies for the treatment of addiction. Our programme includes:

The recovery process is assisted by a combination of exercise and a healthy diet, in peaceful, private surroundings. We assign a personal focal therapist who works with patients throughout their stay, conducts one-on-one therapy sessions and shapes their aftercare plan alongside the Head Nurse and Consultant Psychiatrist.

Page published: August 11, 2019. Page last reviewed and clinically fact-checked January 25, 2022