The idea of never having a drink again can make people with alcohol use disorders hesitate to get help. They may think that drinking in moderation is a better option. But can an alcoholic drink in moderation? At our alcohol rehab center, we provide the guidance you need when trying to get sober—all you have to do is call us at 844.875.5609.
Understanding Alcohol’s Impact on the Brain
Alcohol affects the neurotransmitters in your brain, which are the chemicals that help transmit signals from one neuron to another.
When you first start drinking, you may feel more relaxed because alcohol is suppressing some brain activity, especially that associated with inhibition.
Long-term use of alcohol can lead to many harmful effects and conditions, including:
- Higher blood pressure
- Stroke
- Lack of important vitamins for the brain
- Falls and injuries leading to brain trauma
Over time, alcohol can cause structural changes to your brain, affecting your impulse control and decision-making abilities. These structural changes can also cause your neurons to shrink and to be of a lower quality than they would otherwise have been.
You may also experience issues with depression since long-term alcohol abuse can affect serotonin levels in the brain.
If you get treatment and get sober, however, the brain can heal. The big question, however, is whether drinking in moderation is a possibility for someone who’s had an alcohol use disorder.
Combating a Relapsing Condition: Can an Alcoholic Drink in Moderation?
For the majority of people with an alcohol use disorder, the answer is a resounding no.
The changes that alcohol use disorders make to your brain do not allow for moderation—once you take a sip of alcohol, your brain will demand you keep drinking to feel the surge of endorphins it’s used to getting.
There is a school of thought called moderation management that suggests that some people may be able to drink in moderation. But usually, this is for those who didn’t have full-fledged addictions but who were problem drinkers or binge drinkers. If you have an alcohol use disorder, drinking alcohol will never be safe.
Getting Help: Treating the Underlying Cause of Alcohol Addiction
To get sober, turning to an alcohol rehab center can be the right step. At our center, we can help you find the level of care that can provide the exact support you need.
We always recommend people turn to our medical detox services for alcohol addiction. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, especially if you develop delirium tremens, so having medical assistance keeps you safe.
For those just starting their recovery or those who’ve attempted treatment without success, we offer residential treatment programs. These programs allow you to remove yourself from your regular environment so that you can focus on healing and understanding what caused the problem in the first place.
We rely on behavioral therapies and other treatment modalities to make this possible.
If you’ve completed residential treatment or can’t participate in that level of care, we offer outpatient services. Depending on the number of hours you want of treatment and the severity of your addiction, we may recommend partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or standard outpatient programs.
Trust Promises With Your Recovery
You don’t have to struggle through another day battling alcohol addiction on your own. At Promises, we are ready to provide the quality services you need to start healing so that you can achieve long-lasting recovery.
Alcohol addiction is a chronic condition—you will always have it—but by understanding the cause of the problem and being dedicated to sobriety, you can lead the life you want.
Contact Promises today at 844.875.5609 to learn more about our programs.