Alcohol Rehab in Harrisburg, PA

Research by the NIAAA has suggested a genetic component to alcoholism -- if you have a specific genetic combination, you're able to hold your drink better than most, and obtain a bigger high from drinking. Direct genetic involvement in drinking isn't all that determines vulnerability to alcoholism, however. Other factors are often involved. It is these factors that make it possible to effectively treat alcoholism. At places such as this center for alcohol rehab in Harrisburg, PA, it is such work that goes on in an effort to help patients escape their addiction.

Attempting to address an addiction with a homebrew method obtained off the Internet or elsewhere, is never a good idea. Not only does repeatedly relapsing (falling off the wagon) do harm to the brain's ability to stay sober in the long-term, it wastes precious time, and condemns the addict to a greater amount of time spent with addiction. In the case of alcohol, heroin, benzodiazepines and some other types of addiction, the homebrew rehab idea can actually kill. The effects on the brain of quitting alcohol can be so dangerous, it can result in death. One in 10 such attempts end close to death, and one in 20 results in actual death. It takes professional alcohol rehab to lower risk.

Why Is Quitting Alcohol so High-Risk?

Alcohol acts on the brain to bring about fundamental change to the way the brain functions in the area of pleasure release. When the brain's functions are repeatedly disrupted by alcohol, its response is to adapt -- the brain adjusts levels of neurotransmitters and other chemicals to be able to function in the presence of alcohol.

When alcohol is removed or tapered off in an attempt to quit, however, it throws the brain into terrible disarray. Having gradually adapted its chemical levels for function with alcohol in the system, the brain is unable to quickly move to normal function again. Its chemical systems suffer severe imbalance, resulting in some terrible brain disruptions. Patients who are deeply addicted -- with large amounts of alcohol, and for longer than a year -- tend to experience severe cardiac disturbances, grand mal seizures and hallucinations. In the majority of cases, severe disorientation from Wernicke's and Korsakoff's syndromes are a factor, as well.

How Does Alcohol Rehab Help?

The first stage of drug rehab in Harrisburg involves assessment and intake. At some advanced destinations such as this center for alcohol rehab in Harrisburg, PA, all new patients are evaluated by a team consisting of a psychiatrist, psychologist, physician and addiction specialist. The patient is assessed for the presence of concurrent mental disorders, psychological disorders and medical complications such as kidney or liver failure. The team of specialists, then, works together to formulate a unique, personalized and unified plan that accounts for each one of the challenges detected. Called the integrated dual diagnosis, this approach is only available at the most advanced centers for alcohol rehab.

Treatment commences with alcohol detox. As the patient is tapered off alcohol, the withdrawal symptoms kick in. In a good rehab environment, qualified addiction professionals are on hand to administer palliative medications to help suppress the symptoms, and ensure both comfort and safety.

In most cases, drug detox in Harrisburg is best conducted in an inpatient environment where constant medical attention, supervision and support are made available.

Life After Detox

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually take two weeks to taper off. In some cases, patients may suffer from extended symptoms, however. At the conclusion of detox alcohol withdrawal treatment, the patient no longer suffers constant cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This, however, is not the end of the addiction. It is merely a lull. If alcohol addiction treatment does not continue in the form of psychological therapy, in most cases, relapse will occur before long.

Relapse prevention therapy consists of work done on multiple fronts. Psychologists work with their patients to identify the core psychological causes of addiction, and work to address them. Whether it is a tendency towards escapism, low self-esteem, anger or social awkwardness, there are very effective therapeutic methods that can help. Treatment can continue for months or years, depending the extent of the problems in evidence.

The rehab industry is a vast and unregulated one where there is everything available from advanced, medically valid programs to terrible, unscientific programs run by religious cults. When you work hard to find a quality, medically sound program, you will succeed. Talk to this center for alcohol rehab in Harrisburg, PA. You'll learn some valuable insights on finding the right program by calling (877) 804-1531.