Colorado Alcohol Addiction Helpline

1. Colorado Alcohol Addiction Help Suffering From Drug Addiction? Request Help Today (866) 592-9261 info@coloradoAlcoholaddictionhelp.com www.coloradoalcoholaddictionhelp.com

2. About Alcohol Addiction The goal of our helpline is to provide clear and helpful information about all aspects of alcoholism in order that you may make an informed choice regarding treatment. Alcohol abuse is a complex disease which affects the life of not only the person abusing alcohol but also the lives of their family members and friends which is why recovery is so important. Many alcoholics delay seeking treatment due to fear of the detox process. They understandably dread being without alcohol which they have depended upon for so long. However, there are medically supervised treatment methods which can ease the symptoms of withdrawal and make the process more comfortable. Once detox has been completed, treatment should immediately follow to ensure a successful outcome. Detox alone is not treatment; it is the forerunner of treatment, after which clients can anticipate a healthier life with renewed relationships, free of the shackles of alcohol abuse. If you have questions or would like further information, please call Colorado Alcohol Addiction Help to speak with a member of our team. They will be happy to assist you.

3. Alcohol Addiction The road to alcohol addiction usually begins gradually. Whether teen or adult, the first sip of the first drink produces a pleasurable experience as dopamine is released by the brain. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasurable feelings which follow good food, sex and other pleasure causing activities. Due to the effect of dopamine, the brain urges the user to repeat the behavior to reproduce the pleasurable experience. Over time, as larger amounts of alcohol are ingested and with increasing frequency, the brain reaches a point where a reduced amount of dopamine is produced. In a frantic search for the dopamine effect, the drinker increases the amount of alcohol in an effort to achieve the same pleasurable feeling which occurred the first time and is thus able to build a tolerance to the alcohol even though they are drinking it in ever increasing amounts. Request Help Today (866) 592-9261

4. Symptoms Of Alcohol Addiction Alcoholism can creep up on a person. Eventually though, people will notice strange behavior, slurred speech or other signs of alcohol addiction. When confronted about their addiction, many alcoholics will completely deny it and may become angry or blame other circumstances for their addiction. Family members are usually the first people to become aware that something is amiss. There are a number of warning signs to watch for and they include the following: • Inability to control amount consumed • Blackouts or memory loss • Prefers drinking to other activities • Irritable when alcohol is unavailable • Drinks alone or in secret • Cannot control craving to drink • Continually drinks larger amounts • Continues to drink despite negative physical and emotional effects

5. Consequences Of Alcohol Addiction As addiction continues, every aspect of life seems to be affected. Family relationships deteriorate; it is extremely stressful living with an alcoholic, always worrying about their health and safety, wondering why they haven’t come home and waiting for the dreaded knock at the door or phone call with news of an accident. Friendships are neglected, unless the friends enable the addiction, and social engagements are off the calendar. Attendance at work is intermittent due to hangovers and unemployment becomes a real possibility. Sleep patterns become disturbed and appetite is usually lessened considerably causing more health problems. Even personal hygiene can go overboard — a person may neglect to shave or shower and pretty soon they are looking unkempt. Some turn to crime to finance their addiction and there may be trouble with law enforcement. Request Help Today (866) 592-9261

6. Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Colorado When a person is considering or has agreed to receive treatment for alcoholism, they are no doubt wondering what treatment options are available and which will work best for them. Before treatment even begins there is detox to navigate. Detox is not treatment but a precursor to treatment. Many people are understandably apprehensive about the detox process knowing that they will be without alcohol upon which they have depended for so long. In addition, they worry about enduring withdrawal symptoms. The good news is that medically assisted detox can make the procedure much more comfortable and there will be a professional staff on hand to provide support and encouragement. Request Help Today (866) 592-9261 info@coloradoalcoholaddictionhelp.com www.coloradoalcoholaddictionhelp.com

7. Prescription Medication There are three FDA approved medications for the treatment of alcohol addiction, naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram. A fourth medication, topiramate is showing success in clinical trials. Naltrexone blocks receptors which are involved in the rewarding effects of drinking and is highly effective in some patients but not all, perhaps due to genetic differences. Acamprosate helps reduce symptoms during the withdrawal process including insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, depression and irritability. It is often more effective in patients with severe dependence. Request Help Today (866) 592-9261 info@coloradoalcoholaddictionhelp.com www.coloradoalcoholaddictionhelp.com

8. Contact Us Suffering From Drug Addiction? Request Help Today (866) 592-9261 info@coloradoAlcoholaddictionhelp.com www.coloradoalcoholaddictionhelp.com