Alcoholism is the most severe form of alcohol use disorder, and this condition can also be understood as an addiction to alcohol. Drinking alcohol plays a significant role in many aspects of American society. At Longleaf Recovery & Wellness, our trained treatment professionals can assess individuals to determine the specific severity of alcohol use disorder and provide comprehensive services to support a client’s transition to recovery.

What is Alcoholism & Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcoholism is the most severe form of alcohol use disorder, and this condition can also be understood as an addiction to alcohol. Drinking alcohol plays a significant role in many aspects of American society, however, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism over 14 million adults aged 18 and older experience alcohol use disorder. This condition can lead to problems such as the inability to maintain jobs or common life responsibilities while others may face more severe consequences, such as divorce, legal problems, or significant health issues. At Longleaf Recovery & Wellness, our trained treatment professionals can assess individuals to determine the specific severity of alcohol use disorder and provide comprehensive services to support a client’s transition to recovery.

Alcoholism Risk Factors

The development of alcohol use disorder is not limited to one single factor. Research indicates that a complex interaction of biological, emotional, and genetic factors increases a person’s susceptibility to problematic substance use. From a brain perspective, alcohol’s euphoric effects include increased dopamine levels, or feelings of pleasure, which encourages the individual to repeat the behavior. Repeated alcohol use can create more vulnerability toward developing alcoholism. Other factors that increase the risk to develop alcohol use disorder include:

  • Family history of substance use
  • Untreated mental health issues
  • Social factors
  • Cultural factors
  • Binge drinking starting at an early age
  • History of trauma
  • High levels of stress

Alcoholism Statistics

Most Americans consume alcohol at least once during their lifetime. Of those who drink alcohol, 6.7% of them will develop an Alcohol Use Disorder

  • About 25.8 percent of adults ages 18 and older reported binge drinking in the last month.
  • Every day, 261 people die from excessive drinking.
  • More than 80% of these deaths occur among adults aged 35 or older, according to the CDC.
  • Alcohol kills 10 percent of people between the ages of 15 and 49.
  • Globally, an estimated 3.3 million people died from alcohol abuse.
  • Alcohol-related deaths occur every year, accounting for between 5.3% and 6.0% of the world’s deaths.
  • Alcohol causes about 14 percent of deaths among young adults aged 20 to 39 years.

What Happens During Alcohol Treatment at Longleaf?

All of our treatment for alcoholism is based on the client’s individual needs. We can begin the process with a complimentary consultation with the client and their family or start with a brief assessment that can be completed over the telephone. This is where we start the process because we want to ensure individuals receive the proper care even if that means recommending treatment outside of our program. If this is our recommendation, we are happy to facilitate admission to the outside treatment and then have you back to our program to continue your care.

When a client begins treatment at Longleaf, they are first assessed by a masters-level clinician and by our medical staff. These assessments allow us to create an individualized treatment plan and make recommendations for a level of care. For clients needing the most structure and support, they begin in our full-day or partial-hospitalization level of care. They will attend services Monday-Friday, including group therapy, individual therapy, and follow-up appointments with our medical staff. Depending upon individual needs, we also have options for half-days and evening treatment.

Begin Alcohol Treatment Today

Alcoholism is a chronic, progressive illness that doesn’t just affect the person drinking. It takes hard work, a support system, and a dedicated team of professionals to recover from such a challenging disorder. At Longleaf Recovery & Wellness, our multidisciplinary staff have decades of experience treating alcoholism and seeing the lives of our clients improve. If you or a loved are concerned about alcoholism or alcohol use disorder, help is only one phone call away at our alcohol treatment. Get started with treatment today by request more information about Longleaf Recovery & Wellness.

Our Recovery Center Locations

Our specialized treatment facilities are dedicated to assisting adults and families grappling with mental health challenges and addiction. We address the underlying stressors, offering a transformative path to change and sustained support for a restored life.

2501 International Park
Birmingham , AL 35243
205.813.7400
2441 International Park
Birmingham , AL 35243
205.813.7402
450 Dunlop Blvd SW
Madison , AL 35758
256.542.0022
13920 Cypress Way
Spanish Fort , AL 36527
251.272.7070