Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol is one of the oldest addictions known to man. It has been around for hundreds of years as a recreational substance. Alcohol contains ethanol, a psychoactive substance that is the active ingredient in drinks such as beer, wine and distilled spirits, often called “hard liquor.”
The effect on its users is known as intoxication.

Alcohol addiction or alcoholism is a serious illness. It is a disease that completely takes hold of its victim, leaving them dependent on the substance for sustenance. Alcoholism is a progressive disease that disrupts the lives of its victim and their loved ones.

What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse and binge drinking?

There are several physical signs that vary depending on the progression of the illness including:

Incoherent and slurred speech
Delayed reflexes
Clumsiness
Loss of balance
Redness of the face
Blacking out
Loss of consciousness

Alcohol is both legal and easy to acquire. Thus, it is difficult to see the true dangers which it possesses. A person may reach critical levels of intoxication which could lead to a depressed respiratory system or alcohol poisoning, both of which could be fatal. Alcoholism is life threatening and users become physically dependent on it, much like a heroin addict become dependent on the opiate.

What are the signs of alcohol dependence?

Alcohol abuse can quickly progress, becoming an addiction characterised by physical dependency. Here are a few of the signs of dependency:

Hangovers take longer to recover from
Alcohol consumption is increased due to increased tolerance
Slacking off duties and responsibilities both in personal and professional spaces
Unsuccessful efforts to quit alcohol
Medical complications caused by alcohol

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms:

Once a person becomes physically dependent on alcohol they will experience sever withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop drinking. These withdrawals can be life threatening and treatment should be greatly considered when trying to quit.

Some of the effects of withdrawal include:

Convulsions and tremors
Shaking of the hands (this is uncontrollable)
Extreme anxiety
Insomnia
Severe nausea and vomiting
Hallucinations
Seizures

Generally, medical detox is needed to safely discontinue drinking. Alcoholism is a deadly disease and if left untreated the consequences could be insurmountable.

Alcohol Addiction

When someone drinks a lot and is an alcohol addict or alcoholic, the body becomes accustomed to it. As a result, more and more alcohol is needed to get the same effect. This “habit” is called tolerance. Alcohol addiction when someone drinks a lot and is an alcohol addict or alcoholic, the body becomes accustomed to it. The body undergoes severe withdrawal symptoms when the addict tries to stop drinking.

Want to know if you drink too much? Call us for a free addiction assessment.

Causes of alcohol addiction

There are numerous factors that play a varying role in alcohol addiction:

Biological factors
Genetics may play a role. Some people have a genetic predisposition and in fact an increased chance of developing an alcohol addiction.

Psychological factors
Some mental health problems make a person vulnerable to developing an alcohol addiction. Some people might feel more in control when abusing alcohol in difficult situations.

Social factors
The situation or environments such as the family or the workplace can influence the use of alcohol heavily. People who are brought up in a home where alcohol abuse is normal might be more inclined to overuse alcohol.

The only way to find out why you abuse alcohol is to go through rehabilitation and really explore your use.
Houghton House provides the perfect environment for you to tackle these tough questions about your alcohol addiction and understand the true reasons for your alcohol abuse.

Contact Houghton House for more information on alcoholism and alcohol addiction recovery and getting yourself help to start a new life.

Rehab in Johannesburg office hours: 011 787 9142

24/7 emergency Rehab in South Africa helpline: 079 770 7532

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Hilda Gonlag

2024-05-15

My experience at Houghton House was a life changing experience.Thank you to all the councillors and staff for all their support and guidance to make my recovery such a success. I will defenitely carry on my recovery at Houghton House I recommend this faciity as the best in Gauteng. Now I'm living in the Sober House and am able to live a Sober independent life in a beautiful home with an amazing garden living life to the full.

chad trollip

I went into Houghton house broken and with no other resort. I thought nothing or no one could help and I basically accepted I would die as an addict. After getting through detox and attending groups I found hope again and realised there were so many people that cared about me. The nursing staff (especially Nelson!) were fantastic. The councillors and physiologists helped me tremendously with dealing with the wreckage of my past. Houghton House really gave me a second chance at life and I’ll be forever grateful!

carmiel mahood

Such an awesome place ! Nice people and great management !

Jessica Naicker

2024-05-14

I wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the transformative experience my friend had during her stay at Houghton House Addiction & Mental Treatment Centre. From the moment she walked through the doors, she was met with warmth, compassion, and a genuine dedication to helping her on her journey to recovery. First and foremost, we must commend the staff for their unwavering support and expertise. Every member of the team, from the counselors to the medical staff, demonstrated a profound commitment to her well-being. Their kindness, patience, and encouragement provided her with the strength and courage she needed to confront her challenges head-on. The program itself was exceptionally well-designed, offering a comprehensive approach to recovery that addressed not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the underlying emotional and psychological factors. The variety of therapeutic modalities, from individual counseling to group therapy sessions, allowed her to explore different avenues of healing and gain valuable insights into herself. Furthermore, the facilities at Houghton House Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Centres were impeccable. The serene environment, coupled with comfortable accommodations, created a safe and nurturing space where she could focus solely on her recovery without distractions. The attention to detail in every aspect of the center's design truly contributed to the overall sense of peace and tranquility. As she reflects on her time at Houghton House Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Centre, she is filled with a profound sense of gratitude and hope for the future. Thanks to the guidance and support she received here, she now feels equipped with the tools and resources necessary to maintain sobriety and lead a fulfilling life. Once again, thank you from the bottom of our heart for everything you have done for her. Houghton House Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Centre will always hold a special place in our heart, and we will be forever grateful for the positive impact it has had on my friend's life.

Silungile Annita Ntuli

Really grateful for your service and compassion.

Warrion Mcenzie

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ From the moment I walked through their doors, I felt welcomed and supported. The staff here is exceptional - compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping individuals on their journey to recovery. The new facility is clean, comfortable, and conducive to healing. I can't thank Houghton House enough for their role in my recovery journey. If you or a loved one are seeking a top-notch rehab facility, I highly recommend Houghton House. They've changed my life for the better, and I'm forever grateful.