Rosecrance offers Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Addiction Treatment that Leads to Success and Sobriety
Alcohol is legal and accepted in society. Alcohol’s also the most commonly consumed addictive substance in the United States. Tens of millions of Americans have dependency or addiction to alcohol that negatively impacts their lives. In addition, millions more Americans — including teens and adolescents — are at risk for problem drinking and alcohol addiction/alcoholism, which is a clinically recognized disease.
Is alcoholism really a disease?
It is true that alcoholism, like drug addiction, is a disease. In fact, it has the same fundamental characteristics as other physical diseases:
- It is progressive – Without effective alcoholism treatment, it will worsen over time
- Alcoholism can be fatal – If not treated, it can and often does lead to death
- There is an inherited biological connection – Genetics can cause an increased likelihood or greater probability of someone having the disease of alcoholism
- Alcoholism is predictable – Like other physical diseases, alcoholism has symptoms that are entirely predictable regardless of whom alcohol addiction affects.
Alcoholism is a disease, but you still bear responsibility
Because alcoholism (like drug addiction) is a disease, people may think this means that an adult alcoholic or teen alcoholic isn’t responsible for his or her condition. But just like with other diseases — such as lung cancer and heart disease — there is a clear connection between lifestyle and the onset of a physical problem due to alcohol abuse. For example, it’s well known that a poor diet can lead to heart disease.
As with these other diseases, individuals addicted to alcohol need to get proper medical care and follow their doctors’ advice. They will probably have to make lifestyle changes and get treatment — regardless of how the condition developed. In other words, people struggling with alcohol addiction have a disease and, to get healthy and live a life full of hope purpose and passion, they need to receive treatment.
Alcohol addiction is a lifelong disease, but treatment can lead to recovery
If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, you can stop using by actively taking part in an effective, evidence-based treatment and recovery process. You won’t be cured, but you can live life well in recovery. Recovery means that, while you will no longer drink or use drugs, you will be fully aware that you will always be susceptible to alcohol or drugs and, therefore, will need to continue following your new lifestyle.
It’s important to remember that Alcohol addiction (alcoholism) has profound effects on you as a person. This means that, even when you no longer drink, your experiences as an alcoholic have had a lasting impact on how you view yourself and the world around you.
Trust Rosecrance for experienced, individualized and comprehensive treatment for alcoholism in Illinois, in Central Illinois, in Northern Illinois, in and around Chicago, and in and near Sioux City, Iowa
At Rosecrance, we’ve developed an evidence-based program rooted in the 12 Steps that uses a range of clinical, medical, educational and experiential therapies to create a comprehensive treatment plan specifically designed for you. Your length of stay in any alcoholism treatment programs depends on your progress toward your treatment goals. These goals will be determined by you, your counselor and, when appropriate, your family.
To learn more about treatment for alcoholism and alcohol addiction at Rosecrance, visit these links:
You can also give us a call. We know that talking about alcoholism, or any substance use disorder involving you or a loved one, can feel overwhelming. That’s why we want to make the first step as simple as possible. It begins with a phone call. If you need help, call the licensed alcoholism/substance abuse treatment professionals at Rosecrance at (866) 330-8729.