Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Wisconsin

Alcohol is pretty much a fundamental part of society at this point. Whether chilling with friends, suffering through an office party, sealing a business deal, or commemorating a special event – alcohol is almost guaranteed to play a part in many events in life. Alcohol is, in fact,  one of the most commonly abused substances in Wisconsin, but overdrinking can have serious consequences for your health, relationships, and well-being.

The following statistics put the problem of alcohol abuse in perspective:

• In 2022, 24.8% of Wisconsin adults reported binge drinking in the past 30 days, which is higher than the national average of 18.6%.
• In 2023, Wisconsin ranked as the nation’s “drunkest” state based on self-reporting, with 25.2% of Wisconsin residents drinking excessively. In the same year, 41 of the 50 most heavily drinking counties were located in Wisconsin.
• In 2024, alcohol was involved in about 13% of all drug overdose deaths nationwide, and up to 38% in some western states. Alcohol also caused 10% of deaths among 15- to 49-year-olds.

This isn’t where the story ends, though. There are many effective treatment options available for alcohol addiction in Wisconsin. This blog takes a closer look at the alcohol problem in Wisconsin and shows you how the Wisconsin Recovery Institute can help you recover and get your legs back under you.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that prevents you from being able to control your drinking and makes it very hard for you to stop when you attempt to. This disorder can range from mild to severe, depending on how many symptoms you exhibit.

1. Assessment. This is the first step, where you meet with a professional who will evaluate your alcohol problem and recommend the best treatment option for you. The assessment will help determine your level of addiction, your readiness to change, and your co-occurring mental or physical health issues.
2. Detoxification. This is the stage where you stop drinking alcohol and the remnants of alcohol are purged from your body. You may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shaking, or craving for alcohol, which can be mild or severe, depending on how much and how long you have been drinking. The detoxification stage can last from a few days to a few weeks.
3. Treatment. This is the stage where you participate in various therapies and activities that will help you overcome your alcohol addiction and improve your well-being. Treatment can last from a few weeks to a few months or longer, depending on your progress and needs.
4. Recovery. This is the stage where you maintain your sobriety and continue to improve your quality of life. Recovery is a lifelong process that requires ongoing care and support.

It can be hard to see indicators of AUD in someone who has become well-versed in hiding them, but here are a few general signs and symptoms you can look out for:

• Drinking more or longer than you intended
• Wanting to cut down or quit drinking, but failing to do so
• Using most of your time to get, drink, or recover from alcohol
• Feeling a strong urge or craving to drink alcohol
• Facing trouble at work, school, or family because of your drinking
• Forgoing other activities that you once enjoyed in favor of drinking
• Drinking in risky situations, such as driving or swimming
• Continuing to drink even though it makes you feel depressed, anxious, or sick
• Needing more alcohol to get the same effect or feeling less effect from the same amount
• Having withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, or shaking, when you stop or reduce drinking

How Does Alcohol Dependency Work?

Alcohol dependency is a condition where your brain and body become used to the effects of alcohol and need it to function normally. When you drink alcohol, it affects the balance of chemicals in your brain that control your mood, behavior, and emotions. Over time, your brain adapts to the presence of alcohol and requires more of it to get the same feeling. This is called tolerance.

If you stop or reduce your drinking, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shaking, or craving for alcohol. This is because your brain and body are trying to adjust to the absence of alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant and hard to cope with, and they may make you want to drink again. This is called dependence.

Seeking professional help for alcohol problems can have many benefits for your health, your relationships, and your well-being. Some of these benefits are:

• A professional can give you a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for your alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• You can access evidence-based interventions, such as medication, counseling, and support groups, that can help you reduce or stop your drinking, cope with stress, and prevent relapse.
• You can address any co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, that may contribute to your alcohol problems or make them worse.
• You can improve your physical health and reduce the risk of alcohol-related diseases, such as liver damage, heart problems, or cancer.
• You can improve your emotional and psychological well-being and increase your self-confidence, self-esteem, and happiness.
• You can improve your relationships with your family, friends, and co-workers, and rebuild trust, communication, and intimacy.
• You can improve your work or school performance and productivity, and avoid alcohol-related problems, such as absenteeism, accidents, or conflicts.
• You can save money and time that you would otherwise spend on getting, drinking, or recovering from alcohol.
• You can become a part of a supportive community of peers who know what you’re struggling with and can encourage you to stay sober.

These options can be combined and tailored to your needs and preferences, and they can also be offered at different levels of intensity and settings, such as outpatient, intensive outpatient, residential, or inpatient programs. The best option for each person will be determined in an assessment session with a therapist, and it will depend on their level of addiction, their personal goals, and their availability of resources.

If you are looking for a way to overcome your addiction to alcohol, you might be interested in learning more about the Wisconsin Recovery Institute. We are a rehab center that offers detox, residential treatment, and outpatient services for adults who want to break free from the grips of addiction.

Detox is the first step of the recovery process, and our Wisconsin detox facility boasts the most modern conveniences and medical equipment and practices available to see you through this phase.

Residential treatment is the next phase, where we offer treatment that will allow you to be surrounded by your peers in a safe and comfortable setting that will boost your recovery efforts.

Outpatient services are the final phase, where you continue to receive support and guidance from the Wisconsin Recovery Institute staff, but you also have more freedom and flexibility to resume your normal activities.

The Wisconsin Recovery Institute is a reputable and effective rehab center that can help you achieve lasting recovery from alcohol addiction. If you want to learn more about our programs and how to enroll, contact us today.