Palladium Private » Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Recover from Alcohol Addiction with Residential Alcohol Rehab at Palladium Private

ALCOHOL DEPENDENCY – WHAT IS IT?

Alcohol abuse is the recurring overuse of alcohol despite negative consequences that seriously impact many aspects of the drinker’s life. A pattern of daily, non-stop or binge drinking results in physical harm to the individual’s health, impacts their personal relationships with loved ones, their ability to work and socialise, as well as causing a gradual decline in mental health, often leading to anxiety and/or depression.

Sufferers use alcohol to conjure and maintain a desired mindset that seemingly helps to deal with stressful situations, social situations, or life in general. Meanwhile, the debilitating effects of alcohol addiction slowly take over reality and destroy the vital threads of connection that create a full and healthy life.

Initially, the use of alcohol and other substances may be social, or triggered by a person’s reaction to psychological or emotional stress. Therefore the use of alcohol to alleviate unwanted emotions is secondary to finding and understanding the underlying root cause of these emotions.

Ongoing abuse of alcohol for various reasons leads to a physical dependence that causes changes in the brain’s reward system to occur – resulting in cravings, overuse, withdrawals. A vicious cycle that’s incredibly hard to break without help.

Over time, alcohol addiction is often subtly accompanied by emotional or physical health issues such as depression, anxiety, guilt, regret, infidelity, weight gain, liver toxicity, erratic moods, and many other negative states. It puts a huge strain on families and close personal relationships, affects performance at work, leads to loss of motivation, restricted social interaction and sometimes complete withdrawal from life.

For those seeking a transformative path to recovery, considering residential alcohol rehab or an alcohol addiction retreat becomes pivotal. These structured environments offer comprehensive support and therapeutic interventions aimed at breaking the cycle of alcohol dependence – physically and psychologically. A holistic alcohol rehab program provides a supported setting conducive to healing, with a focus on overall wellbeing, facilitating lasting recovery and a return to a rich and fulfilling life.

What Causes Alcohol Dependency

Alcohol addiction or dependency is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic, psychological, environmental and social factors including:

Stressful environments – some people drink heavily to cope with stressful jobs, troubled relationships with family or partner, memories of trauma, or because it has become a “best friend” or soothing social companion.
Drinking from an early age – people who start drinking when they are young can be more likely to have a problem in later life, partly because they have built up higher tolerance levels to alcohol.
Mental health problems – those suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions sometimes turn to alcohol as a way of coping and become addicted as a result.
Family history– those with a parent or relative who is an alcoholic are more likely to become addicted to alcohol.

People who deal with triggers and stress effectively, who do not become overwhelmed by emotional reactions, who have a strong sense of self-worth and heathy self-esteem, are unlikely to develop an alcohol addiction – even if they have the genes for addiction. Unless the underlying emotional issues are identified and corrected, alcohol will always be turned to in times of despair, trauma or overwhelm.

READ MORE about the science of addiction

Getting Help for Yourself or Loved One

Dealing with any addiction begins with admitting that you have a problem. Only when you admit this both to yourself and to others can treatment options, such as an alcohol addiction retreat, have any chance of success. If you drink more than you should, but don’t consider yourself an alcoholic — there are steps you can take to try and moderate your alcohol use including:

Try not to drink when you are feeling anxious or depressed
Don’t keep alcohol in the house
Spend time with friends and family who do not drink
Avoid situations where you know excessive drinking will be involved
Don’t drink alone
Limit drinking to meal times
Opt for low or no-alcohol beverages
Place limits on yourself (e.g. one drink an hour)
Ask for the support of your friends and family
Take up exercise or meditation to relieve stress, rather than drinking
Set personal goals for cutting back
Forgive yourself if you fail and try again.

If these self-help strategies have already been tried and tested without success, considering professional intervention becomes imperative for a more solidified, comprehensive and successful recovery. Residential alcohol rehab and alcohol addiction retreats offer structured environments where individuals can receive highly specialised treatment, psychotherapeutic intervention, support and guidance on their journey to sobriety.

Treatment for alcohol addiction often involves a combination of several different therapies, including; individual psychotherapy, group therapy, holistic therapies and psychoeducation to rebuild beliefs, thinking and reward pathways in the brain – away from alcohol, towards people, activities, experiences and passions that induce true joy and fulfillment. In these settings, individuals can delve deeper into the root causes of their alcohol use, develop coping mechanisms and forge a path towards lasting recovery.

If you or a loved one are grappling with alcohol-related challenges, seeking help from qualified professionals and exploring the resources provided by alcohol addiction retreat centres can be transformative. Remember, taking the first step towards seeking help is a commendable act of courage and the foundation for positive change. When you’re ready, call us for information on our programs, fees and funding options and our diversely-qualified team of professionals.

Symptoms of Alcohol Dependency

If you think you or someone you know might be suffering from alcohol addiction, some of the signs to look for include:

Worrying about when you can have your next drink
Sweating, nausea and difficulty sleeping if you don’t drink
Needing to drink more alcohol to get drunk
Drinking when you first wake up in the morning
Drinking regularly on your own
Attempting to hide your drinking
Arguing with friends and family about your drinking
Participating in risky behaviours as a result of drinking (i.e. drink driving, promiscuous sex, experimenting with drugs etc.).
Waking with intense morning anxiety
Increasing inability to cope with minor stresses, work deadlines, unexpected phone calls, children/spouses demands
Feelings of hopelessness, spiralling into depressive states when sober

The Dangers of Alcohol Dependency

Alcohol addiction comes with a whole raft of negative impacts, all of which become worse the longer you drink. For one thing, alcohol abuse can affect your mental health, often leading to anxiety, depression, paranoia, and psychosis. It also affects your short-term physical health in a number of ways including weight gain, sleeping problems and increased susceptibility to infections and chronic disease.

In the long-term, alcoholism can cause permanent brain damage, cirrhosis of the liver and a significantly higher risk of certain cancers including breast, mouth and throat cancer, stroke and heart disease and heart attack. There are also damaging social implications, with an increased risk of relationship breakdown, loss of employment and antisocial, risk-taking and sometimes criminal behaviours. Have you ever noticed you’re the last one drinking at a social event? But still want the night to go on?…..

Treatment FOR Alcohol Dependency

Palladium Private is one of the leading holistic alcohol retreats in Australia. Our BioPsychoSocial, integrative approach to the treatment of alcohol addiction may be different to anything you have tried before. We consider alcohol abuse to be a coping mechanism. People who deal with stress, historic trauma or overwhelming emotions successfully – and have a healthy level of self-worth – are unlikely to abuse alcohol, even if they have the genetic predisposition for alcohol addiction. So if you have underlying stressors and they’re not identified and addressed, you will always turn to alcohol in times of despair or trauma.

Palladium Private is a world-class alcohol detox retreat in the Sunshine Coast. The Palladium Private program provides a set of coping mechanisms that can be used to break this cycle permanently. These include gently reprocessing old events to deal with grief and regret and learning how to measure self-esteem and self-worth properly — both of which make for an incredibly effective combination. Nothing can change what happened to you previously in life, but, in a holistic alcohol rehab setting, we can teach you how to identify your emotional drivers, observe your reactions to life events and respond to them in a very different way – ending this cycle of alcohol abuse at its source.

Our diversely-qualified psychotherapists use a tailored combination of evidence-based psychotherapies and holistic techniques to guide you to adopt new behaviours, apply and entrench them and engage in new ways of thinking. Our programs offer change that is lasting because our unique application of therapeutic modalities goes deep to the underlying root cause(s) of the addiction – not just subduing the physical cravings in the short-term.

We can help you overcome a variety of challenges

Our personally tailored, holistic and integrative programs are designed to empower you to deal with
issues in your life including:

THE EARLY DAYS WITHOUT ALCOHOL

CRAVINGS AND INTENSE EMOTIONS

TRIGGERS LEADING TO RELAPSE

CREATING A LIFE WITHOUT ALCOHOL

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Alcohol FAQs

Am I an Alcoholic?

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a medical condition characterised by an inability to control or stop drinking despite adverse consequences.

Alcoholism or dependence on alcohol may start as a social activity or be triggered by a person’s reaction to psychological stress or emotional trauma. It is extremely common in Australia and many other countries to rely on alcohol to have a ‘good time’ or handle stress, which normalises the drinking culture.

It’s important to know the difference between drinking alcohol as a social activity and drinking alcohol in order to cope with stress, psychological or emotional trauma.

Ongoing abuse of alcohol for various reasons leads to a physical dependence that causes changes in the brain’s reward system to occur – resulting in cravings, overuse, and withdrawals. A vicious cycle that’s incredibly hard to break without help.

Here are a few signs that may indicate you have a problem with alcohol:

Loss of control: You find it challenging to limit the amount of alcohol you consume or to stop drinking once you start
Neglecting responsibilities: You neglect your work, school, family or personal obligations due to drinking, or the aftereffects of drinking
Increased tolerance: You need more and more alcohol than before to achieve the desired effect
Withdrawal symptoms: You experience physical or emotional discomfort when you try to stop drinking or reduce your alcohol intake
Failed attempts to quit: You have been unable to moderate, cut back or stop drinking despite multiple attempts and effort

If you’re concerned about your drinking habits and worried you may be developing alcohol dependence, help is available. Consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified addiction specialist so they can assess your situation, provide a proper diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options to suit your situation and goals.

Remember, seeking help is a courageous step. There are many esources available to support you in addressing your concerns.

Why Do You Get Addicted to Alcohol?

The development of addiction, including alcohol addiction, is a complex process influenced by various factors, such as genetics, environment, and individual experiences. Not everyone experiences addiction similarly, and the symptoms, recovery and treatment for alcohol addiction vary from one individual to the next.

Here’s a look at some key factors that can contribute to the development of alcohol addiction:

Genetics: Genetic factors can play a role in predisposing specific individuals to alcohol addiction. Studies have shown there is a genetic component to alcoholism, and having a family history of alcohol use disorder increases the risk.
Brain chemistry: Alcohol affects the brain’s reward system by increasing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reinforcement. Over time, repeated alcohol consumption can lead to changes in the brain’s structure and function, making the individual more susceptible to developing addiction.
Psychological factors: Some individuals may use alcohol to cope with underlying psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Over time, this self-medication can lead to dependence and addiction.
Social and environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as growing up in an environment where alcohol use is prevalent or being influenced by peer pressure, can contribute to the development of alcohol addiction. Stressful life events, trauma, and the availability of alcohol can also play a role.
Physiological dependence: Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to physical dependence, where the body adapts to alcohol. This dependence results in withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is discontinued or reduced, reinforcing the cycle of addiction.

Not everyone who consumes alcohol will develop an addiction, and it is often the case that addiction to alcohol stems from various interconnected factors, not just one.

If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption or believe you may have an addiction – or you’re worried about a loved one and their drinking habits – seeking professional help from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist is highly recommended. They can diagnose adequately and guide you towards appropriate treatment options and support.

How Can You Help an Alcoholic?

Supporting someone experiencing alcohol dependence can be challenging and distressing, especially if the individual is not fully aware or regularly denies that they have a problem.

In this case, you may wonder whether the individual even wants your help or is willing to try and get better.

Showing someone experiencing alcoholism that you care and want to support them can significantly aid their journey to recovery. While not always easy, there are a few ways you can demonstrate this, including:

Educate yourself: Learn about alcoholism and its effects to understand better what the person is going through. This knowledge will help you approach the situation with empathy and provide informed support.
Express your concern: Talk to the person in a caring and non-judgmental manner, expressing your concern for their well-being. Use “I” statements to describe how their behaviour has affected you personally, emphasising that you come from a place of care and genuine concern.
Encourage professional help: Suggest that the person seeks professional help from a healthcare provider or addiction specialist. Offer to assist them in finding appropriate treatment options and provide emotional support throughout the process.
Offer support and encouragement: Let the person know that you are there for them and willing to support their journey to recovery. Encourage them to attend support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other addiction support programs.
Set boundaries: While offering support, it’s essential to establish and maintain healthy boundaries. Set limits on enabling behaviours, such as providing financial assistance or covering up their mistakes, which can perpetuate the addiction.
Be patient: Recovery is a challenging and ongoing process. Understand that relapses are possible, and the road to recovery may have setbacks. Patience, understanding, and continuous support are crucial in helping someone overcome alcoholism.
Take care of yourself: Supporting someone with alcoholism can be emotionally taxing. Make sure to prioritise your well-being and seek support for yourself, such as through counselling or support groups for families and friends of individuals struggling with addiction.

Ultimately, the decision to seek help and recover from alcohol addiction lies with the individual.

You can offer support, but it’s important to remember that their recovery journey is their own, and you need to respect their autonomy and choices throughout the process.

Encouraging professional help is often the most effective way to address alcoholism, as healthcare providers can provide appropriate guidance and treatment options tailored to the individual’s needs.

Can Drinking Alcohol Cause Anxiety?

Drinking alcohol can cause or exacerbate feelings of anxiety.

While alcohol is commonly perceived as a way to relax or alleviate stress, it can have the opposite effect on some individuals. Anxiety associated with alcoholism can show up in several ways, including:

Disruption of brain chemistry: Alcohol affects neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which regulate mood and anxiety. While alcohol initially produces a sedative effect by increasing GABA activity, as blood alcohol levels decrease, it can lead to rebound effects, including anxiety and restlessness.
Dehydration and physical effects: Alcohol is a diuretic that increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can contribute to feelings of anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. Additionally, alcohol can cause physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling, which may be associated with anxiety.
Interference with sleep: Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to poor-quality sleep or insomnia. Sleep disturbances can contribute to anxiety symptoms or worsen pre-existing anxiety conditions.
Hangover anxiety: The aftereffects of excessive alcohol consumption, commonly known as a hangover, can include anxiety symptoms. These can be attributed to the physiological and chemical changes in the body, as well as the effects of alcohol withdrawal.
Co-occurring conditions: Anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorders can frequently co-occur. Individuals with anxiety disorders may use alcohol to self-medicate, leading to a vicious cycle where alcohol exacerbates anxiety symptoms over time.

While alcohol may temporarily alleviate anxiety symptoms in some individuals, relying on it as a coping mechanism can contribute to a range of negative consequences, including the development of alcohol dependence or the worsening of anxiety over time.

If you’re experiencing anxiety or are concerned about its impact on your well-being, seeking professional help is vital.

How to Get Someone Into Alcohol Rehab?

Getting someone into residential alcohol rehab can be a delicate and challenging process.

It’s essential to approach the situation with compassion, understanding, and respect for the individual and the choice they want to make for their life. Even if the individual decides not to seek treatment and rehab now, it doesn’t mean they never will. By opening the discussion, you may help to set the path that eventually leads to their recovery.

If you’re seeking to encourage someone experiencing alcoholism to attend an alcohol addiction retreat, below are a few tips that may help:

Educate yourself: Learn about alcohol addiction, treatment options, and rehab. This knowledge will help you better understand the situation and be prepared to provide accurate information to the person you’re trying to help.
Express your concern: Express your concern for their well-being, highlighting the impact their alcohol use has had on their life and relationships. Use “I” statements to communicate how their behaviour affects you personally.
Choose the right time: Find a suitable time to discuss treatment when the person is sober and relatively calm. Avoid confronting them when they’re intoxicated or during a stressful situation.
Research treatment options: Gather information about alcohol rehab programs, including inpatient and outpatient options such as residential alcohol rehab. Also look into detoxification services, therapy approaches, and community support groups. Understand the specific features and benefits of each program to help the person make an informed decision.
Interventions: In some cases, a formal intervention may be appropriate. An intervention involves a structured meeting with the person struggling with alcohol addiction, close friends, family members, and possibly a professional interventionist. The purpose is to express concern, provide information about treatment options, and encourage them to seek help.
Seek professional guidance: Consult with a healthcare professional or addiction specialist who can guide you on the best approach for helping the individual enter rehab. They can offer advice, provide referrals to appropriate treatment facilities, and even assist in facilitating the admission process.
Offer support: Let the person know that you will support them throughout the process of entering rehab and during their recovery journey. Reassure them that seeking help is a courageous step and that you believe in their ability to overcome their addiction.

The decision to seek treatment and enter a rehab program or an alcohol addiction retreat ultimately rests with the individual. While you can provide support and guidance, they must be willing to commit to the process to succeed.

Where to Get Help for Alcohol Addiction?

According to the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare, 1 in 4 Australians aged 18 and over exceeded the 2020 Australian Alcohol Guidelines. Alcohol consumption is a significant part of Australian social culture, and it can be challenging to address concerns with your drinking habits when it is encouraged and welcomed as a part of your lifestyle.

Finding the right support resources, such as rehab programs and alcohol addiction retreat treatment centres, can make a significant difference in aiding you to address your drinking, especially if you’re concerned you have developed a physical and/or psychological dependence on alcohol.

Here are a few options that may help:

Your GP: Start by scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician. They can assess your situation, provide guidance, and refer you to appropriate treatment options and specialists.
Mental Health Professionals: Psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists specialising in addiction can provide assessment, counselling, and therapy tailored to alcohol addiction. They can help address underlying issues and develop coping strategies for recovery.
Specialised Addiction Treatment Centers: Some inpatient and outpatient centres, specialise in alcohol addiction, including residential alcohol rehab centres. These centres provide comprehensive care, including detoxification, counselling, therapy, and support groups. They often have a multidisciplinary team of professionals experienced in addiction treatment.
Support Groups: Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer a supportive and non-judgmental environment for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction. AA follows a 12-step program and provides peer support through regular meetings.
Helplines and Hotlines: Many countries have helplines and hotlines that support individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. These helplines can offer immediate assistance and guidance and connect you with local resources for treatment and support.
Online Resources: Numerous online resources provide information, tools, and support for individuals seeking help for alcohol addiction. Websites, forums, and online communities can offer valuable resources, educational materials, and opportunities for peer support.
Mental health retreats: A mental health retreat offers you community support, a dedicated team of professionals, and the time and space to get the help you need in a residential alcohol rehab environment. They’re a great way to explore various treatment options and uncover the ones that work best for you while working towards a sense of overall health. Our residential retreat program combines psychological, physical, educational and social strategies with a focus on nutritional elements to help you combat and eradicate the root cause of your condition.

Remember that seeking help is an essential step in the recovery process.

If you need help figuring out where to start, consider talking to a trusted individual, such as a friend or family member, who may be able to assist you in finding appropriate resources.

Our dedicated team is on hand to talk you through these options and explore how Palladium Private might work for you and your circumstances. We provide

To learn more about our alcohol addiction retreat and the Palladium Private program itself, please reach out to us on 1300 293 206, where you can speak confidentially to one of our approachable and informative Intake Consultants.

HOW CAN I ASSESS IF THE PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Choosing the right rehab program or alcohol addiction retreat centre is crucial to the success of your recovery journey. Here are some important considerations to help you assess if a program is the right fit for you:

Program Content: Thoroughly research the program and its features to see if it aligns with your needs. Understand its philosophy, treatment modalities and success rates. Consider the duration, intensity and types of therapies offered.
Check Credentials: Look into the qualifications and expertise of the residential alcohol rehab’s team of professional staff. Ensure that they have the necessary credentials and specialities to treat individuals with similar presentations as yours. A skilled and compassionate team is fundamental to a successful recovery journey.
Consult With The Provider: Consider scheduling a consultation with the rehab or alcohol addiction retreat centre’s Intake Team. This provides an opportunity to ask questions, discuss your concerns and get a feel for the program’s approach. A supportive and informative consultant can help you clarify whether the program resonates with you.