Alcohol Abuse Treatment - Alcohol Rehab Directory

Hobson City, Alabama Population:

Hobson City, Alabama has a population of 878 as of 2000.

Population Breakdown in Hobson City, Alabama:

Caucasian - 53
African American - 812
Hispanic - 5
Other - 8

Hobson City, AL. Education Information:

Hobson City had a total of 224 high school graduates in 2000.
Hobson City, AL. has a total of 36 college graduates with a bachelor's degree
or higher and 152 people with some college education. (Includes
Associates Degree)

Hobson City Family Info Breakdown:

Hobson City has a total of 76 single parents with children.
There are also 33 parents who are married with children in Hobson City, Alabama.

Hobson City, Alabama Housing Breakdown:

Hobson City has 195 houses that are owner occupied.
Hobson City has 168 houses that are renter-occupied.
Around 51 houses are vacant in Hobson City, Alabama.
$43,000 is the average value of a house in Hobson City, AL.
$253 is the average cost to rent a house in Hobson City.

Hobson City, Alabama Income Information:

The average income per family is $20,368 in Hobson City.


Name
Phone
Email
CityHobson City
StateAlabama
Person Seeking Treatment Age
Is Person Looking for Treatment?Yes No
More Information
Preferred Contact Method?Phone Email


Why would I Need Alcohol Detox in Hobson City?


When heavy or frequent drinkers suddenly decide to quit "cold turkey" they will experience some physical withdrawal symptoms -- which can range from the mildly annoying to severe and even life-threatening. For this reason, an alcohol detox in Hobson City is often necessary.

An alcohol detox center in Hobson City would be the first step of recovery from alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox centers in Hobson City are designed to safely manage physical withdrawal symptoms while coming of alcohol as well as assist with psychological and emotional discomforts of coming off alcohol. Alcohol detox should be done under the care of a licensed medical facility in Hobson City. Attempting to detox from alcohol without proper professional help is extremely dangerous. It can result in serious physical, psychological, and emotional consequences which can include death.

It is important to note that Hobson City alcohol detox is only the initial step in the alcohol abuse recovery process. Alcohol detox programs only provide physical and emotional stabilization while going through alcohol withdrawal and therefore, alcohol detox in Hobson City should not be viewed as full rehabilitation. Hobson City Alcohol Rehab Programs will append efforts to maintain the gains made in alcohol detox, while working towards establishing a firm ground upon which future long-term recovery is to be built.

Research has shown that the vast majority of people in Hobson City that complete alcohol detox, but fail to continue treatment in a Hobson City residential Alcoholism Treatment Facility, end up in relapse. Alcohol detox is a vital component in the recovery process, but lasting recovery in Hobson City is generally achieved through a structured Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that addresses the root of the addiction and not just its physical effects.




What Types of Rehab are Available for Alcohol Abuse in Hobson City?


When searching for an Alcoholism Treatment Facility in Hobson City it is imperative to select the correct type of Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Hobson City that will address your specific treatment needs. For most people, alcohol abuse and addiction is largely misunderstood and as a result, people often make improper choices as to which type of Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Hobson City they should consider, therefore they often receive inadequate treatment. When alcohol abuse has become a central aspect of life for yourself or your loved one, time is essential. You must quickly educate yourself about the many different types of Alcohol Rehab Programs available in Hobson City.

Most Alcohol Treatment Centers in Hobson City will offer a variety of services but often they will be categorized as a specific treatment type. There are many alcohol treatment types available including, out-patient alcohol treatment, inpatient alcohol treatment, alcohol detox, short term alcohol treatment or long term alcohol treatment.

Outpatient Alcohol Treatment in Hobson City

There are many outpatient Alcoholism Treatment and Alcohol Detoxification Centers in Hobson City. Most consist of some form of education classes, support groups, and or individualized therapy where the alcohol user does not require overnight stay. This is a popular form of treatment because of it's flexibility especially for those who cannot take long periods of time to devote entirely to alcohol abuse treatment. These types of programs can be very useful to those in Hobson City who must continue to work or attend school. Programs for outpatient treatment vary depending on the patient’s needs and the facility but they can consist simply of attending an community 12-step group, to a more structured outpatient program typically meeting a couple of times every week for a couple of hours at a time or, intensive out-patient(IOP) which consists of a highly structured group program that meets 3 to 5 days a week for a few hours at a time.

Attending outpatient treatment is different from inpatient treatment in that you are not under constant supervision, you still live at home and requires strict self discipline. For those who fear they may give in to the temptation of alcohol in the early stages of treatment, inpatient residential treatment at a Hobson City Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Facility is recommended.

Inpatient Alcohol Treatment in Hobson City

Individuals who feel their alcohol abuse has affected their lifestyle such as their family, friends, or work will benefit greatly from inpatient alcohol treatment. This form of treatment provides the recovering alcohol addict with support 24-hours a day. Additionally, removing the individual from their former surroundings helps them to adjust to living an alcohol-free lifestyle. The benefits of inpatient treatment also include the reduced likelihood of the individual using alcohol while in treatment as well as highly structured days.

Inpatient treatment can take place in a variety of locations. Many first think of hospitals or similar accommodations, however, this is not always the case. Inpatient treatment takes place in residential settings as well. In fact, the preferred treatment environment of an inpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Hobson City would be one that was is restrictive than a hospital, but has close supervision and structured days. Most of these types of SINGULER in Hobson City offer supervised detoxification that may involve medication in a hospital setting or social detoxification (i.e. no medication) in a non-hospital setting.

Hobson City Alcohol Detox

Alcohol Detox in Hobson City is where the recovery process begins. Quitting alcohol abuse can initially be very uncomfortable and withdrawal symptoms often occur. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening in some cases so it is important to seek care in a Hobson City alcohol detox facility where medical professionals can manage and minimize the symptoms associated with drug or alcohol withdrawal under 24 hour care and supervision.

It is important to note that although alcohol detox plays a valuable role in the alcohol abuse recovery process, it is does NOT constitute a complete recovery. It is recommended that the alcohol abuser attends a Hobson City Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Center after the initial alcohol detox process is complete.

Short Term Alcohol Treatment in Hobson City

Short term Alcoholism Treatment Centers in Hobson City consist of inpatient treatment typically lasting 28 - 30 days or less. Short term Alcohol Rehabilitation and Alcohol Detoxification Facilities were originally designed to conform with insurance companies because many insurance carriers only cover a maximum of 28 to 30 days of substance abuse treatment. Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict with certainty that exactly "28 days" is the correct amount of time to recover from an alcohol abuse problem. In fact, in most cases this is not enough time for a successful lasting recovery.

Short term Alcohol Rehab Facilities in Hobson City can be beneficial for those who have only been abusing alcohol for a short amount of time and the degree of alcohol abuse is relatively low. Short term Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs in Hobson City provide the alcohol abuser the opportunity to get away from their drinking patterns and for a short amount of time and focus on medical stabilization, abstinence, and lifestyle changes.

Long Term Alcohol Treatment in Hobson City

Long term alcohol treatment, otherwise known as long term “Residential” alcohol treatment generally lasts anywhere from 3 to 12 months in a residential, non-hospital setting. Long term Alcohol Rehab and Alcohol Detox Facilities in Hobson City use the program's entire "community," including other residents, staff, and the social context, as active components of treatment. Long term Alcoholism Treatment and Alcohol Detoxification Facilities in Hobson City focus on developing personal accountability and responsibility and ethical productive lives. Long term Alcohol Rehabilitation and Alcohol Detox Facilities in Hobson City are highly structured with activities designed to help residents examine harmful beliefs, self-concepts, and patterns of behavior and to adopt new life skills, coping skills and constructive ways to interact with others.




What should I expect during alcohol rehab in Hobson City?


Attending an Alcoholism Treatment Facility in Hobson City can be different for each person, however, there are some similarities that can be expected. The first step of a Hobson City Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility is often alcohol detoxification (withdrawal). Alcohol withdrawal is when a person with an alcohol abuse problem stops drinking alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can last a few days and may include nausea or vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. These symptoms will be reduced effectively by attending an Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Hobson City. Some Alcohol Rehab Programs in Hobson City will offer an on-site alcohol detox while others may have you attend an off-site medical detox center and then have you return to complete the Hobson City Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Facility once the detoxification process is complete. Either way, the person in recovery must withdrawal from the alcohol which is safer and more comfortable when done as part of a Hobson City Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility.

For some, the initial alcohol detox process is the hardest part of attending an Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Center in Hobson City. Others find that their difficulty arises in therapy where they must confront their misguided beliefs and addictive behaviors. Often times, the recovering alcohol abuser will tend to unknowingly focus on present time problems going on with family, friends, loved ones, and issues at home. This is usually an attempt to avoid confronting their own problems by focusing on outside distractions. It is important for family and loved ones to avoid involving the addict with issues at home or anything other than their treatment plan. The addict must keep focused on himself and confront his own issues and his case points that need addressed.

Alcohol rehab is not easy! It is not easy confronting one's addiction, problems, issues, traumas, and transgressions, but is is something that must be done and with hard work and dedication, and the end result is well worth any struggles the recovering individual may have had while attending the Hobson City Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility. There is no better feeling in the world than to overcome tradgedy. The right Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Center in Hobson City will keep the recovering alcohol abuser winning, gaining, succeeding, and continually feeling better about themselves.

Once one has completed an Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility in Hobson City, he should feel that he can be a valuable and productive member of society again. It is important for the recovered individual to understand that it is their responsibility to remain sober and that if there is a relapse then that does not mean that they give in completely. Successful Alcohol Treatment Centers in Hobson City believe that the ability to accomplish a complete recovery from alcohol abuse must be based on the belief that an individual is not powerless, and in fact, must take responsibility for his or her own actions.








Walker Recovery Center Inc
Walker Recovery Center Inc is a Alcoholism Treatment Facility located at 2195 North Airport Road Jasper, AL 35504
Walker Recovery Center Inc specializes in Pregnant Women, and Women. Walker Recovery Center Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, Methadone Maintenance, and Methadone Detox. Walker Recovery Center Inc accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Walker Recovery Center Inc is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (205) 221-1799.



East Alabama MH MR Center
East Alabama MH MR Center is a Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 2400 10th Street Phenix City, AL 36867
East Alabama MH MR Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. East Alabama MH MR Center accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, Self Pay, Sliding Scale Fees, and Pay Assistance. East Alabama MH MR Center is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (334) 298-2405.



A New Direction
A New Direction is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at c/o Elmore Community Hospital Wetumpka, AL 36092
A New Direction provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, and Hospital / Medical Inpatient. A New Direction accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, and Self Pay. A New Direction is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (877) 647-7552.



Lighthouse of Tallapoosa County Inc
Lighthouse of Tallapoosa County Inc is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 36 Franklin Street Alexander City, AL 35010
Lighthouse of Tallapoosa County Inc specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, and Men. Lighthouse of Tallapoosa County Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Halfway Housing, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Lighthouse of Tallapoosa County Inc accepts these payment options : Self Pay. Lighthouse of Tallapoosa County Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (256) 234-4894.



Bradford Health Services
Bradford Health Services is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 515 Energy Center Boulevard Northport, AL 35473
Bradford Health Services specializes in Teens, Criminal Justice Clients, and Hearing Impaired. Bradford Health Services provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Bradford Health Services accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Bradford Health Services is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (800) 891-9673.



Cheaha Regional Mental Health Caradale
Cheaha Regional Mental Health Caradale is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Center located at 1721 Old Birmingham Highway Sylacauga, AL 35150
Cheaha Regional Mental Health Caradale specializes in DUI / DWI, and Hearing Impaired. Cheaha Regional Mental Health Caradale provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, and Residential Short Term Treatment. Cheaha Regional Mental Health Caradale accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, and Self Pay. Cheaha Regional Mental Health Caradale is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (256) 249-2395.



Gadsden Treatment Center Inc
Gadsden Treatment Center Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detox Center located at 1107 West Meighan Boulevard Gadsden, AL 35901
Gadsden Treatment Center Inc specializes in AIDS and HIV, Pregnant Women, Women, Men, and Hearing Impaired. Gadsden Treatment Center Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Methadone Maintenance. Gadsden Treatment Center Inc accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Gadsden Treatment Center Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (256) 549-0807.



Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services
Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 6869 5th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35212
Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services specializes in Hearing Impaired, Spanish, and Foreign Languages other than Spanish. Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services provides these types of treament : Mental Health Treatment, Detox, and Hospital / Medical Inpatient. Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services accepts these payment options : Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (205) 833-9000.



Bridge Inc
Bridge Inc is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detox Center located at 3232 Lay Springs Road Gadsden, AL 35904
Bridge Inc specializes in Teens, Criminal Justice Clients, and Hearing Impaired. Bridge Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, Residential Short Term Treatment, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Bridge Inc accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, Self Pay, and Pay Assistance. Bridge Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Center that can be contacted at (256) 546-6324.



Crestwood Medical Center of Huntsville
Crestwood Medical Center of Huntsville is a Alcohol Rehab Center and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 1 Hospital Drive Huntsville, AL 35801
Crestwood Medical Center of Huntsville provides these types of treament : General Medical Services, Detox, Day Treatment Services, and Hospital / Medical Inpatient. Crestwood Medical Center of Huntsville accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, and Self Pay. Crestwood Medical Center of Huntsville is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (256) 880-4260.



Anniston Fellowship House Inc
Anniston Fellowship House Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Program located at 106 East 22nd Street Anniston, AL 36201
Anniston Fellowship House Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Halfway Housing, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Anniston Fellowship House Inc accepts these payment options : Self Pay. Anniston Fellowship House Inc is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (256) 236-7229.



Family Life Center
Family Life Center is a Alcohol Treatment Program located at 300 Gault Avenue South Fort Payne, AL 35967
Family Life Center specializes in Teens. Family Life Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Family Life Center accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Family Life Center is a Alcohol Rehab Center that can be contacted at (256) 997-9356.



Bradford Health Services
Bradford Health Services is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 1189 Allbritton Road Warrior, AL 35180
Bradford Health Services specializes in Women, and Men. Bradford Health Services provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, Day Treatment Services, Residential Short Term Treatment, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Bradford Health Services accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, and Self Pay. Bradford Health Services is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (800) 333-1865.



Marion County Treatment Center
Marion County Treatment Center is a Alcohol Rehab Program and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 1879 Military Street South Hamilton, AL 35570
Marion County Treatment Center specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, AIDS and HIV, Senior / Over 50, Pregnant Women, Women, Men, and Hearing Impaired. Marion County Treatment Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Methadone Maintenance. Marion County Treatment Center accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Marion County Treatment Center is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility that can be contacted at (205) 921-3799.



Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center
Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center is a Alcoholism Treatment Program located at 1100 7th Avenue Jasper, AL 35501
Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center specializes in Teens, Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, and Hearing Impaired. Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center provides these types of treament : Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center accepts these payment options : Medicaid Insurance, Private Health Insurance, and Self Pay. Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program that can be contacted at (205) 387-0541.



Phoenix House Inc
Phoenix House Inc is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detox Facility located at 700 35th Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phoenix House Inc specializes in AIDS and HIV, Women, and Men. Phoenix House Inc provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Halfway Housing, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Phoenix House Inc accepts these payment options : Self Pay, and Pay Assistance. Phoenix House Inc is a Alcohol Treatment Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (205) 758-3867.



Mountain View Deferred Prosecution
Mountain View Deferred Prosecution is a Alcohol Rehab Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 301 North 12th Street Gadsden, AL 35901
Mountain View Deferred Prosecution specializes in Criminal Justice Clients, and Hearing Impaired. Mountain View Deferred Prosecution provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Mountain View Deferred Prosecution accepts these payment options : Self Pay. Mountain View Deferred Prosecution is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility that can be contacted at (256) 546-9265.



Aletheia House
Aletheia House is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Center located at 135 Finley Avenue West Birmingham, AL 35204
Aletheia House specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, AIDS and HIV, Gay / Lesbian, Senior / Over 50, Men, and Criminal Justice Clients. Aletheia House provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, and Residential Long Term Treatment. Aletheia House accepts these payment options : Self Pay. Aletheia House is a Alcoholism Treatment Program and Alcohol Detox Center that can be contacted at (205) 328-3600.



Family Life Center
Family Life Center is a Alcohol Treatment Facility and Alcohol Detoxification Facility located at 211 South Market Street Scottsboro, AL 35768
Family Life Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services. Family Life Center accepts these payment options : Private Health Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Family Life Center is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Center and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (256) 574-3448.



Tuscaloosa Treatment Center
Tuscaloosa Treatment Center is a Alcoholism Treatment Center located at 1001 Mimosa Park Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
Tuscaloosa Treatment Center specializes in Co-Occuring Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse, AIDS and HIV, Gay / Lesbian, Senior / Over 50, Pregnant Women, Women, and Men. Tuscaloosa Treatment Center provides these types of treament : Substance Abuse Services, Detox, Methadone Maintenance, and Methadone Detox. Tuscaloosa Treatment Center accepts these payment options : Medicare Insurance, Private Health Insurance, Military Insurance, Self Pay, and Sliding Scale Fees. Tuscaloosa Treatment Center is a Alcohol Rehabilitation Program and Alcohol Detoxification Center that can be contacted at (205) 752-5857.



Alcohol Treatment Centers by City in Alabama Listed Alphabetically:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W Y

Nearby Cities

Oxford is 1.50 Miles from Hobson City
West End Cobb Town is 2.69 Miles from Hobson City
Anniston is 3.22 Miles from Hobson City
Blue Mountain is 4.86 Miles from Hobson City
Saks is 6.20 Miles from Hobson City
Bynum is 6.95 Miles from Hobson City
Munford is 8.67 Miles from Hobson City
Weaver is 9.69 Miles from Hobson City
Alexandria is 10.46 Miles from Hobson City
Jacksonville is 14.44 Miles from Hobson City
Heflin is 15.10 Miles from Hobson City
Ohatchee is 16.91 Miles from Hobson City
Lincoln is 17.09 Miles from Hobson City
Waldo is 18.98 Miles from Hobson City
Ragland is 19.23 Miles from Hobson City
Talladega is 19.54 Miles from Hobson City
Edwardsville is 20.10 Miles from Hobson City
Riverside is 20.56 Miles from Hobson City
Lineville is 21.78 Miles from Hobson City
Southside is 22.32 Miles from Hobson City

Find Alcohol Rehab Centers in Major Cities Near Hobson City, Alabama:

Hoover is 57.67 Miles from Hobson City
Marietta is 78.31 Miles from Hobson City
Atlanta is 83.37 Miles from Hobson City
Huntsville is 86.97 Miles from Hobson City
Sandy Springs is 87.51 Miles from Hobson City
Montgomery is 90.44 Miles from Hobson City
Roswell is 90.72 Miles from Hobson City
Decatur is 93.14 Miles from Hobson City
Columbus is 93.90 Miles from Hobson City
Tuscaloosa is 101.60 Miles from Hobson City
Chattanooga is 103.92 Miles from Hobson City
Macon is 137.75 Miles from Hobson City
Athens Clarke is 143.17 Miles from Hobson City
Murfreesboro is 157.84 Miles from Hobson City
Dothan is 167.16 Miles from Hobson City
Albany is 171.25 Miles from Hobson City
Nashville Davidson is 182.80 Miles from Hobson City
Knoxville is 195.17 Miles from Hobson City
Greenville is 214.90 Miles from Hobson City
Jackson is 219.13 Miles from Hobson City

Quick Drug Facts

Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) depressant. How, then, can alcohol cause someone to feel "high" or euphoric? Scientists are not sure, but the simple explanation is that alcohol causes "dis-inhibition" of parts of the brain that are normally held in check in people who are not intoxicated. In other words, alcohol causes a reduction in the inhibitory parts of the brain, thereby causing them to relax their influence on parts of the brain that can exhibit stimulation. We feel "high" when our cerebral cortex is more dis-inhibited, so we infer that alcohol has a major effect on depressing the cerebral cortex.
In addition to being a depressant, alcohol is a chemical solvent, a local anesthetic and an irritant.
"Blackouts", contrary to public knowledge, are not diagnostic of alcohol dependence (alcoholism). Blackouts are memory lapses caused by (usually) heavy drinking, where the individual does not pass out, but appears to act relatively normal during drinking. However, the next day, events that occurred during portions of the drinking period cannot be remembered. Blackouts probably occur because the function of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that registers memory, is depressed by alcohol. Whether the memories never get "registered", or whether they become registered but cannot be retrieved, has not been determined.
While people who are depressed are more likely to drink alcohol, doing so may actually worsen the depression.
Copyright © 2002-2017 www.alcoholabusetreatment.com