Drinking alcohol may be a normal social activity, but if you're a woman it may be the outline of a deeper problem.
A study of over 300 patients, who were self-referred for an alcohol addiction treatment program at the Mayo Clinic located in Rochester Minnesota, showed that women who suffered from depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder were most likely to crave and drink alcohol whereas men might be drinking just to feel good. Craving for alcohol is an underlying component of alcohol dependence and in many cases, used to relieve stress, anxiety and other major signs of depression.
Three hundred and sixty four patients (135 women and 229 men) who participated in a 28-day residential intensive addiction program in the Mayo Clinic were used in this study. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and alcohol cravings were measured by the Pennsylvania Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS). Results showed that women were drinking almost as heavily as men — on average, as many as 11 drinks a day, compared to men who drank up to 14 drinks a day. About 50% were daily drinkers and 75% were deemed hazardous users (more than 5 drinks a day for man or more than 4 drinks a day for woman). Studies also showed that 139 individuals, mainly women, with alcohol dependency were also diagnosed with depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder.
Depression has been strongly linked with alcohol cravings in women and further studies are in progress to better evaluate outcome and treatment.
Treatment for depression and alcohol dependence depends on the severity of the disease as well as the lifestyle of the person. Residential Addiction Treatment Programs are very effective, regardless of the severity of the alcohol addiction.
The Cove Center for Recovery - Addiction Treatment Center offers a structured program in which clients participate in addiction treatment and reside with the treatment center for a minimum of 30 days. All medical, psychiatric, and therapeutic needs are met during the residential addiction treatment program. A core component of a good residential addiction treatment program is one that provides an opportunity for the treatment staff and the client to work together to co-create an individual treatment plan and a solution minded approach to a successful recovery life.
Another important component of a good residential addiction treatment program exposes the client to the environment outside of the addiction treatment center, during the treatment process, allowing the client to process the stressors, triggers, and strengths of the world while still in the protection and structure of a therapeutic environment. Activities such as bowling, movies, museums, shopping, and other outings are a good opportunity to process tools learned in addiction treatment. Relapse prevention education, focusing on identifying triggers to addiction are one of the building blocks of a good residential addiction treatment program. Individual, group, and family therapy are primary therapeutic focuses.
Cove Addiction Treatment Center encourages people to leave their everyday lifestyle by immersing themselves in a new and different environment during the addiction treatment process. The Cove is known for a unique approach to "Real Life" Treatment and Recovery."Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes.:
If you have a friend or relative who is alcohol dependent, call Cove Center for Recovery for a free initial consultation.
Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com
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