© 2023 Aton Center | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Accessibility Statement | Grievance process | California Addiction Recovery | DHCS Licenses | Sitemap
AToN Center is a premier inpatient alcohol rehab facility located in San Diego. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol misuse, our comprehensive and compassionate treatment program is here to provide the support and guidance you need.
Here at AToN Center, we understand the challenges of alcohol dependence and the toll it can take on individuals and their families. We treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental disorders. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to helping you achieve lasting recovery and reclaim a fulfilling life.
With a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction, our inpatient alcohol rehab program offers a nurturing and transformative environment for your healing journey. Discover the AToN Center difference and embark on a path to lasting sobriety and wellness.
WHAT IS ALCOHOL USE DISORDER?
Alcohol use disorder, commonly referred to as alcohol addiction or alcoholism, can manifest in individuals regardless of their background or circumstances. Extensive research has been conducted to understand the underlying causes of addiction, but a definitive answer remains elusive. While genetic factors may contribute to the development of alcohol addiction in some cases, psychological and behavioral factors also play a significant role.
Numerous theories exist regarding alcohol use disorder, although most professionals concur that biological and genetic components are involved. Substance addiction, including alcoholism, induces alterations in brain biology, thereby impacting our impulse control. The severity of alcohol use disorder varies across a spectrum, ranging from mild to severe, contingent upon the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed.
- Increased usage of alcohol or quantity
- High tolerance for alcohol and lack of hangover
- Drinking during inappropriate times such as while working or at school
- Avoiding situations when alcohol is not present
- Avoiding family members
- The need to consume alcohol every day
- Hiding your drinking habit or alcohol use
- Depression, increased lethargy, or other emotional problems
- Changes in relationships; choosing to be around people that drink heavily
When the amount of alcohol that is in your bloodstream increases. The higher the amount of alcohol consumed the more impaired the person will be. This causes changes in your body, the feeling of being out of control, behavior problems, and mental changes. This can include inappropriate behavior, mood changes, slurred speech, impaired judgment, poor coordination, and memory loss.
If someone were to stop drinking alcohol suddenly, they will experience withdrawals. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Tremors or shaky hands, that could affect handwriting
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Irritability
- Nightmares
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening if it is done without any medical assistance. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. Additionally, there are other potentially life-threatening complications and severe withdrawal symptoms including seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). DTs occur in about 5% of people with alcohol withdrawal, and symptoms include hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there), delusions (false beliefs), fever, confusion, sweating, high blood pressure, and high pulse (racing heart).
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), anyone experiencing these severe symptoms should seek out alcohol treatment with a treatment provider. Treatment centers often have trained mental health professionals that can assist with alcoholism treatment success in the comfort of their specific treatment center. For example, AToN Center offers private rooms and other accommodations to make the experience the most comfortable possible. If you believe that you or someone you know is experiencing complications from alcohol withdrawal, please immediately call 9-1-1 as these are medical emergencies.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ALCOHOL USE DISORDER?
The risk for addiction to alcohol is still unknown but there are factors that may increase the chance that you misuse alcohol and have a chance of developing a problem. It usually begins in your 20s or 30s but can start at any age.
Known risk factors include:
- More than 12 drinks per week if you are female
- More than 15 drinks per week if you are male
- More than 5 drinks one day during the week (binge drinking)
- Having a parent who is an alcoholic or abuses alcohol
- Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or other mental disorders
Other factors that could increase the chances include:
- A young person experiencing peer pressure
- Low self-esteem
- Living in a household where alcohol is used frequently
- High stress situations
- Have a close relative or family member with an alcohol disorder
- Experiencing a traumatic event
Having a family member who has been diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder increases the likelihood that you will be diagnosed with one as well. The closer the relative, the greater the risk. For example, if a parent of a child has been diagnosed with an alcohol disorder there is a greater chance that the child will be diagnosed. If the child has a cousin or other distant relative who has been diagnosed, then they are less likely to be diagnosed.
Being diagnosed with other mental health disorders increases your chances of being diagnosed with an alcohol disorder. Some think it could be linked to “self-medicating” and others believe that the alcohol disorder actually happens before the other mental health disorders are diagnosed. The presence of alcohol abuse can cause further mental health problems to arise.
People who have been through significant trauma or stress are more likely to abuse substances and later be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. It may or may not be related to the idea of self-medication as a means to help with the situation. Being involved in sexual trauma, loss of a family member or physical abuse have higher chances among those being diagnosed with alcohol use disorders.
Peer pressure can be both overt and inadvertent. It can be a one-on-one situation where someone offers a teen a drink or encourages them to drink. It could also be a situation where your drink is being refilled without asking, a person buys another drink for the person or gives them a hard time if they choose not to drink anymore.
It may also be more inadvertent and social pressure. A group of kids that are considered “popular and cool” all drink alcohol, so in order to fit in, you do too. This is more of a modeled behavior to try to fit into a social group. While adults don’t typically consider themselves susceptible to peer pressure, our culture normalizes drinking to the extent that it is often challenging to avoid situations with alcohol and societal pressure to drink.
Getting Help
In order to get help, the first step is to see your doctor or physician. After an exam, if they believe that you have a problem, they may refer you to a mental health specialist or treatment center.
During the exam, they may:
Ask you about your drinking habits
They may want to speak to your family and friends about your drinking problem to assess the situation. Due to confidentiality, your doctor should not give out information without your permission first.
Conduct a physical exam
They may do a physical exam and ask you questions about your health. There are certain physical signs that could indicate a drinking problem.
Present a psychological questionnaire
This could include questions regarding your symptoms, thoughts, emotions, and behavior patterns.
Run lab tests or imaging
This may be done in order to check for health problems or damage to your organs. Some lab tests can strongly indicate an alcohol disorder.
Do You Need Detox?
If you need to consume alcohol in order to function at a normal level then there’s a chance you need help for substance use. In some cases, you need a professional medical provider to help you during the detox process. It can be life-threatening if not done properly.
Alcohol rehab gives you the support and guidance that you need to get through withdrawal. Rehab centers can prescribe medication to help ease the negative symptoms that come from withdrawal. Symptoms can last a week or more but typically are worst during the first 42-72 hours.
Alcohol Treatment
The majority of people who have an alcohol use disorder can benefit from some type of alcohol rehab. Rehab treatments include medication and/or behavior therapies. The best alcohol addiction treatments include:
Inpatient Treatment
Causes unpleasant symptoms while you drink alcohol which usually makes people want to stay away from it.
Inpatient or residential treatment provides a highly structured and supportive environment for individuals seeking intensive alcohol treatment. In these programs, individuals reside at the treatment facility for a designated period, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days. Inpatient treatment focuses on addressing the complex aspects of alcohol use disorder, including the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of chemical dependency.
Through a combination of individual counseling, group therapy, holistic approaches, and medical support, individuals receive comprehensive care to achieve sobriety and develop essential coping skills. Inpatient rehab offers a dedicated and immersive experience, fostering a safe and transformative journey toward long-term recovery from alcohol misuse.
Medications
- Disulfiram
Causes unpleasant symptoms while you drink alcohol which usually makes people want to stay away from it
- Naltrexone
Blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of certain drugs and has been reported to reduce cravings
- Acamprosate
Works by resetting the chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) to bring them back to a normal state
Behavioral Therapy
Working either one on one or in a small group this type of therapy helps you understand the reason behind your drinking and what feelings or emotions you have around it. It also assists you in developing coping strategies and ways to deal with the stress which can change your behavior and thoughts that cause you to want to drink.
- Marital and Family Counseling
Counseling that involves family and spouses. It helps to repair and improve the relationships you have in your life. Having a strong support system has been known to create a healthier and more successful recovery.
- Brief Interventions
One-on-one or small group counseling sessions that are short and sweet. It can be up to four total sessions and the counselor will give you information about your alcohol abuse habits and the risks involved. They work with you and help you set obtainable goals to change the behaviors associated with your disease.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy
A counseling technique that helps people get through their fear of getting treatment and stopping their drug use. It allows the patient to become internally motivated rather than helping them go step by step through the treatment process.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Causes unpleasant symptoms while you drink alcohol which usually makes people want to stay away from it.
Outpatient programs for alcohol use disorder offer individuals a flexible and effective approach to recovery. One such option is intensive outpatient treatment, which provides structured therapy and support while allowing individuals to maintain their daily routines and responsibilities.
These programs often involve individual counseling, group therapy, and educational sessions to address the underlying causes of addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), play a crucial role in outpatient treatment, providing a sense of community and shared experiences.
Aton Center in San Diego goes a step further by offering an aftercare program that helps residents find suitable outpatient treatment options and ensures ongoing support throughout the recovery process. We also have our own alumni support groups to help our residents stick with recovery. This comprehensive approach helps individuals transition from residential treatment to outpatient care while maintaining the necessary guidance and support for lasting sobriety.
DUAL DIAGNOSIS FOR ALCOHOL AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
AToN Center, a leading San Diego alcohol rehab and treatment center, offers a specialized dual diagnosis program to address co-occurring disorders. Recognizing the intricate link between mental illness and substance abuse, AToN Center provides comprehensive care tailored to individuals with dual diagnoses. This program integrates evidence-based therapies and treatment modalities to effectively address both the addiction and underlying mental health issues.
With a multidisciplinary team of experts, AToN Center creates a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore the complex interplay between mental health and addiction. Through personalized treatment plans, individuals receive the necessary tools and strategies to achieve lasting recovery and improve overall well-being.
The dual diagnosis program at AToN Center ensures integrated care, empowering individuals to overcome the challenges of co-occurring disorders and embark on a path of healing and resilience.
GET HELP AT AToN TREATMENT CENTER IN SAN DIEGO
AToN Center’s San Diego rehab center has experienced professional staff that offer substance use disorder treatment programs specifically tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.
There is no “one size fits all” solution to alcohol or drug addiction. Each person is unique and has different needs with regard to drug or alcohol rehab. Our treatment center aims to support each individual as they start their recovery journey.
AToN Center’s luxury rehab center provides drug and alcohol rehab treatment options tailored to suit the individual needs of patients in California and other locations throughout the country. While the 12-Step and SMART Recovery® models are effective at alcohol and drug treatment, we believe that clients will benefit more from an approach that integrates the two modalities and incorporates the best practices from each. At our rehab center in San Diego we use specialize in comprehensive addiction treatment.
And with a comprehensive approach to drug and alcohol addiction, we also provide holistic healing services that include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and hypnotherapy, among others, to support our clients’ recovery goals at our luxury rehab.
AToN Center’s San Diego rehab is a sanctuary staffed with highly trained psychologists and recovery personnel that offers an addiction recovery program. AToN Center’s high Clinician to Resident ratio (1:2) allows for daily individualized addiction treatment for those seeking respite from problematic drug and alcohol misuse.
Our treatment facility recognizes that a single modality doesn’t successfully meet the needs of every individual that is seeking lasting recovery, therefore we offer a multitude of best-practice addiction treatment methods in order to capture the needs of each client, including those with co-occurring mental health diagnoses.
If you are interested in learning more about how AToN Center’s San Diego rehab center (holistic treatment, Non-12 step rehab, SMART Recovery) can facilitate your recovery from addiction, please contact us today to learn more about our treatment program and the services we offer.