North Port’s Newest Alcohol Addiction Treatment Center

While no single trait or factor determines whether a person will develop an addiction to alcohol, several risk factors can increase the likelihood. Genetics are a significant influence; people who have a family history of alcohol addiction are at a higher risk for also developing the disorder. Biological factors also play a role. Drinking alcohol releases dopamine, a chemical in the brain associated with pleasure and reward, which can encourage repeated use and eventually lead to addiction. 

Environmental factors are another major contributor. Being exposed to alcohol at a young age, growing up in a home where drinking is common, or living in a home where heavy alcohol use is normalized can increase a person’s chances of developing an alcohol addiction. Stressful life events, such as trauma, abuse, or the loss of a loved one, may lead some individuals to turn to alcohol as a way to manage emotional pain and stress. 

Social influences, including peer pressure and frequenting environments where alcohol consumption is encouraged, can also contribute to heavier drinking and a higher risk for addiction. Additionally, mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often coexist with alcohol addiction. People who are struggling with symptoms of these disorders may use alcohol to self-medicate, unknowingly creating a cycle of dependency. 

Recognizing these factors is essential for prevention, early intervention, and effective recovery. Addressing the underlying causes, such as trauma or co-occurring mental health conditions, can play a critical role in helping a person break the cycle of addiction and supporting their long-term wellness. 

Alcohol addiction affects millions of people in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 28.1 million adults age 18 and older struggled with alcohol use disorder in 2023, which is nearly 11% of adults.  

Alcohol abuse leads to more than 178,000 deaths in the U.S. every year, making it one of the top causes of preventable death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that binge drinking is responsible for more than half of these deaths, showing how dangerous heavy drinking can be. 

Even though alcohol addiction is common, many people don’t get the help they need. NIAAA says that fewer than 10% of people who have alcohol use disorder receive treatment. This number shows the need for more awareness and better access to treatment to help reduce the impact of alcohol addiction on individuals and communities.

Untreated alcohol addiction can harm a person’s body, mind, and relationships in significant ways. Drinking heavily for a long time without getting treatment often leads to serious health problems, like liver damage, heart disease, and a higher risk for certain cancers. Chronic alcohol use also weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. 

Beyond physical health, alcohol addiction can take a heavy toll on mental well-being. People may experience worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as memory problems. Alcohol can damage your brain over time, impairing your ability to think clearly, solve problems, or make good decisions. Many people who have an untreated addiction struggle with feelings of guilt and hopelessness, which can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. 

Alcohol addiction doesn’t just affect the person who is drinking; it impacts everyone around them. It can strain family relationships, cause tension with friends, and lead to job loss and financial or legal struggles. Loved ones often feel helpless and overwhelmed, creating cycles of stress and conflict within households. 

North Port Behavioral Health is an alcohol addiction treatment center that offers patients hope for recovery. By addressing the physical, mental, and social effects of alcohol addiction, our treatment can help patients heal and regain control of their lives. Treating addiction can save lives, restore relationships, and give individuals the tools they need to build a healthier future. 

North Port Behavioral Health offers focused treatment for alcohol addiction, but only as a secondary diagnosis to a primary mental health disorder. North Port specializes in treating mental health concerns such as: 

• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• PTSD 
• Bipolar disorder 
• Psychosis 
• Self-injury and suicidal thoughts 

Alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorders are treated alongside these primary mental health concerns. 

North Port Behavioral Health provides inpatient care for individuals age 13 and older. While detox services and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) are not available on-site, we do provide patients with medication management services if needed. If medication is part of your personalized treatment, you will meet with a psychiatrist at least six days per week to ensure that any medication that is prescribed is helping you and that you feel safe and comfortable.  

Most patients receive inpatient care at our hospital for seven to 10 days. Patients are assigned to specialized units based on their needs, and we have a unit for patients who are experiencing symptoms of both mental health disorders and co-occurring substance use disorders. 

Treatment includes effective methods like: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients identify and change harmful thoughts and behaviors 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which focuses on emotion regulation and coping skills 
• Motivational interviewing, which helps a person build internal motivation for change in their behavior 
• 12-Step programming, which fosters accountability, peer support, and a structured path to recovery 

Group therapy is held daily and focuses on topics like managing the effects of trauma, building self-esteem, coping skills, and creating healthy boundaries. The group sessions are led by compassionate licensed therapists, registered nurses, and trained mental health staff. 

A team of professionals, including psychiatrists, registered nurses, counselors, dietitians, and recreational therapists, works together to provide well-rounded care to help each patient meet their goals for recovery and live a healthier life. Patients meet with medical staff regularly for medication management and to address physical health needs. 

Family therapy is also available as needed to help loved ones support the patient in their recovery process, with sessions led by skilled clinicians.  

With treatment for both mental health disorders and co-occurring substance use disorders, North Port Behavioral Health offers a safe, supportive, and beautifully designed environment for healing and recovery. Our intake coordinators are available 24/7 to help you determine if co-occurring alcohol addiction treatment at North Port is right for you or a loved one.