Trust SoCal Treatment Center

Alcohol Addiction

Compassionate, evidence-based treatment for lasting recovery

Medically reviewed by Rachel Handa, Clinical Director — Updated February 1, 2026

What Is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, clinically known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic medical condition characterized by an inability to control drinking despite negative consequences. Because alcohol is legal and socially normalized, many people struggle to recognize when casual drinking has crossed the line into dependence. Alcohol affects virtually every organ system in the body, and withdrawal from heavy, prolonged use can be life-threatening without medical supervision. At Trust SoCal, we provide medically supervised detox and comprehensive treatment tailored to the unique challenges of alcohol recovery.

Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction is the first step toward getting help. Common indicators include:

Drinking more or for longer periods than originally intended
Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control alcohol consumption
Spending significant time obtaining, drinking, or recovering from alcohol
Continuing to drink despite relationship, work, or health problems caused by alcohol
Needing to drink increasing amounts to achieve the same effect (tolerance)

Health Effects

1Liver disease including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis

2Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and high blood pressure

3Damage to the brain and nervous system, including cognitive impairment and peripheral neuropathy

4Weakened immune system leading to increased susceptibility to infections

5Elevated risk of several cancers including liver, breast, esophageal, and colorectal cancer

Withdrawal & Detox

Alcohol withdrawal can begin within 6 to 24 hours after the last drink and ranges from mild symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and insomnia to severe and potentially fatal complications including seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). The severity of withdrawal depends on the duration and quantity of use, previous withdrawal history, and individual health factors. Medical detox is strongly recommended for anyone with a history of heavy or prolonged alcohol use, as supervised withdrawal with appropriate medications can prevent dangerous complications and significantly reduce discomfort.

Treatment at Trust SoCal

Treatment for alcohol addiction at Trust SoCal begins with medically supervised detox to ensure safe withdrawal. Clients then transition into a comprehensive treatment program that may include residential care, PHP, or IOP depending on their clinical needs. Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), and 12-step facilitation form the core of treatment. Medication-assisted treatment with FDA-approved medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram may be incorporated to reduce cravings and support abstinence. Family therapy and aftercare planning are integral components of every alcohol recovery plan.

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Key Statistics

Approximately 29.5 million Americans aged 12 and older had alcohol use disorder in the past year, according to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States, contributing to approximately 178,000 deaths per year.

Only about 7.6% of individuals with alcohol use disorder receive any form of treatment in a given year.

Related Addiction Types

Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription sedatives commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. While effective for short-term use, benzodiazepines carry a high risk of physical dependence that can develop within just a few weeks of regular use. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan). Benzodiazepine addiction is particularly dangerous because withdrawal can cause life-threatening seizures, making medical detox not just recommended but essential for safe discontinuation.

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Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug addiction encompasses the misuse of and dependence on any medication obtained through legitimate medical channels, including opioid painkillers, benzodiazepine sedatives, stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, and sleep aids like Ambien. Because these drugs are prescribed by physicians and manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, many people underestimate their addiction potential and believe they are inherently safer than illicit drugs. In reality, prescription drug misuse is one of the most common and fastest-growing forms of substance use disorder in the United States. Treatment requires addressing both the addiction itself and the underlying medical condition that originally prompted the prescription.

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Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction encompasses dependence on prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine. These medications are highly effective for managing acute pain but carry a significant risk of physical dependence and addiction, even when taken as prescribed. Opioids work by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, producing pain relief and intense feelings of euphoria that drive continued use. The opioid epidemic has devastated communities across the United States, and effective, compassionate treatment is more critical than ever.

Learn More

Recommended Treatment Programs

Medical Detox

A safe, medically supervised first step toward lasting recovery.

5-10 days

Residential Treatment

Immersive, structured care in a healing environment where recovery becomes your full focus.

30-90 days

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Integrated treatment that addresses addiction and mental health together, not separately.

30-90 days

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Effective, flexible treatment that fits into your life while keeping recovery at the center.

8-12 weeks, 3 days per week

Therapies Used in Treatment

CBTCognitive Behavioral Therapy DBTDialectical Behavior Therapy EMDREye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing MIMotivational Interviewing GGroup Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have an alcohol problem?

If you find yourself unable to control how much or how often you drink, if you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop, or if alcohol is causing problems in your relationships, work, or health, these are strong indicators of alcohol use disorder. A professional assessment can provide clarity and help determine the appropriate level of care for your situation.

Is alcohol withdrawal dangerous?

Yes. Alcohol withdrawal can be medically dangerous and, in severe cases, life-threatening. Seizures and delirium tremens are the most serious risks and can occur 48 to 72 hours after the last drink. This is why medical detox under professional supervision is critically important for anyone with a history of heavy or prolonged alcohol use.

How long does it take to recover from alcohol addiction?

Recovery is a lifelong process, but the acute phase of treatment typically involves 5 to 10 days of detox followed by 30 to 90 days of primary treatment. The brain continues to heal for months and even years after stopping drinking. Ongoing participation in aftercare, support groups, and healthy lifestyle practices is essential for maintaining long-term sobriety.

Can I learn to drink moderately instead of quitting completely?

For individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder, clinical research strongly supports complete abstinence as the most effective and safest goal. The neurological changes caused by addiction make controlled drinking extremely difficult and risky. Your treatment team will discuss goals and expectations with you as part of your personalized care plan.

Are medications used to treat alcohol addiction?

Yes. Several FDA-approved medications can help support alcohol recovery. Naltrexone reduces cravings and the rewarding effects of alcohol, acamprosate helps stabilize brain chemistry after withdrawal, and disulfiram causes unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed as a deterrent. Your physician will determine whether medication is appropriate as part of your overall treatment plan.

Related Resources & Information

Treatment Programs

Evidence-Based Therapies

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