It can be tough to discern whether or not you or someone you love has a problem with alcohol abuse. Sometimes it is more obvious to the outsider – you watch someone systematically lose their family, home, job or rack up DUI charges. For others it is less clear – something has changed in the person you care about, but you are not quite sure what it is. They may be chronically late for appointments, more irritable and might seem to be keeping secrets.
Either way, these may be symptoms of potential alcohol abuse. The definition of alcohol abuse, according to the American Psychiatric Association, is continuing to drink alcohol despite negative consequences. Another characteristic of alcohol abuse is binge drinking – characterized by getting severely drunk to the point of blackout more than once. Alcoholism can be characterized by two qualities – an increased tolerance to alcohol and withdrawal symptoms when the body is suddenly denied the substance it has grown used to. You don’t need to let your loved one get to that point – get them help before alcohol abuse becomes a full-blown disease.
Binge drinking is defined by professionals as “consuming more than 4 drinks at one time for women, and 5 for men.” However, this number may need to be adjusted downwards for young adults. Binge drinking is particularly dangerous for adolescents as their brains are not yet fully developed and can be damaged for life as a result of alcohol abuse. Binge drinking is known to cause harm to the frontal lobe processing and functioning area of the brain, and is associated with an impaired working memory as well as delayed auditory and verbal memory deficits.
Alcohol abuse is said to be most common is people ages 15-23. This is because of availability, peer pressure and other environmental and genetic factors. More evident signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse can be hidden by everyday adolescent complaints, so parents and loved ones may need to pay good attention. Someone suffering from alcohol abuse may complain consistently of insomnia and being tired. This is a side effect of drinking, much of the time. Chronic anxiety and depression may also be present. This in turn may lead to increased risk of self-harm and even suicide, so must be take very seriously.
Difficulties diagnosing alcoholism or alcohol abuse can arise when dealing with adolescents. They usually do not have cars and jobs to lose, and family may chalk up bad behavior or negative consequences to teen angst. At Center for Recovery, we can help with the assessment and evaluation processes. We are renowned in the adolescent treatment field, and have many options open to you or your child when you are seeking help. We specialize in dual-diagnosis programs, including eating disorders and mental or psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression.
At Center for Discovery, we are dedicated to improving the lives of adolescents struggling from the alcohol abuse, as well as their families. We offer a serene and comfortable environment where adolescents can heal and recovery from their struggles, with 6 campuses across the state of California for your convenience. You do not have to do this alone – let Center for Discovery start to heal your family.
In the following pages you will read information pertaining to our substance abuse program, treatment components, why we treat adolescent only and in a residential setting, substance abuse red flags, levels of care, and the Discovery Substance Abuse Program admissions process. You are also welcome to take a virtual picture tour of our facilities and browse through our online brochure. It is our hope that this information will help you to obtain a better understanding of our adolescent substance abuse residential program, as well as become more informed on eating disorders, including medical complications. There is also a testimonial section from past residents and their families. If you have further inquiries we are available to you 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Please contact our confidential Intake staff at or you may fill out the online form on the Contact Us page.