Alcohol Dependence & Alcoholism Treatment Center in Boston

Overcoming a dependency on alcohol is a lifelong process, but it starts with choosing the right alcohol treatment program. Landmark Recovery of Boston understands the proper steps to recovery and can help you achieve long-lasting sobriety.

How Big of a Problem is Alcohol Abuse in Massachusetts?

According to findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, alcohol is the most widely abused drug in Massachusetts. Between 1 in 3 Massachusetts residents engaged in recent binge drinking (the consumption of five or more drinks on the same occasion), ¹ and nearly 1 in 12 Massachusetts residents reported heavy alcohol use (the consumption of 15 or more drinks per week) in the past month. ²

Alcohol abuse is also a problem for many Massachusetts teens. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports that nearly 1 in 3 high school students currently drinks alcohol, 1 in 6 have engaged in past-month binge drinking, and more than 1 in 2 admit that they drank alcohol at least once in their lifetime. ³

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that nearly 400,000 Massachusetts residents currently struggle with an alcohol use disorder (commonly known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction), ¹ a devastating disease of the brain characterized by compulsive and uncontrollable drinking that is driven by both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol. ⁴ In 2019, there were 27,356 admissions to Massachusetts substance abuse treatment centers related to alcohol addiction. ⁵ Tragically, more than 9 out of 10 Massachusetts residents in need of alcohol rehab did not receive any form of treatment for their addiction. ¹

How Our Boston Alcohol Treatment Program Works

Alcohol addiction is a life-threatening condition that needs to be taken very seriously. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, seek help immediately. With the right alcohol treatment program at a local alcohol treatment center, it is very possible to regain control of your life and overcome alcohol addiction.

Before you can begin any formal treatment, you must first quit drinking and go through detox to flush out all traces of alcohol from your system. If you have developed a dependence on alcohol, you will likely experience an extremely painful period of withdrawal as your body attempts to get used to not having alcohol present. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal start to appear 6 to 24 hours after your last drink and may include: ⁶

• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Restlessness
• Sleep difficulties
• Headaches
• Shaking and shivering
• Excessive sweating
• Elevated pulse and blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to sounds and light
• Fever

Due to the extremely dangerous and unpredictable nature of alcohol withdrawal, alcohol detox should only be done under strict medical supervision at a professional detox center.
Landmark Recovery’s Boston-area alcohol treatment center offers medical detox services to help manage your withdrawal from alcohol. Clinical specialists provide supportive care and around-the-clock monitoring to make sure that you remain safe and comfortable throughout the entire detox process. When and if needed, medications will be administered to help manage the intense cravings and negative symptoms that are often experienced during alcohol withdrawal. Medications that may be used during alcohol detox include: ⁶

• Benzodiazepines
• Antipsychotic medications
• Beta blockers and adrenergic medications
• FDA-approved alcohol addiction medications (acamprosate, naltrexone, and disulfiram)
• Anti-seizure medications
• Barbiturates
• Calcium channel antagonists
• Anti-nausea medications

Our Boston clinicians will also promptly identify and treat any medical complications that may arise, including the potentially life-threatening condition delirium tremens – a severe form of alcohol withdrawal produces sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes that may include profound confusion, hallucinations, sepsis, irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulties, seizures, and an electrolyte imbalance that can lead to heart failure. ⁷

Following the completion of alcohol detox, you will be ready to transition into your personalized alcohol treatment program at Landmark Recovery. During your treatment, participation in counseling and evidence-based behavioral therapies (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management interventions) will play a critical role in identifying the false beliefs and harmful thoughts underlying your addiction. Behavioral therapy will also be used to develop the healthy behaviors and coping skills needed to prevent relapse and stay sober. ⁸

Landmark Recovery takes a holistic approach to treatment and focuses on the person as a whole, rather than just their alcohol abuse. In this regard, we usually integrate a variety of proven treatments and alternative therapies into our alcohol addiction programs to ensure that we are treating the body, mind, and spirit. These interventions often include medication-assisted treatment, family therapy, peer support groups, meditation and mindfulness therapy, health and wellness education, fitness and exercise, and recreational activities.

How Can I Get More Information on Alcohol Treatment Programs in Boston?

Landmark Recovery’s personalized alcohol treatment can help you quit drinking and stay sober. Please call our Boston-area alcohol treatment center at 978-619-8073 to learn more about our medical detox and alcohol treatment programs.