Our Approach to Alcohol Addiction Treatment

At Heritage Treatment Foundation we use the Holistic approach to alcohol addiction recovery

Alcohol – Description

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used and socially accepted psychoactive substances in the world. It affects the central nervous system similarly to other depressant drugs, producing relaxation and disinhibition at low doses, while at higher doses, it causes intoxication, impaired judgement and coordination, and in extreme cases, coma and death. The active ingredient in alcoholic beverages, ethanol, is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, impacting nearly every organ in the body. Although moderate consumption is accepted in many cultures, regular or excessive use of alcohol carries serious health and social risks.

Short-Term Effects

Alcohol affects the central nervous system in proportion to the blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which rises based on the amount and speed of alcohol consumption. Usual effects of small doses are euphoria, drowsiness, dizziness, flushing, and a general release of inhibitions and tension. Many individuals drink socially to experience these relaxing effects.

As consumption increases, so do the side effects. Larger doses can result in slurred speech, staggering, impaired coordination, double vision, mental confusion, and stupor. Alcohol, even in fairly low doses, significantly impairs one’s ability to drive a vehicle or operate complex machinery, increasing the risk of accidents and injury.

In combination with other drugs, including over-the-counter medications or sedatives, alcohol’s depressant effects may be dangerously amplified, potentially leading to respiratory depression or unconsciousness.

A “hangover” — characterized by headache, nausea, vomiting, shakiness, fatigue, and sensitivity to light and sound — may begin 8 to 12 hours after a period of excessive drinking. These symptoms are signs of alcohol’s toxic effects on the body. Very large doses, especially consumed rapidly (such as in binge drinking), can lead to alcohol poisoning or death by depressing the brain’s control over breathing and heart rate.

Long-Term Effects – What Leads to Alcohol Addiction

Chronic alcohol use can have profound long-term consequences on physical and mental health. Regular consumption of more than two standard drinks per day may gradually cause liver damage, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis, as well as brain damage, heart disease, and certain types of cancer such as liver, breast, and throat cancers.

Heavy alcohol use is also associated with blackouts (periods of memory loss), impotence, reproductive problems, stomach ulcers, and pancreatic disorders. Over time, alcohol can deteriorate cognitive function, leading to poor concentration, depression, and mood instability.

In addition to physical damage, chronic drinking often disrupts social, family, and occupational life, leading to relationship breakdowns, job loss, financial trouble, and legal issues such as impaired driving charges. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing condition characterized by a strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over its use, and continued use despite negative consequences.

For pregnant individuals, alcohol use poses extreme risks. Drinking during pregnancy may result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), including developmental delays, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and physical abnormalities. Since no amount of alcohol is proven safe during pregnancy, the best recommendation is complete abstinence.

Tolerance and Dependence

With regular alcohol use, the body builds tolerance, meaning higher amounts are needed to achieve the same desired effects. For some chronic drinkers, this leads to a situation where they may appear unaffected by large amounts of alcohol—functioning outwardly while being severely intoxicated internally.

This increasing tolerance masks growing physical and psychological dependence, which can develop subtly. Many individuals with alcohol dependency may not recognize their problem until they attempt to reduce or stop their drinking and experience withdrawal symptoms or fail to function without it. Alcohol addiction often develops over time, and because of alcohol’s wide social acceptance, dependency can remain hidden longer than with other substances.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal can be extremely dangerous and should not be underestimated. Symptoms may range from mild to life-threatening. Early withdrawal signs include anxiety, restlessness, sleeplessness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and tremors (often referred to as the “alcohol shakes”).

In more severe cases, individuals may experience seizures, hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs), and even death. This is why individuals with a history of heavy alcohol use are strongly advised to undergo withdrawal under medical supervision, often through a medically assisted detox program.

Seeking Help for Alcohol Use

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependency, professional support is available. Treatment often includes a combination of medical detox, counseling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and long-term support plans. A holistic and structured approach, such as that offered at Heritage Treatment Foundation, can help individuals overcome addiction and reclaim control over their health and lives.

For more resources and up-to-date information on alcohol and substance use in Canada, visit the Government of Canada’s substance use website.