Our society has made alcohol consumption a rite of passage. Children grow up watching their parents drink, have a good time, and form a subconscious desire for alcohol without even knowing what it is. Binge drinking is a common form of excessive drinking where men and women drink solely to get drunk as quickly as possible. This risky behavior can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning and blackouts. Alcohol addiction treatment in Massachusetts can help those whose alcohol addiction interferes with their personal and professional lives.
At Swift River, we support men and women whose drinking is getting out of control and who want to make a positive change in their lives. Our behavioral therapists have years of experience helping patients discover the root cause of their addiction and develop coping skills to stop their abuse. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, call 413.570.9698 today to speak with our staff about enrolling in our alcohol addiction treatment in Massachusetts.
The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol is a harmful substance when abused and can create serious health risks such as cancer, stroke, and premature death. Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women within a short period of time. With the 4th of July holiday approaching, it is important to understand the dangers of participating in unhealthy behaviors such as binge drinking or playing drinking games.
DUI instances and alcohol poisoning cases always increase over the Independence Day holiday, with most states reporting a higher number of alcohol-related injuries and car fatalities. Other potential risks of alcohol abuse and regular binge drinking include:
- An increase in violent or risky behavior
- Higher risk of sexually transmitted disease
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Sexual disfunction
- A decrease in cognitive function
At Swift River, our addiction treatment facility provides residential and outpatient treatment programs for men and women struggling with alcohol addiction. We help our patients understand the dangers of alcohol abuse and how it affects them and those around them.
Avoiding Binge Drinking Over the Holidays
For men and women newly sober, the 4th of July holiday can create a lot of stress and worry. You want to go out and enjoy yourself with your friends but don’t want to risk relapsing. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday without alcohol and still have a good time.
Here are some examples of celebrating a sober 4th of July:
- Throw your own sober party – Summertime celebrations are synonymous with alcohol, and it can be too much temptation for those who are newly sober. By hosting your own party, you avoid being around alcohol and reduce to risk of giving in to your cravings.
- Go on an adventure – Take a weekend road trip to a favorite camping or hiking destination. Or attend a spa or meditative retreat to pamper and treat yourself to a well-deserved reward for reaching your sober goals.
- Go to a party with a sober friend – It can be challenging to avoid celebrations without alcohol. Having a sober friend, such as someone who went through the recovery process with you, is an excellent way to help you stay sober when everyone around you is drinking.
- Attend therapy before celebrating – Talking with your therapist in private or group therapy is a good way to practice coping skills and remind yourself why you want to stay sober before the holiday begins.
Swift River – Massachusetts: Helping Men and Women Celebrate a Sober 4th of July
At Swift River, our alcohol addiction treatment program is very effective in helping men and women stop their alcohol abuse and promotes lifelong sobriety. Patients will participate in various behavioral and holistic therapies that give them the coping skills necessary to lead a healthy and sober life.
Call 413.570.9698 or fill out our online contact form today if you are ready to begin leading a healthy and sober life.
