Madison, Wisconsin’s Premier Treatment Center for Alcohol Addiction

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a person’s risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be increased by: 

• Drinking at an early age 
• Genetics and a family history of alcohol abuse  
• Mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder 
• The effects of trauma, particularly childhood trauma  

Because alcoholism is the result of both environmental and genetic factors, it can be very difficult to overcome without help from highly trained professionals in a safe and welcoming environment. Attempting to stop using alcohol on one’s own can be dangerous and can lead to painful withdrawal symptoms.  

Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease that can be fatal if left untreated. The negative health effects that are associated with alcoholism include: 

• Pancreatitis 
• Liver disease and damage 
• Gastrointestinal bleeding 
• Certain types of cancers 
• Anemia  
• Malnutrition 
• Cardiovascular problems  

Mental health concerns and social risks often associated with alcohol addiction include: 

• Depression  
• Anxiety 
• ADHD 
• PTSD 
• Strained relationships with loved ones  
• Problems at school and work  
• Financial distress  
• Legal issues  
• Suicidal ideation 
• Increased loneliness and isolation 
• People who struggle with alcoholism may show signs of alcohol overdose or poisoning. The critical signs and symptoms may include: 
• Difficulty remaining conscious or staying awake  
• Vomiting 
• Mental confusion 
• Slow heart rate 
• Seizures 
• Slow or irregular breathing  
• Clammy skin 
• Dulled responses, such as no gag reflex (which prevents choking) 
• Extremely low body temperature or paleness 

If someone is experiencing alcohol overdose or poisoning, it’s important to seek emergency medical help immediately.  

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), every year in the United States, more people die of alcohol-related causes than from opioids and other drugs. Many other people are impacted by alcohol’s ripple effects, such as car accidents, increases in violence and assault, risky sexual behaviors, lost jobs, fractured families, and children’s lives made unstable by a parent’s dependence on alcohol.  

Roughly 12% of adult men and 5% of adult women show symptoms in line with an AUD diagnosis each year. Alcohol abuse is considered the third most common preventable cause of death, with studies suggesting that nearly 90,000 fatalities are due to the misuse of this substance. 

NIAAA research indicates that the number of death certificates from 2019-2020 involving alcohol rose from approximately 79,000 to more than 99,000, a 25.5% increase. Each year, there are more than 178,000 deaths (male and female) attributable to excessive alcohol use, making alcohol one of the leading preventable causes of death in the U.S.  

By choosing Shorewood Behavioral Health in Madison, Wisconsin, for alcohol addiction treatment, you can start your journey toward recovery. Our dedicated team of professionals is there to support each patient every step of the way.  

The following types of services are included in our patients’ individualized care plans: 

• Basic medical care  
• Medication management services  
• Evidence-based treatment modalities, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing  
• Art and music therapies  
• Trauma-focused care 
• 12-Step programming 
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) 

Patients take part in group therapy sessions daily. In these sessions, which can include psychoeducational, process, activity therapy, and goal-setting groups, patients can meet with peers who may be facing similar challenges with alcohol addiction. Common topics covered in group therapy sessions include setting boundaries, the effects of trauma, coping skills, and self-esteem. By participating in group therapy, patients can set and achieve goals, understand triggers, explore emotions, and develop healthy coping skills.  

Are you or a loved one concerned about your alcohol use? It’s important to find the right treatment for you. If you aren’t sure what to look for during your search for an alcohol addiction treatment center, you may want to ask these questions:  

• Does the treatment center provide personalized care delivered by a multidisciplinary team? 
• Will I receive recommendations and referrals for additional support once programming is completed?  
• What is the admissions process like?  
• How quickly can I begin treatment? 
• Is financial assistance available?  
• What are the first few days of treatment like? 
• What is a typical length of stay for inpatient or outpatient care? 
• Is age-appropriate programming available?  
• Will my loved ones be involved in the treatment process? 
• Is it a warm and welcoming environment?  
• Will I be respected while I’m receiving treatment?  
• Will my concerns or questions be addressed in a timely manner? 

At Shorewood Behavioral Health, we develop a comprehensive care plan for each patient. Treatment plans include the use of evidence-based practices and therapeutic modalities that address the symptoms and causes of alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.  

While participating in our inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programming, patients are cared for by a team of highly trained staff members who are dedicated to providing clinically excellent care while treating our patients with respect and dignity. Our multidisciplinary team of professionals at our alcohol addiction treatment center includes the following:  

• Psychiatrists 
• Licensed professional counselors  
• Licensed clinical social workers  
• Activity therapists  
• Nurse practitioners  
• Registered nurses  
• Licensed professional nurses  
• Registered dietitians  
• Mental health technicians  

These compassionate individuals work closely with our patients to make sure that they are empowered to participate in programming so that they can begin their healing journeys with confidence and build the lives they want. We’re here to support our patients every step of the way. We look forward to answering all your questions and helping you decide if Shorewood Behavioral Health is the right place for you or your loved one.