Compassionate Outpatient Support for Alcohol Addiction at The Lakes

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances in the United States and one of the most misunderstood. Many people don’t realize that alcohol is a psychoactive drug, which means it directly affects brain chemistry, mood, and behavior.[1] While it’s legal and socially accepted, alcohol carries significant health risks when used excessively or compulsively.

In 2021, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism released a report showing that 29.5 million people aged 12 years or older were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder.[2] Statistics on alcohol dependence show that this condition can affect people of all ages, regardless of background and life circumstances. Seeking professional treatment for alcohol addiction makes a measurable difference in long-term recovery outcomes.

Common Types of Alcohol and How They Affect the Body

There are many different types of alcohol; however, each contains ethanol, a substance that produces the ‘high’ or intoxication, and impairs functioning. 

The most commonly consumed types of alcohol include;

• Beer: The concentration of alcohol in beer is lower than in wine or distilled spirits, but beer tends to be consumed in higher volumes, increasing heavy drinking patterns.
• Wine: Wine has a higher alcohol content than beer and is absorbed much more easily into the bloodstream, quickly elevating blood alcohol level.
• Distilled Spirits (vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, scotch, etc.): Distilled spirits have an even higher concentration of alcohol. Consuming leads to quicker intoxication and a higher probability of binge drinking.

Regardless of what type of alcohol you consume,  alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream relatively quickly. Peak blood alcohol concentration usually occurs within 30 to 90 minutes, which is when decision-making, coordination, and judgment are most impaired.[3] Repeated heavy use over time can change how the brain functions, contributing to tolerance, dependence, and eventually addiction.

Why Isn’t Alcohol Illegal?

Given its addictive potential and health risks, people often ask: why isn’t alcohol illegal? 

The answer is complex and rooted in history, culture, and economics. Alcohol has been used for thousands of years across most civilizations, and its prohibition in the United States during the 1920s ultimately failed, leading to its widespread illegal production and organized crime.

Today, alcohol is legal but regulated. While it’s classified as a central nervous system depressant, society continues to grapple with its impact on public health. At The Lakes, we don’t focus on the politics of legality; we focus on helping individuals and families heal from the real, painful consequences of alcohol dependence.

Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol use disorder manifests in different ways, but there are several common signs:

• Drinking alcohol more often or in larger quantities than planned.
• Feeling unable to cut back or stop drinking despite wanting to.
• Strong cravings or anxiety when alcohol isn’t available
• Drinking habits that interfere with work, school, or relationships
• Repeated attempts to quit followed by a return to drinking
• Withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, nausea, or irritability when a period of time has passed after your last drink

When to Get Help

If you believe that you are suffering from alcohol addiction, cannot control how much you drink, or you’re worried that drinking has started interrupting your daily life, then it’s time to ask for help.

Alcohol withdrawal can be uncomfortable and the withdrawal symptoms can be medically dangerous.[4] If you’ve been drinking heavily for a long period of time, it’s important to consult with a qualified professional for assistance before trying to stop on your own.

The Lakes can quickly and safely refer you for medically supervised detox when needed and offers outpatient programs to ensure that you have the tools you need to build long-term stability and sobriety.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment at The Lakes

At The Lakes, we understand that alcohol addiction isn’t just about the substance—it’s about the pain, stress, and unmet needs underneath. Our treatment programs address both the physical and emotional aspects of alcohol dependence through comprehensive, individualized care.

We offer structured outpatient alcohol treatment that allows clients to maintain daily responsibilities while receiving the clinical support necessary for lasting recovery. Whether you’re beginning treatment for the first time or returning after relapse, our team meets you where you are with compassion, expertise, and evidence-based interventions.

Our Approach: Mental Health First

Unlike programs built around addiction and adapted to include mental health conditions, The Lakes was built with mental health as its foundation. Many people who struggle with alcohol use also experience co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout.[5] We treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Our clinicians are trained in trauma-informed care and utilize evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and EMDR to help clients understand triggers, develop coping strategies, and rebuild emotional resilience.

What to Expect in Treatment

Treatment options at The Lakes blend evidence-based therapy, supportive group work, and holistic practices to help you create real, lasting change. Here’s what your care may include:

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions using CBT, DBT, and other evidence-based approaches to identify triggers, build coping skills, and address the emotional roots of alcohol use.
• Group Therapy Sessions: Small groups of 8–10 clients offering connection, accountability, and shared learning in a supportive, structured environment.
• Psychiatric Services & Medication Management: Assessments and ongoing medication support, including options like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram when clinically appropriate.
• Family Therapy: Guided sessions that help loved ones rebuild trust, set healthy boundaries, and understand the recovery process.
• Holistic & Experiential Therapies: Yoga, mindfulness, art therapy, and psychoeducation to support emotional regulation, stress relief, and whole-person wellbeing.
• Relapse Prevention & Aftercare: Personalized plans with coping strategies, community support, and ongoing care to maintain progress long after treatment ends.