alcohol addiction | ohio community health recovery centers
alcohol addiction | ohio community health recovery centers

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a condition in which a person has a strong need or compulsion to drink alcohol, even though it leads to negative consequences. People with alcohol addiction often have trouble controlling their drinking and may keep drinking even when it causes problems at work, school, or home. They may also continue to drink despite having health problems that are made worse by alcohol.

an image of alcohol representing alcohol addiction

What Leads to Alcohol Addiction?

There is no one answer to this question, as there are many factors that can contribute to alcohol addiction. However, some of the most common contributing factors include:

Family history. If you have a family member who is struggling with alcoholism, you may be more likely to develop alcohol addiction yourself.

Mental health disorders. People with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD may self-medicate with alcohol in an attempt to ease their symptoms.

Peer pressure. If your friends and peers are heavy drinkers, you may feel pressure to drink alcohol in order to fit in.

Stressful life events. Experiencing a traumatic event or going through a major life change (such as a divorce or the death of a loved one) can trigger alcohol abuse.

an image of alcohol representing alcohol addiction

Signs and Symptoms

Let’s take a look at some of the most common signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder.

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Can't limit alcohol use

Trying and failing to drink less or not drink at all is a sign that you may have a problem

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Cravings to drink

Cravings and strong urges to drink is a major sign you have an alcohol use disorder

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Tolerance

If you notice it takes you more alcohol to feel the desired effects, you likely have an AUD

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Social Failings

Alcoholism often leads people to neglect their personal and social lives in favor of drinking

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Lack of hygiene

People who suffer from alcohol addiction often let themselves go as they feed their addiction.

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Financial problems

It is common for people dealing with alcoholism to struggle with some sort of financial issues

alcohol addiction treatment cincinnati
alcohol addiction treatment cincinnati

How to Get Help for Alcohol Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. There are a number of treatment options available, and the right one for you will depend on your individual situation. Some of the most common alcohol addiction treatment options include:

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Inpatient rehab
  • Outpatient rehab

If you’re not sure where to start, talking to your doctor or a professional addiction counselor can be a good first step. They can help you assess your situation and find the best treatment option for you. Don’t suffer from alcohol addiction alone – get the help you need today at our Cincinnati alcohol rehab center.

Other Treatments

Take some time to learn about other forms of addiction and substance abuse.

Drug
Addiction

Opiate
Addiction

Mental
Health Disorders

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Christopher Glover CDCA

My name is Christopher Glover, and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am currently in school and working to grow in competence to better support our community. As a recovering individual I know the struggles that you or a loved one can go through and that there is help for anything you may be struggling with.

The hardest part is asking for help and we are here as a team to best support you and your decision to start your journey towards a better future. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

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Amanda Kuchenberg PRS CDCA

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s.  My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. 

As someone who is also in recovery, I wanted to provide hope, share lived experience, and support others on their journey.  I currently have my Peer Recovery Support Supervision Certification along with my CDCA and plan to continue my education with University of Cincinnati so I can continue to aid in the battle against substance addiction. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

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Patrick McCamley LCDC III

 Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019. Patrick received his bachelors degree in psychology from University of Cincinnati in 2021 and received his LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2022. Patrick has worked in Clinical Operations, Clinical Case Management, and Clinical Therapy throughout his career.

Patrick has tremendous empathy and compassion for the recovery community, being in recovery himself since 2018. Patrick is uniquely qualified to be helpful because of the specific combination of his academic background and his own experience in recovery.

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Bill Zimmerman CDCA

Bill Zimmerman is a Greater Cincinnati Area native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2018. Bill received his (Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant) license from the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board in 2020.

Bill has worked in Clinical Operations in both support and supervision, and Program facilitating and 12 step recovery support during his career. Bill has a passion for the recovery community, having been in recovery himself since 1982. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

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Taylor Lilley CDCA, PRS

Growing up in Louisiana with addiction running rampant on both sides of my family. A life away from drugs and alcohol seemed impossible for someone like me. I remember what it was like sitting across from someone thinking there is no way they could ever understand what I was going through.

Sharing my experience offers a credibility and a certain type of trust with clients that only someone who has walked down this road can illustrate. To immerse myself further into the field of addiction, I am currently studying at Cincinnati State for Human and Social Services.  I hope I never forget where I came from, if I can do it, so can you!

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Thomas Hunter LSW

Hello my name is Thomas Hunter. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a licensed social worker.In my scope of practice I have worked in the areas of mental health and recovery for thirty years. The clients I have worked with in my career have ranged in age from seven to seventy.

I strive each day to serve my purpose of helping those in need and I believe I do so by utilizing all of my experiences to accomplish my goal of supporting those who desire to establish their sobriety and maintain it in their recovery. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn.

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Mary D.Porter,LICDC

 My name is Mary D. Porter. I received my Masters of Social Work in 2008 from The University of Cincinnati. I received My Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure in 2001. I retired from The Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center on April 14, 2014. Currently, I am the Associate Clinical Director for The Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers in Cincinnati.. Due to the fourth wave of the Opioid Epidemic in 2019,  I decided to enter back into the workforce to assist the addicted population.

The overdoses were astounding and I wanted to help.  I consider myself  to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and  love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.

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Ben Lemmon LCDC III

Hello, my name is Ben Lemmon, and I’m the Vice President and Clinical Director at Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers. I’ve been working in the addiction and mental health field since 2013 and decided to enter the field after overcoming my own challenges with addiction.

When I first meet a client, I always explain to them that the reason we are meeting is because they are not capable of obtaining or maintaining sobriety, and my goal is to create a person that can maintain sobriety. I believe a person’s personality is made up of their thoughts, feelings and actions and my job is to help clients identify the thoughts, feelings and actions that have them disconnected from recovery and provide them with the tools to live a healthy and happy life. Connect with Ben on LinkedIn