Moving Mountains Recovery, based in Randolph, New Jersey, offers a comprehensive and unique approach to Alcohol Addiction recovery.
Kelly Donald, PMHNP
Alcohol addiction is a serious and complicated condition that affects millions of individuals and families across the country. In New Jersey, thousands struggle every day with the harmful consequences of alcohol abuse, from declining health to strained relationships. While alcohol is socially accepted across cultures, its misuse can lead to life-altering risks, making professional treatment essential for recovery. At Moving Mountains Recovery, we specialize in guiding individuals through the process of healing by providing comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment in Randolph, NJ.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, know that help is here. You don’t have to fight this battle alone. Our expert team can help you overcome addiction and reclaim control over your life through personalized care, counseling, and compassionate support.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains one of the most widespread substance-related conditions in the United States. Recent data shows that approximately 27.1 million adults aged 18 and older—or about 10.3% of the adult population—met the criteria for AUD within the past year. This demonstrates a significant national concern, affecting individuals across all backgrounds and age groups as they struggle with the emotional, physical, and social impacts of problematic drinking.
Young people are also deeply affected by alcohol misuse. In 2023, an estimated 5.6 million youth ages 12 to 20 reported drinking alcohol within the past month, highlighting the ongoing challenges of underage drinking. Early alcohol use is associated with a heightened risk of addiction later in life, making prevention, education, and early intervention essential to protecting youth and supporting healthier futures.
There is a difference between alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse. Those that suffer from alcohol addiction will not be able to stop drinking and stay stopped without the appropriate treatment. Those that suffer from alcohol abuse may be able to stop with severe enough consequences or risk to their health. Either way, treatment can help both persons so severe consequences like ill health do not have to take place to put the drink down.
Many people start out their search with “Why can’t I stop drinking?” and find Alcoholics Anonymous as a good place to go to obtain sobriety. While Alcoholics Anonymous has saved hundreds of thousands of people from addiction, they all had to obtain abstinence first before joining the fellowship. That is why treatment serves as a necessary step to obtain life-long sobriety.
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical condition characterized by a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. It involves a persistent and uncontrollable urge to drink despite the harmful consequences it may cause to your health, relationships, career, or finances.
Alcohol addiction often develops over time, beginning with casual or mild use and escalating as tolerance builds and dependency grows. Because alcohol alters the brain’s chemistry, individuals struggling with AUD may find it extremely difficult to stop drinking without professional help.
Additionally, not everyone who struggles with alcohol addiction or abuse drinks the same way. There are many ways that a person struggling will use alcohol. A few different Alcohol issues someone may struggle with are:
Binge drinking is among one of the most common ways someone will use alcohol. According to data from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 26.45 percent of people 18 or older answered that they had engaged in binge drinking in the past month. What does binge drinking look like? Binge drinking is when someone starts drinking on, say, the weekend, typically they will drink all night Friday and all-night Saturday into a blackout or until they pass out. This is a large quantity of alcohol consumed in a short period of time.
Underage drinking would also be another common form of alcohol use. The CDC reported that about 11 percent of all the alcohol purchased in the US is consumed by someone under the legal drinking age. This can be a way for underage youth to cope with many different things, some examples are bullying, feelings of anxiety or depression, peer pressure, or family issues. Underage drinking can lead to trouble with law enforcement, sexually transmitted diseases, DUIs, and violence.
Using substances paired with alcohol is another very common form of abuse or addiction. Alcohol is legal and widely accepted across the United States while other drugs are not. Most people who drink alcohol also will use it coupled with Cocaine or other substances. While alcohol acts as a depressant, cocaine acts as a stimulant. This can cause serious health complications and is just one example. If someone is using a benzodiazepine with alcohol, they are putting themselves at risk for an overdose by lowering their oxygen intake and blood pressure, because both alcohol and benzodiazepines are depressants on your nervous system.
If you or a loved one is struggling with any of these forms of alcohol use, it is appropriate to call now to get the care needed by professionals. Using substances with alcohol can make a self-detox riskier than just alcohol alone regarding health complications.
Recognizing the presence of alcohol addiction is the first step toward seeking help. Alcohol use disorder impacts individuals physically, emotionally, and behaviorally, often in ways that may not be immediately visible.
Attempting to quit alcohol on your own is not a task to take. Heavy or problem drinkers who decide to go “cold turkey” or taper off alcohol at home, put themselves at serious risk. The complications of stopping on your own can include seizures and hallucinations. Just these two symptoms are more common than you think and can result in death. It is important to enter a 24-hour care detox supervised by medical professionals. In this setting, you can get medically assisted treatment (MAT) to have a safe and comfortable detox from alcohol to prepare you for your next step.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can last up to 7 days. Not all symptoms are experienced but you can expect to identify with some here:
Alcohol addiction recovery is not a one-step process—it requires a structured, progressive approach designed to support individuals at every stage of healing. New Jersey alcohol rehabs follow a continuum of care, meaning treatment begins with more intensive services and gradually transitions into more independent levels of support as a person becomes stronger in their sobriety. This step-by-step model ensures clients always receive the right level of care for their needs, helping them maintain long-term recovery.
The continuum often begins with medical detox, where individuals safely withdraw from alcohol under medical supervision. Detox addresses the physical dependence and manages withdrawal symptoms, laying a foundation for treatment. After detox, many clients transition to residential or inpatient rehab, where they live on-site and receive 24/7 support. This highly structured environment allows individuals to focus fully on recovery while participating in therapy, mental health care, education, and wellness activities.
Next, clients often move into Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). These levels of care provide continued therapy and support but allow individuals to return home or live in sober housing. PHP and IOP programs help bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and independent living, offering flexibility while still delivering comprehensive therapeutic services. This stage builds coping skills, emotional resilience, and confidence needed for daily life outside of treatment.
As individuals progress, they enter outpatient care and aftercare services, which may include weekly therapy, support groups, relapse-prevention planning, alumni programs, and case management. Some individuals also choose to live in sober living homes, which provide structured housing and peer support during early recovery. Ongoing support at this phase is crucial for maintaining sobriety, promoting accountability, and preventing relapse.
The continuum of care in New Jersey alcohol treatment centers is designed to provide a seamless recovery experience, adapting to each person’s needs over time. By gradually stepping down from intensive medical care to community-based support, individuals gain the tools and stability needed to rebuild their lives with confidence and long-term success in sobriety.
Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction in someone you care about can be difficult, especially when loved ones try to hide or minimize their drinking. However, early awareness is key to getting them the help they need. Alcohol addiction often begins subtly and progresses over time, making it important to pay attention to changes in behavior, mood, and daily functioning.
One of the most noticeable signs is increased alcohol consumption or drinking more frequently than before. You may also notice they have difficulty cutting back, continue drinking despite negative consequences, or feel defensive when questioned about alcohol use. Over time, responsibilities at home, school, or work may start to slip, and hobbies or relationships once important to them may take a back seat to drinking.
Physical and emotional warning signs can also appear. These may include changes in sleep or appetite, unexplained fatigue, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression. You might notice they drink alone, hide alcohol around the house, or experience shaking, sweating, or nausea when not drinking—signs that the body may be dependent on alcohol.
Trust your instincts. If you feel like something is wrong, it’s worth paying attention to the patterns you see. Approaching your loved one with compassion—not judgment—can open the door to support and treatment. Remember, alcohol addiction is a medical condition, not a personal failure, and professional help can make recovery possible.
At Moving Mountains Recovery, we understand the seriousness of alcohol addiction, especially since it is the most common addiction that our clients struggle with. The objective at Moving Mountains is to help clients recover in a safe and comfortable environment, with an abundance of peer and clinical support. We have therapies available to empower clients through their own recovery while uncovering their passion in life without the use of drugs or alcohol. Our staff is equipped and ready to help with any questions or concerns. Make the life-changing phone call today.
At Moving Mountains Recovery Center, you are more than just another number.
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