The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying a Sober Vacation: Tips for Staying Sober While Traveling
This guide provides practical advice and inspiration to help you enjoy your vacation while maintaining your sobriety.
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Alcohol Addiction & Abuse
Your Personalized Treatment Starts Now
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States
14.5 million
people ages 12+ had AUD in 2019
Source CDC
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Alcohol-Related Deaths
in the United States
95,000
annual deaths from alcohol related issues
Source CDC
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Children Living With a Parent Struggling With AUD
Over 10%
of U.S. children 17 and under
Source CDC
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
The Chateau Recovery Solution
Chateau Recovery offers a range of alcohol treatment services at our Utah facility. We help you or your loved one overcome an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety.
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Committing to Change
Acknowledging the Problem
We believe it takes courage to ask for and willingly get help. Being committed to the process is key to successful change.
We work with a mature population (26+) who actively dedicate themselves to living a healthier, more balanced life focused on hope & healing.
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Evidence Based
Therapy Modalities
Our Master's Level Clinicians and trauma-trained staff are experts in diagnosing and treating your mental and physical health.
We provide a range of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy & Individual Therapy.
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Holistic Approach
Treating the Whole Self
We are dedicated to a holistic healing process. We believe your mental health is directly tied to behaviors and thoughts.
We specialize in Dual Diagnosis to address co-existing mental illness and substance abuse by examining all 6 dimensions of your wellness.
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Alumni Resources
Ongoing Support Network
Our commitment to wellness goes beyond residential treatment. Continued support is key to ongoing mental and physical health.
We understand your post treatment journey is critical to maintaining wellness. Our alumni network aims transform lives through education.
Alcohol Abuse is Universal
It Doesn't Discriminate
Alcohol addiction and abuse can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion/spirituality, nationality and socioeconomic status.
Construction & Laborers
Specifically, an estimated 1.83% (2.3 million workers) drink before work, 7.06% (8.9 million workers) drink during the workday, 1.68% (2.1 million workers) work under the influence of alcohol, and 9.23% (11.6 million workers) work with a hangover.
Doctors & Surgeons
Data show 12.9% of male physicians and 21.9% of female physicians abuse alcohol, much higher rates than the 6.2% of the overall U.S. population aged 18 years or older with an alcohol use disorder.
Family Members
Understanding the patterns and dynamics of an addiction can help you be better prepared when the time comes to deal with the consequences. An intervention is the perfect time to take the next step to help a loved one struggling with alcohol use.
Nurses & PAs
Nursing is a tough industry to work in, and there are many factors that put nurses at risk for developing problems with substance abuse and addiction. Nurses & PAs have added access, stress, and professional fatigue
Legal Professionals
Practicing law is stressful and requires constant public performance in trial or before clients. The hard work means drinking can be a comfort or a reward. Many lawyers also report being dissatisfied with their jobs, unhealthy, and depressed.
First Responders
We offer specialized treatment for those who have dedicated their lives to protect and serve the public. Resiliency education is a part of our core curriculum helping fist responders as well as their communities.
Chateau Mission
To empower & equip those who strive for hope, health, and a new mindset in recovery.
We believe in working with you and your support network to break free from the stigmas of addiction. We provide you with the help and resources to enjoy life-changing sobriety.
Chateau Approach
Chateau Recovery looks beyond just identifying and adjusting behaviors.
We explore the core reasons impacting your mindset, behaviors, and environment. We utilize comprehensive evidence based therapies like the Arbinger Outward Mindset and Dharma Recovery.
Chateau Recovery Solution
Alcohol Abuse is Universal
1
Committing to Change
Acknowledging the Problem
Chateau Treats a Mature Population
We believe it takes courage to ask for and willingly get help. Being committed to the process is key to successful change.
Treating individuals 26+ ensures that you are going through treatment with peers & individuals in a similar phase of life.
Focused on Hope & Healing
Accepting help requires willingness disregard the idea of that one is a "burden".
Accepting help and generosity can bring out a caring response in others and lead to deeper emotional closeness.
Committing to Change
2
Holistic Approach
Healing the Whole Self
Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis is the condition of suffering from a mental illness and a substance use disorder by addressing underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD.
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Comprehensive Assessments and Testing
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Substance Abuse & Mental Health Education
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Trauma & Development Focused Treatment
Addressing Dimensions of Wellness
At Chateau Recovery, we believe all dimensions of your wellbeing need to be examined in order to heal. We address Daily, Physical, and Spiritual Health, Mental & Emotional Health & Family Systems and Relationship Health.
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Reconnecting with Family & Values
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Comprehensive Aftercare Planning
Holistic Approach
3
Evidence Based
Therapy Modalities
We provide a range of modalities to help address and process your concerns including:
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Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprogramming (EMDR)
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Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
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Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Brainspotting & Neurofeedback
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Motivational Interviewing (MI)
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Individual & Group Therapy
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Rehabilitation Nutritional
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Family Systems Therapy
Evidence Based Therapy Modalities
4
Alumni Resources
Ongoing Support Network
Chateau Alumni Network
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At Chateau Recovery, our ultimate goal is to help you overcome your addiction, avoid relapse and build a fulfilling life
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Our commitment to your wellness goes well beyond residential treatment. Continued support is key to ongoing mental and physical health
Aftercare and Family Support
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Provides family support and resources
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We believe that your home environment plays a huge role in your overall wellness
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Individuals who enter our residential program can count on ongoing support from our alumni resources
Alumni Resources
You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step. Martin Luther King Jr.
Taking The First Step
Healing at Chateau Recovery
Industry Leaders in Alcohol Treatment Since 2012
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1:4 Clinician to Client Ratio
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Multiple Therapeutic Models
Cutting Edge Superior Alcohol Use Disorder Care
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Trauma-Informed, Master's Level Clinicians
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Trauma Trained, Culturally Competent Staff
Privacy in Utah's Wasatch Mountains
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Intimate 16 Bed Residential Facility
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Quiet and Serene Mountain Setting
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Mature Population Ensures Results Based Treatment
About Chateau
Blog
What is Alcohol Addiction & Abuse?
What is Alcohol Addiction & Abuse?
Defining and Understanding AUD
The term "alcoholism" is no longer in use, per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th edition (DSM). The new diagnosis for individuals with an alcohol use disorder has been established: it's called 'alcohol Use Disorder'. To be diagnosed this way one must meet specific criteria set forth by DSM-5 - which includes symptoms such as excessive drinking or engagement in risky behaviors while intoxicated.
When a mental health professional assesses someone for alcohol use, they must find that he or she meets at least two of the 11 criteria during any 12-month period. These grades will determine how severe your disorder is -- the more markers you've got in one category means higher level diagnosis!
Spectrum of Alcohol Use Disorder
Extreme Abuse to Addiction
Binge Drinking According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), binge drinking occurs when, in a period of two hours, an individual’s blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08 g/dL.
Heavy Drinking Heavy drinking is when binge drinking occurs five or more days per month.
Alcohol Addiction A pattern of alcohol abuse which continues despite an individual’s awareness. It’s defined by compulsive drinking and an inability to stop alcohol consumption.
WebMD 11 criteria in the DSM-5
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Feeling powerless to control alcohol use
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Declining to engage in social activities or hobbies that used to be of interest
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Having a desire to stop or decrease drinking but being unable to do so
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Using alcohol in high-risk situations
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Devoting significant time and resources to drinking
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Developing a tolerance for alcohol
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Experiencing cravings for alcohol when not drinking
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Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking (e.g., cravings, sweating, shaking, and nausea)
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Facing problems at work, home, or school
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In reaction to the discomfort associated with withdrawal, having to drink to feel better
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Continuing to use alcohol even when it is leading to social, physical, relationship, and personal problems
Signs & Symptoms Of Alcohol Abuse
Physical Symptoms of Dependence
An alcohol use disorder, especially at the more severe end of the spectrum, can lead to permanent and debilitating health conditions that may require care for a lifetime. Some of the most acute problems relate to the indirect problems that an alcohol use disorder causes.
Physical impact of alcohol use on the body includes but is not limited to:
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Slowed reaction times
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Blackouts
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Trouble with motor coordination
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Impaired judgment and risk-taking
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Memory impairment or memory lapses
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Slurred speech
As alcohol abuse takes firmer root, people often neglect their nutritional health. The person may show signs of malnutrition, such as a gaunt appearance, hair loss or thinning, and dark circles under the eyes.
These may be symptoms of a general condition known as thiamine deficiency. The brain and all the tissue in the body need thiamine (B1) for healthy functioning. Individuals with an alcohol use disorder may be suffering from a thiamine deficiency, among other nutritional deficits.
Psychological of Alcohol Consumption
The psychological effects of alcohol are immediately recognizable after a person drinks. Individuals may repeat themselves (due in part to memory lapse) and not show their familiar level of good judgment. Over time, individuals may develop sleep troubles and/or mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Cognitive problems include a diminished attention span and problems with motor coordination, such as asterixis, a condition that causes a person to involuntarily flap or shake their hands. In severe cases, hepatic encephalopathy can develop and, for some, cause them to slip into a fatal hepatic coma.
Behavioral Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
As the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence explains, the behavioral signs of an alcohol use disorder will usually be apparent.
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Increasingly secretive about activities
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More prone to accidents
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Show unexplained signs of injury
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Hiding alcohol at home or work
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Become fearful of running out of alcohol
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Diminished level of care for hygiene
Alcohol abuse often leads to problems in the person’s relationships across the full spectrum of life.
Additional behavioral signs include:
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Increasing legal troubles, such as assault, domestic abuse, or drunk driving
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Showing up intoxicated at work, a family function, or a meeting
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Overreacting to any perceived criticism
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Experiencing financial problems
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Stealing and lying about it
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Engaging in risky activities, such as unprotected sex
Signs & Symptoms Of Alcohol Abuse
Common Short Term Effects
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Impaired coordination
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Dizziness
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Relaxed inhibitions
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Slurred speech
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Blurred vision
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Blacking out
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Irregular or slowed breathing
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Depressed immune system
These effects can be extremely dangerous. They have a profound impact on your life. Impaired reasoning might lead you into risky behaviors such as unprotected sex and drunk driving which endangers both yourself and others
Extended Abuse Effects
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Liver disease
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Thiamine deficiency
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Alcoholic Hepatitis
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Learning and memory problems
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Depression
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Sleep disturbances
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Shakes Seizures
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Increased risk of cancer and diabetes
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Heart or respiratory failure
Women who continue drinking during pregnancy often have a higher chance of passing on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, leading to developmental issues for their child.
Common Effects
Treatment For Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol Withdrawal can be Dangerous
It’s important that people withdrawing from alcohol abuse are monitored in a medical setting, known as medically-supervised detoxification. This type of program allows the individual to receive medical care to ensure health safety, and medication when needed. Medication can be effective at providing relief from cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.
Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Vivitrol is a injectable medicine used to treat dependence after alcohol detoxification. Naltrexone is the a common alternative and it is used to block the euphoric feeling associated with alcohol consumption. Disulfiram is a more extreme route, causing vomiting and headaches when alcohol is consumed, making it completely unappealing to those who may be close to relapse. Many facilities may also administer thiamine for alcoholics in recovery, which helps improve brain functioning and memory.
Comprehensive Treatment Center
Detox is often a necessary part of a comprehensive treatment program for someone who is addicted to and dependent on alcohol, but it is not the end of treatment. Medically-supervised detox allows you to get rid of the toxins in your body gained during prolonged alcohol abuse, but for a successful recovery, a formal treatment program must follow.
The Stereotypes & Stigmas of Alcohol
Why It's Dangerous
Not Recognizing a Problem
The alcoholic stereotype is one of the most dangerous parts in preventing people from recognizing a drinking problem.
Alcoholism is a wide spectrum. The biggest issues are the relative ease to get alcohol, the abundance of Unfortunately, many people jump to conclusions about those with drinking problems, often assuming they must exhbit laziness, lack-of willpower, violent tendencies, or argumentative behaviors.
While many don't fit this description, it does not mean they do not have harmful excessive alcohol use disorder (HEOAD).
Peer and Family Judgment
The fear and stigma surrounding addiction is hard to escape. The idea that rehabilitation is a sign of weakness has no basis in reality. In fact, it's just the opposite.
People who have been through rehab know how important their recovery was for them and those around them.
Getting help should never be seen as an act of weakness. It takes immense courage and support.
2 Big Social Problems
Problem #1 - Alcohol is Associated with Fun
Social drinking problematic as it leads to the misconception that you don’t have a drinking problem is you only drink in social situations.
Problem #2 - Alcohol Correlates with Relaxation
Alcohol is a depressant and "helps you relax, especially in social situations - but the more you drink, the higher your tolerance becomes and it takes more to "relax. Alll the while, the drinking is masking other issues that can worsen in severity if left untreated.
Afraid to Get Help
So many people are afraid to get help for their addiction because they feel that it will only serve as an open invitation towards criticism.
The reality is, though short-term alcoholic behavior can be harmful in itself, long term effects could ultimately prove far worse without identification and intervention.
The Stereotypes & Stigmas of Alcohol
Chateau Empowerment
We all have a part to play in reducing the stigma surrounding alcohol use disorders.
This can be done by not perpetuating harmful stereotypes, being open-minded towards people who are recovering from such illnesses or conditions and taking small actions that could make life better for someone you love!
https://ourworldindata.org/alcohol-and-drug-dependency
Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network. Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) Results.
Seattle, United States: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), 2021.
We're here to help.
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