Alcoholism and Obesity: Is There a Connection?

February 25, 2021

Harmony Place Team

Alcohol use disorder can lead to many issues, some of which include severe mental illness, external conflicts (such as legal troubles, marital issues, or family conflict), or even death. However, there’s one issue that not many are aware of being linked to alcohol use disorder, and that’s obesity.

It may not make sense initially, but both alcoholism and obesity are linked to cravings. When someone craves alcohol, it can lead to continuous drinking, which can lead to obesity. Consuming food that is high in calories and drinking excessively both trigger the brain’s reward center. As a result, this can harm a person both physically and mentally.

What is an Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is when someone has a lack of control over alcohol. Another indicator of alcohol use disorder is experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when not drinking. Somewhere close to 15 million people in the United States suffer from an alcohol use disorder, but why so many? The answer may be obvious, most notably the affordability and accessibility of alcohol in restaurants, bars, and grocery stores.

Both binge drinking and craving alcohol can lead to a substance use disorder, and the displeasure of many, binge drinking is common in the United States. Binge drinking is a form of excessive alcohol use in which someone has more than four drinks in two hours.

How Do I Know I’m Suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder?

There are many indicators of an alcohol use disorder, some of which include the following:

When drinking interferes with work
When drinking interferes with relationships
Frequent memory loss
Blackouts
Drinking alone
Irritability
Isolation from loved ones
Drinking to feel different

While there’s nothing particularly sinister about wanting a drink now and then, craving alcohol can be a warning sign for alcohol use disorder. Sometimes, there are other warning signs as well, including the symptoms of withdrawal:

Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Shaking
Fever

Am I More Susceptible to Alcohol Use Disorder?

Sometimes an individual may be more at risk of developing an alcohol dependency or alcohol use disorder if the following relates to them:

Family history of alcoholism
Mental health disorders
Low self-esteem
Peer pressure

Why People Crave Alcohol

Craving alcohol is typical in individuals who feel stressed or are dealing with difficult emotions. When someone consumes alcohol, endorphins are released. These endorphins make people happy and trigger the pleasure center of the brain, thus the reason they return so often to alcohol.

It is also worth mentioning that there are times in which alcohol is more attractive to individuals. For example, when people are attending a party or a wedding, alcohol may be present because they’re times of celebration. On the other end of the spectrum, alcohol consumption is also common after a hard day or in more extreme cases, the death of a loved one. Some of these individuals can drink reactively in moderation while others have a harder time doing so.

How Does a Craving Lead to an Addiction?

As previously mentioned, a craving for alcohol can happen after a long day of work, a stressful circumstance, or the death of a loved one. This is because alcohol has a numbing effect on the senses of an individual and releases dopamine to the brain, giving the user an acute sense of happiness. The problem in all of this is that alcohol’s effects are temporary, thus increasing the need for more of it over time. As a result, alcohol cravings can take a toll on one’s physical health.

It is worth mentioning that giving in to cravings for alcohol can lead to the development of tolerance. When someone grows a tolerance for something, they need more of the substance to achieve the desired effect. This can lead to dependency, which can lead to an alcohol use disorder.

Coping Mechanisms for Alcohol Cravings

Craving alcohol can be difficult to overcome. In the meantime, it may behoove you to develop some coping skills regarding the temptation to drink. Some of these coping skills include the following:

Recognize your triggers
Avoid risky situations
Participate in a short-term activity
Talk it out with a trustworthy friend
Accept the reality of the situation and choose endurance

What is Obesity?

Obesity is when someone has too much body fat, resulting in poor physical health. Those who suffer from obesity usually have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, but just because someone has a BMI of anywhere in the 25-30 range, it doesn’t make them obese. If an individual has a BMI of anywhere between 25 and 30 they could just be overweight, which is different from obesity. Over recent years, however, obesity has risen on a grand scale due to the accessibility of fast-food.

Obesity can also be the cause of health conditions such as:

Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Sleep apnea
Liver cancer
Kidney cancer

What Causes Obesity?

Obesity is a major problem among many individuals and is caused by consuming more calories than someone is willing to burn off. This is perhaps the most obvious cause of obesity; others include the following:

Consuming foods that are high in calories
Neglecting to exercise
Hypothyroidism
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Binge eating
Slow metabolism
Gaining weight in pregnancy
Alcohol use disorder

Perhaps the most interesting cause on this list is alcohol use disorder. This is a cause of obesity of which some individuals may not have known there to be a link between the two. So how exactly do they connect?

What is the Link Between Alcoholism and Obesity?

Just as there are many causes of obesity, there are also many causes of alcoholism, some of which include family history. Having a family history of alcohol use disorder may make someone more susceptible to developing the same disease. That being said, the chances for obesity to develop in a family member could be greater because of an alcohol use disorder. This is because alcohol and obesity have been known to be linked.

Whether it be a sibling, parent, or grandparent, if someone witnesses substance use disorder in their family, they could develop unhealthy relationships with other things; while they may not use substances of abuse like alcohol, they may exhibit the same behaviors with something like food. High-calorie and unhealthy foods are usually cheaper than their counterparts, making them more easily accessible.

When it comes to alcoholism, alcoholics aren’t receiving proper caloric intake. Instead, they are depending more on alcohol than food. These alcoholic beverages have a lot of calories in them as they’re packed with juices, sugars, and other things. As a result (because drinks can’t satisfy hunger) people tend to snack more to fill themselves when they’re hungry. This leads to individuals consuming more calories than they need to.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder

The first step in overcoming an alcohol use disorder is accepting that there is a problem. This is often the hardest part, but once you do so, you can focus on getting treatment for it. Sometimes this is brought on by a bad experience with alcohol, an ultimatum from a loved one, or simply knowing that this is a path of destruction. That being said, finding the right treatment program for you is imperative. Some treatment programs offered at Harmony Place include the following:

Residential Treatment
Outpatient Treatment
Detox

Residential Treatment

Lasting anywhere from 28 days to six months, residential treatment programs for alcohol use disorder are geared towards those who suffer from a more severe addiction. This program allows for individuals who participate to receive 24/7 medical treatment from our professionally trained staff, as well as weekly (in some cases daily) therapy. Residential therapy allows individuals to focus on their recovery without outside distractions so that they can get the most out of their recovery experience.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is meant for those who suffer from mild forms of an alcohol use disorder or those who have participated in residential treatment but aren’t ready for the outside world. This program could last anywhere from 3 months to over a year and provides anywhere between 10-12 hours of therapy each week. Those who participate can reside in the comfort of their own homes while attending treatment throughout the week.

Detox

Experiencing the symptoms of withdrawal is a harsh reality that many have to face in addiction treatment. This is why detox is such an important step in the recovery process. When someone participates in our detox program at Harmony Place, they’re able to manage their pain with medicine that curbs the symptoms of withdrawal.

Find Harmony With Yourself by Getting the Help You Need

At Harmony Place, we prioritize providing the highest level of professional care for everyone seeking alcohol use disorder treatment in Los Angeles, CA. Our approach begins with a comprehensive assessment for alcohol addiction, allowing us to evaluate each individual’s unique situation. Understanding their personal challenges, including substance use disorder and obesity, enables us to craft personalized treatment plans that effectively address their specific needs and goals. By focusing on individualized care, we empower clients to confront their addictions head-on and embark on a path to lasting recovery.

Our dedication extends to ensuring accessibility and affordability of treatment for those who are addicted to alcohol. We offer Cigna alcohol rehab treatment and integrate a variety of therapeutic techniques to support integrated healing. Recognizing the financial concerns that often accompany treatment, Harmony Place takes insurance from a wide range of providers, including BCBS, Aetna plans, Optum, and Anthem health insurance. This comprehensive alcohol rehab insurance coverage helps reduce the financial burden on families, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder anyone’s journey toward recovery.

Understanding the average cost of alcohol addiction rehab and exploring options for paying for alcohol recovery treatment are also key components of our support system. By offering clarity on financial matters, we alleviate some of the concerns clients and their families may have. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism or related issues, contact us today. Harmony Place is committed to providing compassionate and effective treatment, guiding individuals toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.

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Chris P

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Joseph S

This place is incredible, kind, loving, patient, rigorous, educative, caring and the best place for recovery. Ill be part of the alumni crew

Monica G

I had very good experience at Harmony Place From first day I came, staff was very kind and make me feel welcome and safe. Everyone was friendly and always try to help me. The therapists are very good and caring. They listen to me and help me understand my problems better. I learn many things from them and feel stronger because of their support. The nurses also very nice and professional. They always check on me and make sure I am okay. Food was good and facilities were clean and comfortable. It help me feel more relaxed and focus on my recovery. Management also doing very good job. Everything was organized and you can see they really care about patients. I am very thankful for this place and all the people who work here. I recommend this center to anyone who needs help.

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Tyler

A treatment center where the owners truly care about your recovery and after care.. cannot recommend enough

Jodana S

If you want to detox painlessly this is the place! The staff is A1. They truly care about us. The groups are awesome . Residential is crazy awesome! You live in a mansion. With a private chef who makes the best food. Community meeting that gets results fast, they care about your opinions. Pool and Jacuzzi are beautiful. If your struggling with addiction this is the house you should come to. I LOVE HARMONY PLACE!!!!! Thank you to all the staff they go above and beyond to make this experience comfortable therapeutic. Don't spend another day in your addiction come to Harmony Place right now!

Cass

I’ve been to 4 treatment centers before Harmony Place, and I can tell you without a single doubt that this is the absolute best by FAR. The past ones were luxury Residential Treatment centers that just treated every single client the same not tailoring to each individual, and were basically just in it for the money, dropping the ball each time. I can also tell you that I’ve never met the CEOs, but here, David comes to the facility almost every single day, and makes sure he get to know every individual here. He is incredibly kind, and was even willing to transfer me to another facility with a higher level of trauma therapy due to me having a lifetime of trauma and PTSD that just is going to take a long time to tackle. He truly cares about all of the clients having all of the tools that we need before getting released to the real world. No more of other CEO would ever be willing to miss an opportunity at making more money and even paired with my IMPECCABLE case manager to find a different facility that was more trauma based. My case manager, Sam, goes absolutely above and beyond in every single aspect. She makes sure you have a smooth transition into aftercare, provides out of this world advice when it comes to sobriety, and takes the time out of her day to make sure that FMLA and short-term disability are completely taken care of during your stay. I’ve never met a case manager that could ever compare to Sam. Ever. I feel lucky to have met her, genuinely. Marissa, my therapist, is SO SWEET, actually listens to you, and provides advice and therapy tailored to each individual’s experience. She’s handled every mood I’ve been in, never judged me, and allowed me to feel safe enough to tell her things I’ve never told any person or therapist in my 29 years of life. I’ve been going to therapy for the past 15 years, and none of those therapists even come close to how amazing she is. I’ve been to 4 other treatment centers in my life and none even come close to Harmony Place. The facility is clean, organized, and high-end. I would recommend Harmony place to my family, friends, and anyone seeking treatment. I feel SO BLESSED to have landed in their hands. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE CLINICAL STAFF BEYOND WORDS. I love you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I feel more confident than ever in my Recovery.

Gabe H

Where to begin.. Harmony is a place that will forever be a part of my story as the first step in my recovery journey. I’m so grateful for this program. The staff is very friendly, and many of them understand what addiction is like, for they themselves have recovery stories of their own. They have an awesome team of therapists, group facilitators, nurses, RA technicians, medical and health professionals, a wonderful case manager for aftercare that cares deeply for your next steps; making sure you are set up for success. They have a wonderful admissions team (shoutout to Marielle who was so kind and understanding of my messed up situation). Everyone is very relatable and friendly. They invest heavily in the importance of diet and nutrition too - there’s a full time professional chef. I gained all the weight I lost and wanted back in the first two weeks lol. On top of the intensive programming they do throughout the day, they take us out to experience various kinds of outside groups to get a taste of the real world, and also take us on social outings during the weekend. If you’re serious about getting better this place will meet you where you’re at and prepare you to launch with a renewed mind and heart.

Monica P

I can't begin to explain just how amazing Harmony Place is. In fact, when we sit down with the owner, Jeff, and clinical director, David, on Monday mornings to have a house meeting, they ask us what they could be doing better. A bigger blender for smoothies is the ONLY thing we could come up with. Let me begin by addressing some negative reviews. If you notice many of them are from people, or are referring to people who have been asked to leave. It is because of harmony places protection of their clients that provide ideal conditions for healing and progress. There is a screening process that it is implemented where they make sure the clients they admit are ready to start a life of sobriety. Some people slip through the cracks. Some people find out a few days or weeks in that they've changed their minds. Some are inappropriate and break rules. It happens. When Harmony Place ask people to leave, It's because they are protecting the people who are here that want treatment. In effect, they're providing exactly what I needed for a genuine start to recovery. When I began my search for a treatment center, my requirements were that the facility's provide an environment in which its residents all want to be there and that it is ethically ran. I got that and so much more at Harmony Place. As well as a structured routine, they also provide a confidential and nurturing environment where one feels safe and where profound healing can begin. Their program offers a sound foundation where further progress in sober living is almost guaranteed. In group meetings, we enjoy getting to know ourselves again and with deeper understanding about why we are the way we are. We are provided with skills to handle real life. Its here that I've come to understand that its not addiction that has driven me to make a mess of my life. It is the trauma that I endured and not processing it correctly that lead to poor thinking patterns that opened the door to addiction resulting in poor life management. So we start at the bottom. Trauma. They help us understand that trauma has led to our own toxicity, what that trauma looks like and how to get out of our own way. Process groups help us learn how to take accountability and foster healthier relationships. I learned here that changing the way I think is absolutely possible and imperative to the healing process. Harmony Place offered me hope when I previously felt I was unfixable and a support team that truly loves me. Even after I leave here, I have contacts that almost demand I keep in touch and an alumni meeting where I can return to the facility on Thursday nights. I wasn't a 12 stepper when I came here but my first experience with it was not one where I was ready to stop using. I understand now that the steps will work for me. It's certainly is not the only modality that they teach. In one group, we are provided an opportunity to sit with a recently retired medical doctor to just ask questions. Another is with a nutritionist. There are a handful of people IN recovery that come to lead groups that are all accredited highly specialized where I felt understood and not judged. The knowledge I have gained here is life changing. It is also versatile and relatable for all types of people. my favorite group was dialectical behavioral therapy. There are breathing classes and sound bath groups and I started doing yoga in the morning. There's a dharma meeting they take you offsite that focuses on Buddhist values. A fantastic onsight chef provides three meals and you can have special requests. We facilitated our own Movie nights during free time. I cant forget to mention you get your own one on one meetings with your assigned primary therapist and there is comprehensive medical support complete with 24/7 nurses and a doctor that shows up throughout the week. If this is what you need to recover and you have mediCAL, cancel your mediCAL and get insurance Harmony Place accepts if you can. There are people to help you with that as well. Just call. Many, many thanks to the staff. ✔️Another life changed.🙏

Cody B

This is such an amazing place truly changed my life. I would recommend this place to anybody if they’re looking for a strong recovery house that truly cares about your recovery and not about just money So if you’re ready to change your life, don’t miss out on the greatness of harmony because this place is where it’s at

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