Break Free from Alcohol Addiction by Healing the Root Cause

Alcohol addiction is more than just a bad habit or a lack of self-control. It’s often the result of unresolved trauma—emotional pain that the brain hasn’t been able to process. At Deer Hollow, we don’t just treat the symptoms of alcohol addiction. We focus on healing the root cause: the trauma that drives it.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward lasting recovery, call Deer Hollow at (801) 679-6669.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a chronic condition where a person becomes physically and emotionally dependent on alcohol. It affects the brain’s reward system, making it difficult to stop drinking, even when it causes harm.

But alcohol addiction isn’t the real problem—it’s often a coping mechanism for deeper emotional pain. Trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or loss, can leave lasting scars that alcohol temporarily numbs. Unfortunately, alcohol only masks the pain, creating a cycle of dependence that becomes harder to break.

How Trauma Fuels Alcohol Addiction

Trauma is any deeply distressing experience that overwhelms the brain’s ability to cope. When trauma is unresolved, it can lead to:

  • Emotional Pain: Feelings of fear, sadness, shame, or emptiness that don’t go away.
  • Stress Response Dysregulation: The brain becomes stuck in a fight, flight, or freeze mode, making it harder to relax or feel safe.
  • Escapism: Alcohol provides a temporary escape, dulling emotional pain or numbing difficult memories.

Over time, the brain starts relying on alcohol to cope, turning trauma into addiction. Research shows that 70% of people with substance use disorders have experienced trauma (National Child Traumatic Stress Network).

At Deer Hollow, we use evidence-based trauma therapies to break this cycle. By addressing both the emotional pain and the addiction, we help you achieve lasting freedom.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction?

Recognizing alcohol addiction can be challenging, especially if drinking feels like a normal part of life. Here are some signs to look for:

Behavioral Symptoms

  • Drinking more than intended or being unable to stop.
  • Hiding alcohol use or lying about drinking.
  • Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home.

Physical Symptoms

  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (shaking, nausea, sweating) when not drinking.
  • Needing more alcohol to feel the same effects (tolerance).
  • Frequent hangovers or poor physical health.

Emotional Symptoms

  • Using alcohol to manage anxiety, stress, or sadness.
  • Feeling irritable or restless when not drinking.
  • Emotional numbness or avoiding feelings altogether.
Off-duty firefighter having alcohol for breakfast at a bar, highlighting the impact of unresolved trauma or PTSD leading to alcohol addiction and the specialized treatment offered by Deer Hollow for first responders and veterans.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to seek help.

The Impact of Untreated Alcohol Addiction

When alcohol addiction goes untreated, the effects can ripple through every part of your life:

Off-duty emergency room nurse sitting on the floor in the dark, using alcohol to cope with trauma, emphasizing the connection between unresolved PTSD and alcohol addiction, and Deer Hollow's specialized treatment for first responders and veterans.
  1. Physical Health
  • Liver disease, heart problems, and weakened immunity.
  • Higher risk of accidents, injuries, or alcohol poisoning.
  1. Mental Health
  • Worsening anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Emotional instability and difficulty managing stress.
  1. Relationships
  • Strained or broken relationships with family and friends.
  • Feelings of isolation or loneliness.
  1. Financial and Legal Issues
  • Difficulty holding a job or managing finances.
  • Legal problems, such as DUIs or alcohol-related offenses.
The longer alcohol addiction is left untreated, the harder it becomes to break free. But with the right support, recovery is always possible.

How Long Does Alcohol Addiction Treatment Take?

The length of treatment depends on your unique needs, but Deer Hollow’s Six Levels of Step-Down Care ensure you’re supported at every stage of recovery:

1. Inpatient Care / Residential Care

  • Duration: Approximately 35 days.
  • What It Is: Intensive, focused treatment in a safe and supportive environment.

2. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

  • Duration: A minimum of 6 weeks.
  • What It Is: Daytime therapy with evenings spent at home or in a structured living environment.

3. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

  • Duration: 4-8 weeks.
  • What It Is: A half-day commitment for clients needing structured support while balancing daily responsibilities

4. Telehealth Step-Down Care

  • What It Is: Virtual group sessions three evenings per week to maintain progress.

5. Telehealth Introductory Care

  • What It Is: A gentle introduction to treatment for those new to Deer Hollow.

6. Alumni Program

  • What It Is: A lifelong support network to keep you connected after treatment.

Comprehensive Therapy Options at Deer Hollow

At Deer Hollow, we offer one of the most comprehensive therapy programs in the nation. We offer a range of 10+ trauma-focused therapies to address both the addiction and its root causes.

Our Therapies Include:

These therapies help clients uncover and heal the trauma driving their addiction, leading to better outcomes and lower relapse rates.

Off-duty law enforcement officer sitting in a bar, visibly intoxicated, drinking alcohol from a bottle and glass, highlighting alcohol addiction caused by unresolved trauma and the need for Deer Hollow’s specialized rehabilitation programs for first responders.

Why Choose Deer Hollow?

Deer Hollow isn’t just another alcohol treatment center. Here’s what makes us different:

  1. Trauma-Focused Care: We treat the root cause of addiction, not just the symptoms, helping you heal deeply and achieve lasting recovery.
  2. Comprehensive Step-Down Care: Our five-level system ensures you’re supported at every stage of your recovery journey
  3. Lifelong Support: Our Alumni Program keeps you connected to a supportive community long after treatment ends.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

You don’t have to face alcohol addiction alone. At Deer Hollow, we treat both the addiction and the trauma that fuels it, giving you the tools to break free and build a healthier, happier future.