From January-June of 2022, there were 287 alcohol-related deaths in Maryland, a 35% increase from 2019. 800 people in Maryland over the last five years have been killed in car accidents involving an impaired driver. Nationally, 29.5 million people aged 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2021, and it’s estimated that 228,000 people in Maryland aged 12 and older have AUD.

Although our offerings vary by location, we have programs in Maryland that treat alcohol use disorder at every stage, from detoxification to outpatient treatment. We also treat drug use disorders, mental health disorders and co-occurring disorders.

According to the DSM-5, in order to be diagnosed with AUD, a person must demonstrate at least 2 of the 11 criteria below during the same 12-month period. The number of criteria met determines the severity of the AUD diagnosis (mild, moderate or severe).

The criteria for AUD diagnosis are:

1. Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended
2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use
3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects
4. Craving or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol
5. Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home
6. Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol
7. Important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use
8. Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous
9. Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol
10. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
    1. A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect
    2. A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol
11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
    1. The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (these can include hand tremor, insomnia, nausea or vomiting, transient hallucinations or illusions, psychomotor agitation, anxiety, seizure and more.)
    2. Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

If you or a loved one meet 2 or more of these criteria, the pattern of alcohol consumption may be a cause for concern. Pyramid Healthcare offers level of care assessments to determine if AUD exists and what level of treatment may be required. Our admissions teams is available 24/7.

The more someone drinks, the more tolerant to alcohol the body becomes. At the same time, the brain may become more dependent on its influence. When the effects of alcohol wear off, a person who is dependent on it can experience uncomfortable and distressful withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild to possibly fatal.

Alcohol withdrawal side effects may include:

• Mild: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, shakiness, mood swings, brain fog and heart palpitations
• Moderate: raised blood pressure, irregular heart rate, higher body temperature, rapid respiration, confusion, excessive sweating, irritability and intensified mood disturbances
• Severe Delirium Tremens (DTs): fever, hallucinations, seizures, agitation, severe confusion and possible death

The first step in alcohol addiction treatment is addressing withdrawal symptoms to relieve discomfort and prevent any more serious symptoms from developing.

There are treatment programs for all stages of alcohol use disorder recovery. These include medical detoxification, short- and long-term inpatient programs and outpatient programs that include partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP) and other outpatient treatment options.

Medical Detox for Alcohol Withdrawal

For anyone who experiences severe withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, it’s important to avoid suddenly stopping alcohol consumption without medical support. For some, the onset of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be so rapid and serious that there is potential for immediate medical complications or possibly death. The safest way to quit drinking and manage any withdrawal symptoms is to enroll in a medical detox program.

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment, often called inpatient treatment, makes alcohol inaccessible when cravings and urges happen. A residential setting also gives the person a chance to relax in a safe and secure environment without having to deal with the stress that daily living can bring. Residential programs can offer around-the-clock monitoring, medication management, social support building, life skills training and group and individual therapies.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment consist of 3 different levels and are appropriate for clients who have completed a detox and residential program or who have milder cases of alcohol use disorder. These programs provide varying levels of structure and allow the client to reside in their own home.

• Partial hospitalization (PHP) is a full-day program that usually meets 6-8 hours per day for five days a week
• Intensive outpatient (IOP) often meets for up to 3 hours for 2-3 days per week
• Outpatient treatment is the lowest level of treatment and usually meets 1-2 days per week

Fewer than 10% of people with alcohol use disorder in the past year received treatment. If you think treatment is right for you or aren’t sure where to start, our admissions team is available 24/7.

If you or someone you know is ready to take the first step in the journey to recovery, Pyramid Healthcare is here to help. Explore our Maryland locations to find which program is right for you or call our 24/7 admissions team.

 Our Maryland locations accept Delaware and Maryland Medicaid, and we also accept most commercial insurance as well as self-pay.

California Outpatient Treatment Center

California Drug & Alcohol Residential Treatment Center

Charlotte Hall Drug & Alcohol Residential Treatment Center

Harford County Detox and Residential Treatment Center