Las Vegas is known as America's party city, drawing tourists and locals alike. However, the high rate of alcohol consumption poses significant concerns for residents. Despite Nevada ranking fourth nationally in alcohol consumption, there are support services available for those struggling with alcoholism.
There are many ways for people to seek and obtain help. There are rehab centers in Nevada that offer clinical and counseling help, transitional housing, and detox services. There are also your traditional open meetings for those looking for a more community approach to sobriety.
Jonathan Sprecher is director of nursing at Desert Hope Treatment Center in Las Vegas and he said a big part of treatment is educating people on alcohol's effects on the brain.
"The brain rewards you for doing things that the body wants you to do," said Sprecher. "Alcohol particularly gives out a large reward. And when that large reward gets sent out, the brain goes, 'can I have some more that please?' And when you do this consistently, it starts shutting off the chemicals that control the the part of your brain in control of the decision making process."
Sprecher also said it is vital to not blame patients or make them feel bad for their addiction and instead treat their alcoholism like any other disease or clinical issue.
Crossroads of Southern Nevada is another rehab center in Las Vegas, and are the largest indigent detox and treatment center in Nevada. They also help both the uninsured and insured. Jamie Hatfield is the community engagement supervisor and she said their staff model of having clinical and counseling professionals who have gone through addiction and recovery themselves is key to the center's success.
"When I was in rehab, you weren't going to tell me anything if you hadn't walked in my shoes, because how could you tell me how to quit something you've never experienced?," said Hatfield. "We build relationships with people and don't push treatment on them. We're just asking them like, 'hey, are you ready?' And when they say yes, then we are right there for them."
For those looking for a more communal and counseling oriented approach, Las Vegas Alcoholics Anonymous has locations all throughout the valley and hold open meetings for self-identified alcoholics. Alcoholics Anonymous is a worldwide organization, known for their 12 step program for recovery. They lean significantly on the spiritual side of things, and Deborah Ben, public information chair for the Southern Nevada region of AA, said it's a beneficial aspect of the group.
"Our focus is not so much about who or what God is," said Ben. "It's about something greater than yourself. I've heard other people refer to God as 'group of drunks', or Gus, a 'greater universal spirit.' What makes it successful is the camaraderie of being open with like minded people, and being with people that want to be sober as well."
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, call 988 to get connected with a trained counselor.
Guests: Jonathan Sprecher, director of nursing, Desert Hope Treatment Center, American Addiction Centers; Jamie Hatfield, community engagement supervisor, Crossroads of Southern Nevada; Deborah Ben, public information chair, Las Vegas Central Office for Alcoholics Anonymous
