Promoting Recovery From Alcohol Addiction and its Impact on Blood Pressure with Kansas City Halfway Houses

Kansas City offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. Immerse yourself in the world-class Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, housing treasures from across the globe. Or, travel back in time at the legendary Jazz District, the birthplace of America’s original art form, jazz. For art enthusiasts, the Crossroads Arts District is a must-visit. It’s important to acknowledge that Kansas City, like many urban centers, faces challenges with alcohol addiction and the effect it brings to blood pressure.

On average, 239,000 individuals aged 12 or older in the Kansas City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) used any illicit drug in the past year, representing approximately 13.1% of the MSA population. Additionally, approximately 157,000 individuals aged 12 or older (8.6%) were classified as having a substance use disorder in the past year in the Kansas City MSA. It’s crucial to note that prolonged heavy drinking can lead to chronic high blood pressure, thereby increasing the risk of serious health conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.

Despite facing obstacles, Kansas City offers a wealth of resources to aid individuals in overcoming the challenges of substance addiction and abuse. Among these are Missouri halfway houses, which offer structured living environments designed to help individuals transition and rebuild their lives after completing treatment. If you’re in search of halfway houses in Kansas City, our directory provides a comprehensive list of options for you to explore. It’s important to seek professional support during this process, as trained professionals can offer tailored guidance and specialized assistance, significantly enhancing the likelihood of a successful recovery journey.

Are there dry counties in Missouri?

No, there are no dry counties in Missouri. A dry county is a county in the United States where the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by the local government. This ban can apply to both on-premise and off-premise sales, meaning that alcohol cannot be sold in stores, restaurants, or bars. Missouri state law specifically prohibits counties from banning the sale of alcohol. This has been the case since 1934, when the state enacted its first Liquor Control Law.

Historically, many dry counties were influenced by religious campaigns against alcohol, particularly by Baptist and Methodist denominations. Even after the repeal of nationwide Prohibition, some states allowed local jurisdictions to decide whether to permit alcohol sales within their boundaries. These decisions often have religious motivations, as certain evangelical Protestant Christian groups discourage alcohol consumption among their followers.

What are the five best alcohol halfway houses in Kansas City?

Kansas City halfway houses serve as a crucial pathway for individuals transitioning out of inpatient treatment for alcohol addiction. These structured living environments offer a drug-free space, providing support during a vulnerable time in the recovery process. Residents can focus on maintaining sobriety without facing the immediate pressures they might encounter in their own homes.

Beyond offering a secure place to live, halfway houses provide residents with ongoing recovery support. This may include participation in group support sessions by attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in Kansas City. These services allow residents to address ongoing challenges, strengthen their coping mechanisms, and develop a robust support network. Many halfway houses also integrate life skills training into their programs. This training can range from practical skills like budgeting and job searching to fostering healthy living habits that contribute to overall well-being.

These are five halfway houses in Missouri, specializing in transitional housing and providing support for individuals grappling with alcohol addiction:

1. Benilde Hall Program: Provides transitional housing and support for adult men, seniors, and individuals dealing with alcohol addiction. Services include recovery coaches and sober living. They also offer addiction education, counseling, and support.
   • Location: 3220 East 23rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64127
2. Rediscover Women And Children: Offers transitional and sober living arrangements. They offer transportation assistance, mentoring support, and assistance in recovery from alcohol addiction.
   • Location: 3211 Woodland Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64109
3. Sycamore House: Provides structured living for alcoholic and substance dependent men in early recovery, helping them achieve sobriety and become responsible individuals
   • Location: 5439 Gravois Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63116
4. Alpha House of Springfield: Description: Provides an opportunity for a fresh start and new beginning for those seeking recovery from substance abuse.
   • Location: 2300 E Division St, Springfield, MO 65803
5. Housing Plus, LLC: Focuses on providing housing solutions that help individuals succeed, with expertise in residential development and financing, while offering solutions for long-lasting recovery.
   • Location: 1525 E Republic Rd Ste B100, Springfield, MO 65804

Missouri halfway houses support individuals during their transition from rehabilitation to independent living. These facilities offer essential support and a safe environment for individuals on their journey to recovery. If you or someone you know needs assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to these resources. 

Does alcohol raise blood pressure? 

Yes, alcohol can raise blood pressure. Drinking too much alcohol can cause your blood vessels to narrow, which makes your heart work harder to pump blood throughout your body. This can lead to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Even moderate amounts of alcohol consumption can increase your blood pressure.  Research suggests that even one drink a day can increase blood pressure over time. 

If you’re a heavy alcohol user and you cut back to moderate drinking, you may experience a reduction in your blood pressure. Specifically, your systolic pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) could decrease by about 5.5 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Your diastolic pressure (the bottom number) may also decrease by approximately 4 mm Hg.

If you already have high blood pressure, it’s advisable to either avoid alcohol or consume it only in moderation. Excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure, so it’s essential to be mindful of your consumption.

Path to Wellness from Alcohol Addiction and Its Effects on Blood Pressure with Kansas City Halfway Houses

Alcohol addiction can have a serious negative impact on your blood pressure. Chronic heavy drinking disrupts how your blood vessels function. It causes them to constrict and narrow, making it harder for blood to flow throughout your body. This forces your heart to work much harder to pump blood. This extra strain leads to a sustained increase in blood pressure, significantly raising your risk of hypertension. 

Alcohol consumption also stimulates the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause temporary spikes in blood pressure. Approximately 50.43% of people aged 18 and older in Missouri, including Kansas City, reported alcohol use within the last 30 days. Binge alcohol use, defined as consuming 5 or more drinks for males and 4 or more drinks for females in a single session, was reported by 22.85% of people aged 18 and older during the same period.

Missouri halfway houses stand ready to assist individuals and their loved ones as they navigate the journey toward recovery from alcohol addiction and its impact on blood pressure. Our dedicated team of professionals is trained to provide the necessary care and assistance to address challenges associated with substance addiction. If you’re seeking help, we encourage you to reach out today to explore the resources and support available at our halfway houses in Kansas City. Taking the first step toward a healthier and brighter future is possible by contacting us today!

Resources:

[1] Dry Counties: Prohibition Counties in the US Today – Alcohol Problems and Solutions

[2] How Alcohol Affects Blood Pressure – Very Well Health

[3] Alcoholics Drinks Could Contribute to Higher Blood Pressure – Medical News Today