There’s a fine line between casual, social, and safe drinking and alcohol addiction (what was referred to as alcoholism for many years before treatment for the disease advanced). Many people with addiction to alcohol don’t know they are facing a real disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you see the signs of alcoholism in yourself or a loved one, that’s a clear indication they need support. We can provide them with that support at Tides Edge Detox’s alcohol detox treatment center.
Need help with alcohol addiction? Call us today at 866.723.3127.
What Is Alcoholism or What Is Now Called Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcoholism is an outdated term. However, the condition is still widely prevalent. Today, those in the addiction treatment field refer to alcohol addiction as an alcohol use disorder. It is a condition impacting as many as 14.4 million people over the age of 18 in 2018, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. For those with this condition, alcohol is often the focus of their day. However, that doesn’t mean a person is drunk the whole time.
Many people with alcohol use disorder are high-functioning adults who maintain certain jobs and relationships at home. The addiction or dependency upon alcohol springs from repeated or excessive use (like binge drinking). The alcohol consumed alters an individual’s brain chemistry causing their body to need alcohol to function normally. Alcohol addiction is rarely about pleasure but rather the need to drink to avoid painful withdrawal symptoms and complete their everyday tasks.
What Are 10 Signs of Alcoholism?
If a person is using alcohol but still functioning throughout their lives, how can they suffer from alcoholism? It’s not easy to see the signs of alcoholism, especially since many people drink in social settings, and it’s seen as a safe thing to do. Yet, for some people, alcohol addiction forms when abusing this legal substance. These are the individuals that need help. Consider these ten common signs of an addiction:
- Drinking alone or in secrecy; hiding consumption.
- Irritability or mood swings when there is no alcohol available
- Alcohol becomes more important than family obligations or work responsibilities
- Blackouts or instances of lost time
- Memory problems
- Increased tolerance or the need to drink more and more to get the same effect
- Feeling withdrawal or cravings when not drinking.
- Inability to stop drinking even when knowing it is causing harm
- Continued drinking even though it is destroying relationships
- Drinking to relieve or avoid feelings of anxiety or depression
When a person is experiencing these types of symptoms, alcohol is no longer just a casual thing. It is a life-threatening condition.
If you worry about yourself or a loved one, seek professional help. There is no shame in getting the support you need to overcome an addiction. In fact, treatment can be very successful, and there are many resources available to help you get started.
What Are the Consequences of Alcohol Addiction?
Men and women who develop an alcohol use disorder are at a higher risk for health complications. This may include heart and liver disease, brain damage, alcohol poisoning, and some types of cancer. In addition to this, alcoholism impacts families and relationships as they struggle to cope with their addicted loved one.
If you see the signs of alcoholism in a loved one, or even in yourself, help is available to you. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is this: addiction is a disease you can prevent from worsening. In fact, you can often reverse some of the damage it’s caused. For that, we encourage you to reach out to Tides Edge Detox for help.
We offer a comprehensive level of support to guide you in healing. This includes:
- Inpatient alcohol detox for 24-hour assistance with discomfort
- Men’s specific alcohol detox for a judgment-free clinic
- Women’s specific alcohol detox to feel comfortable in their surroundings
- Medical detox treatment in cases of complications and severe symptoms
- Holistic detox methods for treating the mind and body during alcohol detox
- Ongoing addiction therapy services to get to the root causes of alcohol abuse
If you face an addiction of any type, you can make changes. However, you really need to act as soon as possible. Our team at Tides Edge Detox can provide you with the support and comfort you need. All you have to do is take that first step by entering detox.
Seek Support for Alcohol Use Disorder at Tides Edge Detox
If you recognize the signs of alcoholism in yourself or your loved one, take action by calling Tides Edge Detox. Across all of our detox programs, individuals can take advantage of several different forms of therapy, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Addresses the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that contribute to substance abuse
- Group therapy: Group therapy offers individuals the opportunity to share their experiences with others who are also in recovery, learn from one another, and build a support network.
- Individual therapy: This type of therapy helps the individual understand their thoughts and feelings, explore any underlying issues that may have led to or contributed to the addiction, identify healthy coping mechanisms, and develop a personalized relapse prevention plan.
- Yoga therapy: This holistic approach can help individuals connect their body and mind, promoting physical and emotional healing.
It is possible to stop using and improve your quality of life. Contact Tides Edge Detox experts by calling 866.723.3127 for immediate help and guidance.
