Are you suffering from alcohol addiction? You’re not alone. In 2021, about 29.5 million people 12 and older had alcohol use disorder.
If you’re suffering from alcohol addiction, you might feel lost, alone, and unsure of where to turn. This disease can be cruel and make you feel like you’re drowning.
While this might be the case, the good news is that there’s hope. Read on to find out how you can put your addiction behind and live an alcohol-free life moving forward.
Excessive drinking could shorten your life by an average of 26 years. Alcohol use disorder is when you continue to drink alcohol despite the consequences. It can range from mild to severe.
Risk factors include:
It’s when you’re unable to stop drinking and experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop. Alcohol misuse is when you have multiple drinks per day.
Potential side effects:
Symptoms vary from person to person. You might find that you hide alcohol consumption from your family.
There might be an increase in emotional problems such as depression or lethargy. You might only attend functions where alcohol is present.
Over time, you’ll have a high tolerance for alcohol. Bills wrack up because you require more alcohol for the same effect. In order to function in your daily life, you might require alcohol.
A common symptom is that you might choose alcohol over friendship. Your friends might try to get you to stop, and you break ties.
Some are more likely to become addicted than others. Those with mental disorders tend to have a higher risk of alcoholism.
Social causes are a common reason. Alcohol is a regular part of society, but some people wind up misusing it.
If you see your parents misuse alcohol, you might assume at a young age that it’s okay. Starting at a young age increases your risk of alcohol addiction. Alcoholism can also be passed down through generations.
Since alcohol impacts the Central Nervous System, it can slow down the brain. You might experience drowsiness, coordination problems, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, and more.
The effects depend on how quickly you consume it and how much. Women tend to be at an increased risk of adverse effects.
If you continue to misuse alcohol long-term, you might experience:
Without proper alcohol treatment, socialization might suffer. You might find yourself pulling away from loved ones and instead heading to events with alcohol.
Alcoholism can destroy relationships, jobs, and lead to financial problems. As time passes, you might require an increase in alcohol for the same effect.
Alcohol can also cause negative side effects if you take it with medication. Even over-the-counter drugs can cause dangerous interactions.
Alcohol addiction treatment is vital even if you can function drinking. High-functioning alcoholics seem like they have their lives together but still have intense cravings. If they attempt to stop on their own, they might go back to drinking alcohol.
High-functioning alcoholics tend to be:
High-functioning alcohol abuse is still causing damage to your body. You can still suffer from consequences due to it.
No matter how severe alcohol addiction is, most will find treatment helpful. Moreover, many of those who seek treatment will be alcohol-free for years to come.
One type of common treatment is medication. There are types of medication that’ll make you physically sick if you try to drink. Medication helps prevent relapse and reduce drinking.
Some will begin the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program to help. You’ll speak with others who have been in your shoes and be able to vent.
You can choose from various programs. Some programs will allow you to continue working, staying home, and then attending programs. Other programs will allow you to stay at their facility for around-the-clock care.
The most-effective programs have a full-body approach. Not only will you learn steps on leaving alcohol behind, but you’ll have nutritious programs as well.
These programs will give you life and coping skills to help guide you. Instead of turning to alcohol, you’ll have the skills necessary to battle the ups and downs in life.
While inpatient programs tend to cost more than outpatient services, they could offer you more help. You also won’t be around temptation while you’re in this program.
Other alcohol detox options might also include counseling with drug therapy. You could find a therapist who specializes in alcoholism.
If you’re suffering from a mental health condition as well, it’s important to have a counselor to help with both. Another option is to work with a nutritionist. A nutritionist can help you decrease any damage to your body from alcoholism.
While you might feel scared and alone from alcohol addiction, you don’t have to keep suffering. Understand that your friends and family aren’t trying to be critical; they’re concerned for your well-being.
Are you ready to get back on track and say goodbye to alcohol? Then verify your insurance and get started today!
From dual diagnosis to partial hospitalization, we offer a multitude of options. Our staff includes those who have either recovered from addiction or loved ones who have.
