Alcoholism is one of the most prevalent substance use disorders in the United States. Many individuals and families have turned to professional help to find clinical treatment. The Right Step is one of many alcohol rehab centers in Texas that specializes in treating alcohol addiction. If you think you, or someone you love, may have an alcohol problem, there are 5 signs of alcoholism to check for. Someone addicted to the substance may also display symptoms and other physical signs of addiction.
What is Alcoholism?
Anyone paying close attention to themselves or a family member may spot the 5 signs of alcoholism. At first, the habit of drinking alcohol to relieve stress or unwind after a hard day’s work may seem harmless. However, alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and liquor, contain a substance called ethanol. Ethanol causes changes in brain chemistry after frequent or long-term drinking.
Excessive, heavy, or binge drinking increases tolerance and cravings leading to addiction. Alcohol use disorder (AUD), also called alcohol addiction or alcoholism, happens when a person grows physically and psychologically dependent on the substance. According to a 2017 report by NSDUH, 14.1 million adults ages 18 and older had AUD. About 6.5 percent of them received treatment that same year.
5 Signs of Alcoholism
Drinking too much is dangerous to health. It causes cirrhosis of the liver and leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. A person may notice the early signs of alcoholism, including frequent intoxication, but may not realize they have a drinking problem. However, knowing the following 5 signs of alcoholism may motivate you to get the help you need:
#1: Increase in Tolerance
Increased tolerance is one of the early signs of alcoholism or alcohol abuse. The thing with addictive substances like alcohol is the more you use it, the more you’ll want it. You may even start drinking more often and in larger quantities. This means your body craves more alcohol to feel the same level of euphoria.
#2: Unable to Control Drinking Habits
People who always need a drink to feel normal are those who are unable to control alcohol use. They may continue to drink despite the harm it poses to health and life. Compulsively seeking alcohol or losing control over drinking habits is a marked sign of addiction.
#3: Alcohol Disrupts Normal Life
Another one of the 5 signs of alcoholism includes consuming alcohol even though it interferes with work, school, and family responsibilities. You may focus more on getting the next drink or put priorities on hold to spend time drinking. You may drink in secrecy to hide alcohol abuse or find yourself too intoxicated to function normally.
#4: Risky Behaviors
Heavy drinking and drunkenness cause the drinker to make poor decisions. After taking excessive alcohol, the person may fight, drive under the influence, or commit crimes. They may also engage in unprotected sex or do things they won’t normally do when sober.
#5: Withdrawal Symptoms
People battling chronic alcohol abuse experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms when they’re not drinking. Symptoms may start as soon as 8 hours after your last drink. They include headache, tremor, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, increased body temperature, delirium tremens, and seizures. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and even life-threatening and may require the aid of a medical alcohol detox program in order to complete a safe withdrawal.
Common Symptoms of Alcoholism
The symptoms of alcoholism depend on the stage of addiction or level of abuse. Here are some common behavioral, psychological, and physical signs of alcoholism:
- Slurred speech, hangovers, or “blackouts”
- Impaired memory or thinking
- Denying the drinking problem
- Irritability or extreme mood swings
- Spending more time and resources on drinking
Enrolling in an alcohol addiction treatment program and going through safe withdrawal at an alcohol detox center are two crucial steps to ending alcoholism.
You Have the Power to Put Alcoholism Behind You
You may realize you have a drinking problem after going over the 5 signs of alcoholism. The good news is The Right Step can help you. Our alcohol treatment centers in Texas welcome men and women battling alcohol abuse and seeking lasting recovery. Below are some of our treatment programs and therapies which are designed to return you to sobriety:
- Medically-monitored alcohol and drug detox
- Inpatient addiction treatment program
- Outpatient rehab program
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Motivational interviewing program
- Rehab aftercare programs
The Right Step’s certified doctors, therapists, and counselors will deliver personalized, stage-by-stage care to help you overcome alcohol abuse. Find out more by calling 17135283709.
