Sometimes the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction aren’t always obvious, especially if you or someone you care about has been drinking regularly for a very long time. Alcohol addiction is usually a gradual process that can take several months or years to manifest. If alcohol has been causing problems with your health, career, education, and overall livelihood (or that of your loved one), it’s highly possible that alcohol abuse or addiction may be the reason.
Here are common signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction, and what to do next if you or a loved one may be in need of alcohol rehab treatment.
The Presence of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
A person addicted to alcohol will experience a range of mild to severe symptoms when abruptly discontinuing alcohol use. Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, and shaking, among many others, according to MedlinePlus. These symptoms are usually resolved when a person resumes drinking, especially if they are physically dependent on alcohol.
Drinking Higher Amounts Than Ever Before
When people first start drinking, they usually only need a small amount of alcohol to feel its effects. However, those who are addicted to alcohol usually need high amounts of alcohol or several drinks to feel the effects, which occurs mainly on behalf of increased tolerance. Tolerance is defined as the need for increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication, or diminished effects with continued use of the same amount, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Strong Alcohol Cravings or Urges to Drink
People who are struggling with alcohol addiction will usually experience strong physical and/or psychological cravings for alcohol. They may wake up in the morning and make plans not to drink, but eventually give in to their cravings or urges and end up drinking anyway. Many times, alcohol cravings and urges are extremely difficult or impossible to control due to the way heavy alcohol use changes brain chemistry and triggers compulsive behavior.
Problems at Work, School, or Home
Over time, alcohol addiction can start interfering with a person’s career, education, and home life due to the way drinking takes precedence over these important responsibilities. For instance, a person may miss work or school so they can recover from the effects of alcohol or devote more time to drinking. They may also have relationship problems with their partners or children due to the way alcohol use can lead to fighting or loss of quality time with loved ones.
How to Get Help for Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction affects 14.4 million adults in the U.S., reports the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. However, less than 8% of these individuals received professional treatment during the past year.
An alcohol rehab center will develop an individualized treatment plan for each person who needs help fighting alcohol addiction. Treatment for alcohol addiction usually includes alcohol detox and a combination of behavioral therapies that help people identify and recover from root causes of addiction like stress and trauma. Alcohol detox is the first stage of treatment, and it manages the physical symptoms of withdrawal so patients face a reduced risk of complications such as seizures.
Purpose Healing Center operates addiction treatment centers in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona to provide high quality services for recovery from substance use disorders.
Contact Purpose Healing Center today at 480-579-3319 to evaluate your treatment options, complete an insurance evaluation and begin the admissions process.
480-579-3319