Pandemic-related isolation can cause a significant spike in alcohol consumption for many, and sometimes the early indicators of a developing alcohol addiction are overlooked because of the larger overarching anxiety of COVID looming overhead. At Apex Recovery Tennessee, we know there are many different appearances for what an alcoholic looks like. People will experience changes going beyond physical appearance to different forms of behavioral shifts, like neglecting responsibilities or drinking in risky situations.
Our centers near Nashville can help when a person reaches the stage of waking up feeling shaky; this is generally signaling that the body has become physically dependent on the substance and is entering a state of withdrawal because of its absence. In our rehab facilities near Knoxville, we can help you learn how to decrease your alcohol level safely with a professional approach. If you suddenly stop partaking in alcohol you may have sudden and severe health complications.
If you feel you need extra or high-end support, a luxury rehab facility will help you escape that feeling of being trapped after a night of drinking. Once alcohol becomes more than just casual and is used to manage the discomfort of a hangover or cravings, that is when it may be time to seek help. A licensed Tennessee rehab facility, like Apex Recovery, can help you. We teach you how to reduce alcohol intake through our specialized detox and therapeutic support that aim to break the shackles of addiction and promote long-term recovery. Contact us today so we can help you begin.
Identifying the Signs of Alcohol Addiction During the Pandemic
Are you running out of things to do while on quarantine? Do you find yourself drinking beer more frequently than usual? Then it is important to identify the signs of alcohol addiction. With the ongoing pandemic, sales of alcoholic drinks generally soared. Though this may only be a temporary development, the risk of an individual becoming dependent on alcohol becomes more evident than ever. When you develop an addiction to alcohol, different aspects of your life can go on a downward spiral fast. If you’re wondering what the symptoms of alcohol addiction are, you can continue reading below for five common ones.
1. Excessive Drinking
One of the most obvious signs of alcohol addiction is excessive drinking. You can classify this into two categories: heavy drinking and binge drinking. Heavy drinking is having more than 15 drinks a week for men and eight drinks a week for women. Meanwhile, binge drinking is finishing five or more drinks per session for men and four or more drinks for women.
Take note, however, that excessive drinking does not always equate to alcoholism. Instead, it is only one of the major symptoms that may signal alcohol addiction. Also, an individual who is an excessive drinker has increased tolerance for alcohol. This means it takes more drinks than usual before you start to feel that buzzing or relaxing feeling. Incidentally, tolerance is one of the first signs of developing alcohol addiction. Additionally, you may spend more time drinking than you normally would in the past. This applies even when you’re drinking at home.
2. You Start Neglecting Your Work and Family
Another important symptom of alcohol addiction is when you start neglecting your family, spending more time drinking than having quality time with your wife and kids. It can be because you enjoy drinking more than maintaining your responsibilities. The same thing goes when you begin to slack off from work because of too much drinking.
When it comes to your work, alcoholism can cause you to miss your deadlines. It can also make you miss work altogether. You will have days when you cannot get up to work because of a hangover. Sometimes, the reason is you lack sleep or you don’t feel well because of excessive drinking. In turn, your livelihood will suffer. You may even lose your job if you continue with your addiction.
3. You Drink in Dangerous Situations
Since addiction increases your alcohol dependence, you will crave for more even if the situation isn’t favorable. For example, you may drive your car while under the influence of alcohol. This exponentially increases the risk of getting into a road accident. If your job entails operating machinery, intoxication can cause you to press the wrong buttons and compromise the safety of your workplace. Some individuals even mix alcohol with certain prescription drugs. The danger with this is that some medications do not interact well with alcohol. As a result, they feel adverse effects after some time.
4. Signs of Withdrawal
Does alcohol cause withdrawals? Like smoking, alcohol addiction does cause one to showcase withdrawal symptoms. There are different manifestations of alcohol withdrawal. For starters, you will experience steady shaking or trembling. This usually happens in the morning. Sometimes, you will feel anxious or jumpy. Other times, you will sweat profusely even if the temperature is not that hot. Withdrawal can also manifest in the form of fatigue. You will choose to stay in bed the whole day, as getting up will feel like a chore. Also, you may experience insomnia and loss of appetite. You may also have persistent headaches, nausea, or vomiting. These symptoms will appear if you fail to get your drink and create a vicious cycle.
5. Drinking Despite Realizing Its Consequences
Last but not least, alcohol addiction will prompt you to continue drinking despite realizing the consequences. Your body will continue craving for alcohol and you will lose control over your habit. You may even remind yourself of the negative effects of drinking but continue drinking anyway. Also, you may become defensive when others call out your drinking problem. In turn, you will strain your relationships with the people you love.
Effects of Alcohol Addiction on Health
Alcoholism or chronic heavy drinking poses various kinds of health problems. It affects different organs and may even lead to fatal consequences. One of the key organs alcohol will damage is your liver. Since alcohol is a toxin, your liver needs to flush it out of your system. However, too much alcohol will overwork your liver. In time, too much alcohol will take a toll on your liver cells. As a result, you will end up developing liver cirrhosis, which can be fatal.
Excessive drinking can also be bad for the heart. Too much alcohol increases the risk of developing blood clots and high cholesterol. When these things occur, your heart will have problems pumping blood. In the end, you become a prime candidate for developing heart disease. Long-term alcohol dependence may also lead to brain and nervous system issues. You may develop depression, as well as dementia. It can also damage your voice box, esophagus, and mouth.
Treating the Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Addressing alcohol addiction begins with a proper diagnosis. From there, a doctor can determine the severity of your addiction. This is a crucial step to arrive at the most appropriate solution to your problem. One of the most important steps for breaking free from addiction is detox. This is the phase where you gradually eliminate your cravings for alcohol. Since this can be tough because of the withdrawal symptoms, it is best to join a rehab program. Here, you will have professionals who will guide you in attaining long-term sobriety.
Let’s Break the Shackles of Addiction, Today!
Society often has a specific image of what an alcoholic looks like. Most individuals with a dependence struggle in silence, trying to maintain their daily obligations without people noticing. If you are frequently waking up feeling shaky or finding yourself reaching to start the day with a drink, these are all signs pointing you to seek help.
Professional intervention can provide you with a safe way forward to recovery. If you have reservations about entering treatment, start small with a simple 30-day program or a program with a bit of extra luxury in rehab. If you worry about the cost, our admissions specialists can give you a comprehensive breakdown of the treatment price details you may encounter to help you prepare. Programs like ours have stable environments where you can focus entirely on your physical and mental healing.
You can learn how to reduce your alcohol intake levels through specialty programs like a faith based path, rehab for expecting mothers, and programs for seniors. You need the experts in your corner who know your experience to help you out. We offer alcohol therapy and detox programs that will help you break the shackles of addiction. You do not have to face the challenges of recovery without medical guidance and expert care. To begin your journey and explore the programs available to you, call (877) 881-2689 today to speak with one of our compassionate specialists.
