There are several signs you can use to determine if you need addiction treatment for alcoholism. As you have probably heard before, admitting you have a problem is a critical first step toward recovery. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious medical condition that slowly takes hold of your life. Many people find that when they seek treatment for disorders like addiction, recognizing these initial warning signs of substance abuse were the turning point they needed. Social consumption and dependency are hard to distinguish from each other, but we are going to break down the differences for you in this article.
One of the most noticeable warning signs of substance abuse is developing an increased tolerance, as in you need to consume larger quantities of alcohol to feel the effects you’re seeking. Another indicator is withdrawal symptoms arising after stopping your drinking for a time. Withdrawals are signals that suggest a physiological adaptation to alcohol, which is the most important signs you need addiction treatment with professional intervention. Don’t look for signs your liver is healing itself, and instead use that as a warning sign indicating you might need detox and withdrawal treatment.
According to the WHO newsroom, misuse of alcohol accounts for over 3 million deaths a year, which comprises 5.3% of the global death toll. Keep yourself from being a statistic and consider options such as Intensive Outpatient Programs or even Christian faith-based rehab for spiritual recovery as you reclaim your life from addiction.
Speak with admissions for a free assessment from our professional treatment center Apex Recovery Tennessee. Our goal is to provide everyone who comes to us in need with the tools for achieving and maintaining long-term sobriety. How do you know when you or a loved one has crossed the line between casual drinking and alcohol misuse, though? Alcoholism is a serious condition that thrives on that exact denial that you’ve slipped into misuse. It’s easy for those suffering from alcohol addiction to rationalize to themselves that their issues are not misuse and overlook the signs that suggest they need help. Contact us today if you are seeing any early warning signs. You can also keep reading to discover some clues that suggest you or your loved one should seek treatment for alcoholism.
1. Drinking More Than Planned
Almost everyone drinks more than they meant to on occasion, especially when celebrating with friends. The trouble starts when this becomes a habit.
Anything more than four drinks for men or three drinks for women in a single day is typically considered binge drinking. People with alcohol addiction usually only intend to have one or two drinks, but the next thing they know, they’ve gone way over this limit.
2. Increased Tolerance for Alcohol
According to the CDC, it’s okay to drink up to two standard drinks per day if you’re a man and one if you’re a woman. Can you handle much more alcohol than that?
Increasing tolerance for alcohol or an inability to stick within those guidelines are signs that you’ve lost control of your drinking.
3. Risky Behaviors
Alcohol damps down inhibitions, and people with alcohol addiction problems tend to embrace risky behavior while intoxicated.
Consistently driving, swimming, or operating heavy machinery while under the influence is a sign that alcoholism has a hold on your life.
4. Increased Mental Health Issues
It’s easy to think of alcohol as a mood enhancer when it is a depressant. Excessive alcohol consumption tends to increase symptoms of anxiety and depression, which lead to even more drinking.
5. Physical and Mental Symptoms of Alcoholism
When someone with an alcohol problem stops drinking, they start to go into alcohol withdrawal symptoms soon afterward. Shaking, sweating, and nausea are all signs that your body is craving another drink.
Alcohol kills brain cells, too, resulting in memory lapses and even complete blackouts at times.
6. A Constant Urge to Drink
Hankering for an after-work drink, slipping out for a drink at lunchtime, or drinking before going out for the night are all signs of addiction.
When you spend a lot of your time thinking about and planning your next drinking session, you’ve got problems.
7. Failed Attempts at Treatment for Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a treatable behavioral disorder, but it takes ongoing work to stay sober. If you or a loved one has tried to stop countless times, only to find yourself staring at the bottom of an empty bottle yet again, you need to seek further treatment.
It’s common for people with alcoholism to have several attempts at recovery before they finally get it right. So, don’t let that deter you from seeking help once again.
Get Started With Addiction Therapy in Nashville
If you want to take a step towards a healthier life, you must acknowledge the signs you need addiction treatment. If any of the signs listed above are appearing in your life, like heightened tolerance or withdrawal symptoms, now is the time to understand that you can get help. Recovery is achievable when you seek out and rely on professional support for your recovery. Continuing alcohol use despite its adverse effects on your life will only do you harm, this is a primary warning sign of substance abuse you should not ignore. Seeking treatment for disorders related to alcohol dependency, will give you the restart you are looking for. Treatment creates lasting change. Taking action at a local rehab near Nashville will give you tools and confidence you need to help you reclaim your well-being.
You will benefit from a comprehensive recovery, focusing on healing both the body and mind in combination with monitoring physical improvements, such as signs your liver is healing itself. Real, effective treatment will address more than just your symptoms and truly focus on the root causes of addiction. Professional programs at Apex Recovery are able to give you treatment in Brentwood and rehab in Columbia, and are equipped with the evidence-based treatment plans and clinical resources required for your process. Whether you are looking for services in Knoxville or support from a Memphis treatment center, both of our facilities host dedicated specialists that are available to guide you. Do not permit denial or apprehension to prevent you from accessing the effective, evidence-based treatment you deserve. Call us today at (877) 881-2689.
