Alcohol – it’s the one drug that’s seen as socially acceptable in many communities. But sadly, the abuse of alcohol is taking a massive toll on this country. The latest government figures show that 95,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually.
The effects of alcohol addiction are also felt in the economy and the family. If your work, personal, and family life are being affected by your drinking, it’s time to seek help. Calling an alcohol addiction helpline could be a great first step.
Let’s explore 5 reasons why you should call an alcohol addiction helpline to start your journey to sobriety.
1. You Don’t Know Where to Turn
Have you realized that your drinking is becoming a problem? Maybe you find you always have to turn to alcohol whenever you’re worried or upset. Maybe you’ve found that your tolerance has gotten higher and you can’t control how much you drink.
It can be hard to know what to do. We may be intimidated by the thought of admitting we are suffering from alcohol addiction. You may also wonder what rehab for alcohol addiction would entail.
Rather than bottling all these questions up, it’s better to talk them out. Friends are family are there to help you, but they may not know where to turn either.
An alcohol addiction helpline will connect you with a well-trained and compassionate person. They may even be a person who has achieved sobriety themselves after struggling with addiction. They are there to provide support, not judgment.
They can help you to recognize whether your drinking has crossed the line into addiction. They know the symptoms and provide a safe space for you to open up in a confidential environment.
2. You Want Information on Alcohol Rehabilitation
The kindly person on the other end of the addiction helpline will provide you with information on the next steps.
They can provide you with information about alcohol rehabilitation programs. It’s natural that you might feel overwhelmed at the thought of rehab. They can give you a general overview of what rehab involves.
They’ll talk you through the detox program and how rehab can help you to avoid triggers that lead to overdrinking. They’ll also explain the differences between outpatient and inpatient programs.
Most importantly, they’ll help you feel empowered to access the help you need. They are there to build your confidence and help you to see that you can succeed.
3. You Want to Support a Friend or Family Member
You may not have a drinking problem yourself, but may be very concerned about someone who does. Because alcohol is a part of life for many people, it can be hard to tell when someone’s drinking has become a problem.
We can fear the consequences of raising the subject with them. But we also worry that if we don’t do something, the problem will get worse. Especially if it’s a family member, their drinking may be making our lives very difficult as well.
Helplines for alcohol addiction are there to support you too. The well-trained operator knows the impact of alcohol addiction on relationships. They can offer support to you – and not just so that you can support your loved one.
They understand that you may need a listening ear to deal with your feelings. They can listen with compassion and direct you to resources that can help you to cope.
They can also help you to support your loved one to gain control over their drinking problem. Make sure that you save their number on your phone so that you know where to turn if things get tough. Remember, you don’t have to go it alone.
4. You’re in Danger of Relapsing
There are many potential triggers that can lead to a relapse. If you’ve spent time in an alcohol rehab center, you’ll have skills that help you to cope with these triggers. But sometimes, we need a little extra support.
Some potential triggers include:
- Being in the initial stages of withdrawal when cravings are at their strongest
- Suffering from other mental health challenges
- Being around people or in places connected to drinking
- Relationship issues
- Isolation and boredom
- Stress and anxiety
If you recognize you’re in danger of relapsing, that’s good. You still have a chance to take control and do not need to go down that path.
Call an alcohol addiction helpline as soon as you feel you’re in danger of relapsing. Simply talking to someone else who understands your situation can help you to regain control. They can talk you through steps you can take to turn your current situation around.
5. You’ve Had a Relapse
For anyone battling addiction, a relapse can be a bruising experience. But don’t let it crush you and make you feel that you can’t succeed. The most important thing now is to get straight back on the right track.
It takes courage to admit you’ve had a relapse. Talking to someone on an addiction helpline is a great first step. They’ll understand and will provide you with the support you need to get back – and stay back – on the road to sobriety.
How an Alcohol Addiction Helpline Can Help
An alcohol addiction helpline can be a powerful first step on the road to recovery from alcohol addiction.
They can help you if you’re not sure whether you’ve crossed the line into alcohol addiction. They’re there for you if you’re helping a loved one, or are struggling with a relapse yourself. They can also refer you to alcohol rehab.
At Apex Recovery, our alcohol therapy program can help you to get to the root of your drinking problem. It will allow you to detox, take control, and stay away from alcohol for good.
Call us today at (877) 742-7217 or reach out to us online.