Recognizing the signs of alcohol dependence is essential if you or a loved one is struggling with an alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism affects 29.5 million children and adults over the age of 12.1 While there is no cure for addiction, there are several therapeutic options for successfully treating the addiction.
Sobrius is a full-service addiction treatment center that welcomes Virginia residents who struggle with alcohol use disorder. We are familiar with the signs of alcohol addiction and work to create comprehensive treatment programs that include cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. Each program is tailored to the patient’s unique reasons for behind the abuse and focuses on making positive changes that promote a sober lifestyle.
For more information about our alcohol addiction treatment, call 888.596.6514 today to take that first step toward a better tomorrow.
Recognizing the Signs of Alcoholism
Addiction is a treatable mental health disorder that changes your personal behaviors and makes you act differently. When you drink, you create chemical changes within your system that create a euphoric response. You want to drink more to keep that feeling going, and the more you drink, the more you will want.
The signs of alcoholism can be very difficult to recognize, as most people will go to great lengths to hide the abuse. There are certain signs of alcoholism, including:
- Needing to drink more to feel the same euphoric effects
- Feeling strong cravings for more alcohol when not intoxicated
- Developing a high tolerance to alcohol
- Distancing yourself from friends and family
- Being unable to keep up with work, school, or personal responsibility
- You try to quit but are unable to do so without proper support
When you try to quit without proper support, it can cause withdrawal symptoms that include nausea and vomiting, sweating, headaches, shaky hands, and anxiety. This can last for 1–2 weeks, if longer, and can intensify over the next 72 hours. This can lead to a relapse, and if that happens, they can form a negative opinion about trying to quit.
At Sobrius, we are familiar with the signs of alcohol dependence and work on creating a comprehensive addiction treatment program. Each program includes behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and medication-assisted treatment through group and private therapy sessions.
Signs of Alcohol Dependence
When a person is abusing alcohol, they are consumed by their need for more alcohol. They constantly think about when they can drink more. Even if a person wants to quit, they are powerless to do so on their own. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to recognize when a person has a problem with alcohol.
Here are some of the signs of alcohol dependence:
- An inability to stop on their own – Alcohol dependence begins when you drink daily and drink to excess. They may try to quit on their own, but their cravings and withdrawals are too intense to ignore. They can go through periods of trying to quit and may begin to think there is no quitting.
- Relationship troubles – Addiction can cause relationship troubles the longer the addiction is allowed to continue. They will lie about where they’ve been and what they’ve been doing, which will cause hardships in the relationship. Addiction is responsible for well over 6% of divorce rates.
- Financial hardships – Substance abuse will slowly begin to affect your work performance and ability to meet deadlines, prepare for a test, and other personal responsibilities. A person showing signs of alcohol dependence may lose their job, be unable to pay their bills, and potentially lose their home and become homeless.
- Worsening health conditions – Addiction can cause serious medical conditions that will only worsen over time, including liver/kidney disease, certain cancers, and psychosis.
The signs of alcohol addiction are clear when you know what to look for in a friend or loved one. It may take some time, but seeing them healthy and happy again is well worth the effort.
Join Sobrius’ Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program Today
Sobrius is a full-service addiction treatment center that welcomes Virginia residents who are abusing alcohol. Our residential programs are tailored to the individual and include cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic therapy to create a whole-person recovery experience.
If you would like more information about our alcohol addiction treatment program, call 888.596.6514 today or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation.
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