Drinking alcohol is so widely accepted and prevalent in society and pop culture that it can be hard to tell when casual drinking has become a problem. Many think if they’re not isolating and drinking in secret, they can’t possibly have a drinking problem, but alcohol use disorder can be sneaky.
Oceanfront Recovery provides top-quality addiction recovery treatment programs and substance abuse treatment in California. It’s our goal to help you find long-lasting healing without relapse through a holistic approach that addresses the mental, physical and spiritual impacts of addiction. Contact us at (877) 296-7477 to learn more.
The Dangers Of Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol addiction is the most common form of substance abuse in the United States and the world. However, it is also one of the most ignored. Alcohol is a very normalized part of our culture. People drink recreationally, and even very heavy drinking may not be a red flag in some environments. But this makes it challenging to identify an addiction, which is a genuine possibility despite alcohol’s legal status and prevalence.
Alcohol addiction can become all-consuming and can make a person act in ways that their sober self would never even consider. These are the red flags your loved one should go to an alcohol addiction treatment center. Those who struggle with alcoholism may abandon everything they care about, including loved ones, favorite hobbies, or careers. They may say and do hurtful or manipulative things as long as they know it will help them continue drinking. They may get in legal trouble for things like drinking and driving, irrational intoxicated behavior, or stealing to fund their lifestyle. Long-term alcohol abuse leads to changes in brain chemistry that alter priorities and personality and leave an individual unable to control their own behavior fully.
Signs Of Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction is often obscured within our culture, where alcohol consumption is a common element of social gatherings. But there are ways to identify alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, or an otherwise problematic relationship with alcohol in yourself or those close to you. Some signs of alcoholism include:
- Unhealthy drinking habits include drinking alone, drinking at work, drinking and driving, binge drinking, or drinking until “blacked out”
- Needing alcohol to enjoy social functions
- Spending too much money on alcohol
- Drinking even though there are negative consequences
- Prioritizing drinking over loved ones or important responsibilities
- Health or legal concerns related to drinking
- Developing a high tolerance to alcohol (requiring more and more alcohol to feel drunk)
- Mixing alcohol with other mind-altering substances
- Mood swings and irritability
- Depression or anxiety
- Severe withdrawal symptoms when sober
If you or your loved one has concerning behavior patterns around drinking and you think that they might be addicted to alcohol or developing an addiction to alcohol, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Alcoholism is a dangerous disease that addiction professionals should treat at an alcohol addiction treatment center. Choosing a reputable recovery program is the best way to ensure that you or your loved one gets the treatment they need to heal and find lifelong sobriety.
No matter where you are in your addiction or recovery process, treatment centers like Oceanfront Recovery are here to help.