Alcohol plays an outsized role in our lives. Whether it is consumed during meals, leisure activities, or special occasions, alcohol is seemingly always at the center of these events. For some, it can be very dangerous, and drinking alcohol can turn into a focal point. So, how do you know when it goes too far? What are the signs of alcoholism?
The answers can vary by individual, and the signs are often hard to spot. There is no set number of drinks that make you an alcoholic. Alcoholism is a precisely defined condition that is based on what alcohol does to your life, your job, and your relationships.
For many people, one of the principal signs of alcoholism is when booze becomes the central consideration of your life, more than your health, family, or career. If you or someone you care about needs alcohol addiction treatment, contact the experts at TruHealing Centers today.
About Alcoholism
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is the country’s most severe substance abuse problem. An estimated fifteen to seventeen million people nationwide have been diagnosed as alcoholics, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
But there are many more people at risk, given how widespread alcohol is in our society. Nationwide, about eight out of every ten people in the United States report they have consumed alcohol at some point in their lives, according to the NIAAA.
The toll of alcoholism is staggering in both loss of life and social costs. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, more than ten thousand people die in alcohol-related car accidents each year. That accounts for roughly one of every three auto accident deaths across the country.
Signs of Alcoholism
The warning signs of alcoholism are often hidden in plain sight. Most people will exhibit a certain set of signs or behaviors that include:
- Continuing to drink even though it causes problems
- Experiencing problems at work or school, such as frequent absences
- Vowing to stop drinking but being unable to do so
- Drinking for a longer period than intended
- Setting up your social calendar around drinking
- Severe problems in relationships
You are considered to have an alcohol addiction when drinking occasionally becomes drinking often, leading to severe and persistent problems in health, relationships, career, and even the law. If you’ve spotted some or all these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you, it might be time to seek help.
Treatment for Alcoholism
As widespread of a problem as an alcohol use disorder is, disturbingly, very few people get the help they deserve. According to the NIAAA, only one of every ten people with alcoholism seeks assistance from treatment facilities such as TruHealing Centers.
While treatment for alcoholism may sound scary, it has an excellent track record of success. The treatment process typically begins with an intake session, involving a thorough mental and physical exam.
Based on the result of that intake, the clinical team will develop a thorough treatment plan, likely starting with a period of detox. In order to recover properly, you must stop drinking. That can trigger painful withdrawal symptoms that need to be monitored by professionals.
Once you’ve flushed the alcohol from your system, you will begin counseling. This will likely involve both individual and group therapy sessions and are designed to help build your capabilities to cope better with the stress. Aftercare support will help reduce the risk of relapse.
Find Help for Alcoholism at TruHealing Centers Today
It’s scary to spot the signs of alcoholism, either in yourself or someone you love. But getting help is the right thing to do. The professionals at TruHealing Centers provide full-spectrum addiction support, both for alcohol and other substances. We will be with you from the intake meeting all the way through to recovery and aftercare. Don’t miss another moment of life coping with alcohol. Contact us today for a consultation at [Direct].