What creates such a conundrum around alcohol addiction is that because drinking is so normalized and even encouraged in our society, it can take time for people suffering from AUD to even notice and admit that they are in a bad place.
Being aware of the aforementioned signs and symptoms means that you’ve now got a way to compare your own habits, or those of a loved one, against them and come up with a fairly definitive answer either way.
If you do need to seek help, don’t try to fight this battle on your own. You’ll have better results if you talk to others, and get professional input where needed.
Understanding Alcohol Abuse and Addiction
Alcohol abuse and addiction can have serious consequences on physical, emotional, financial, and social health. Excessive drinking is often an indication of alcohol use disorder (AUD), which requires treatment to address the underlying issues that lead to excessive consumption.
AUD may be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics or environmental influences. It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that can lead to an alcohol addiction so you can recognize a problem earlier.
Getting Treatment for an Alcohol Addiction, e.g. in Indiana
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, it is essential to get help immediately. In Indiana, there are a variety of treatment centers and programs available through local health care systems that specialize in treating alcohol use disorders.
These include residential rehabs like those offered by allendaletreatment.com, intensive outpatient therapy sessions, one-on-one counseling sessions or group therapies such as 12-step programs like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous).
Additionally, many community organizations offer support services for those suffering from AUD including family members and friends who need guidance on how to approach the situation.
Regardless of the type of program you choose, make sure it’s tailored to your specific needs so you can start your journey towards recovery with confidence.
Recognizing Key Signs of an Alcohol Addiction Problem
There are a variety of indicators that you’re faced with a real issue regarding alcohol consumption, and these include:
- Drinking more than intended, and being unable to stop when you know you should
- Attempting to cut alcohol out of your lifestyle, or reduce the amount you drink, but failing
- Suffering from physical withdrawal symptoms after reining in your drinking
- Increased tolerance which means you need larger volumes of alcohol to feel any effect
- Neglecting your social or professional responsibilities in favor of drinking and drink-related activities
There are also physical symptoms which indicate that someone is suffering from alcohol addiction, such as:
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia or fatigue
In addition to physical signs, long term drinking habits can also lead to emotional effects such as depression or anxiety which are often caused by underlying issues related to excessive consumption. It’s important to understand the signs your body is giving you so you can recognize potential AUD problems early on and seek help from a qualified physician who specializes in treating alcoholism before it worsens.
What to do if Alcohol is an Issue
What creates such a conundrum around alcohol addiction is that because drinking is so normalized and even encouraged in our society, it can take time for people suffering from AUD to even notice and admit that they are in a bad place.
Being aware of the aforementioned signs and symptoms means that you’ve now got a way to compare your own habits, or those of a loved one, against them and come up with a fairly definitive answer either way.
If you do need to seek help, don’t try to fight this battle on your own. You’ll have better results if you talk to others, and get professional input where needed.
