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Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

There is no harm in having a cold beer now and then. It is actually a great way to unwind with friends and family. However, there are certain limits that you should not exceed. When you tip over the scales, it becomes easier to rely on alcohol to function, which is a big problem. Alcoholism is a disease that affects the brain and neurochemistry.

Alcoholism varies from person to person as it depends on the frequency of your drinking habit as well as the type of alcoholic drink you take. If you are an avid drinker, then there is important information that can help you distinguish between having a drink for leisure and when it turns to abuse. Below are indicators that will help you understand what alcohol abuse is.

Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

Unlike other forms of addiction, it is actually challenging to tell when you are turning into an alcoholic. Additionally, compared to other hard drugs, alcohol is readily available in most areas and is relatively cheap. It is not shunned in society, as it is commonly associated with enjoyment and the gathering of close friends and family. Therefore, it is next to impossible to tell the person that consumes alcohol for leisure, apart from the person that relies on alcohol to function and carry out their day-to-day activities.

There are certain telltale signs that you can look out for to identify the problem early. Some of the common symptoms are high tolerance for alcoholic drinks, frequent use and increased intake, loss of friends, and increased depression. Seeking professional help can help treat alcohol abuse, and it’s often best if the addiction is diagnosed at an early stage.

Health Complications Associated with Alcohol Abuse

Alcoholism comes with its fair share of challenges. Prolonged abuse of alcohol results in fatal diseases such as ulcers, heart disease, liver disease, and a weakened immune system. Alcohol abuse also has a negative effect on your family and close friends as it causes emotional turmoil. It is also important to note that most of the road accidents that occur are usually related to drunk driving, resulting in the loss of life.

Treatment

Alcohol abuse is a difficult disease to treat. The affected party must first seek assistance voluntarily. Moreover, if you are trying to control the affected person, he may get aggressive, and the condition further spirals out of control.

Fortunately, many reputable organizations provide rehabilitation facilities for alcoholics. However, you should note that the road to recovery for an alcoholic is long and requires a lot of commitment and self-restraint. The recovery process is continuous and may last many years. In a nutshell, it requires a lifetime commitment.

Generally, the person suffering from alcohol abuse is admitted to a rehabilitation facility for 30 days to a year, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Again, many reputable organizations have experienced service providers that help the alcoholic manage withdrawal symptoms and suppress emotional stress and challenges.

An effective and sufficient support group makes the recovery process for the person less monotonous and stressful. Programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) have proven to be indispensable because of their effectiveness.

The support group provides the alcoholic with a safe haven that is accommodating and understanding. The forum also provides the alcoholic with the chance to make new friends. It is also a space that the alcoholic can turn to if they relapse.

Alcoholism is not something anyone should be ashamed of. With the proper treatment, you and your loved ones can eventually lower their reliance on alcohol and lead a more normal life.

Helpful Resources

NYS Treatment

Ashley Recovery

Delphi Health Group

Sunrise House Treatment

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