Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease. It is a disease that is caused by drinking alcohol. Even with its negative consequences. It affects millions of individuals worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 3 million deaths result from harmful use of alcohol per year. AUD is something a lot of people struggle with. It does not matter your age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and routes for seeking help is key. This is crucial for addressing this worldwide issue. As well as supporting those who struggle with this disease. The following blog will explore the signs of AUD. Along with how to get help, according to WHO.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms:
Alcohol addiction comes to light in different ways. It affects both your physical and mental health. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- High Tolerance: If you struggle with alcohol addiction you may find that you need to drink a lot of alcohol to get the desired feeling. This shows that you have built up a high tolerance.
- Withdrawal: When you are not drinking alcohol, you may get withdrawal symptoms. These can be things like tremors, sweating, nausea, anxiety, and insomnia. These symptoms can be severe and require medical help.
- Loss of Control: One of the biggest signs of addiction is loss of control. You no longer can regulate yourself and stop drinking. Even if you are trying to cut back or stop drinking altogether. You may find yourself unable to do so on your own.
- Neglect: Alcohol addiction can lead to neglect. This can be things like letting your work, school, or your family duties suffer. You may prioritize drinking over other important parts of your life.
- Continued Use Despite Consequences: Even after having some negative consequences caused by drinking still choose to continue to drink. These can be things that can be health problems, relationship issues, or legal troubles. It does not matter what drinking is doing to your life. Drinking trumps the negative effects.
- Drinking on Your Mind: No matter what you have going on in your life alcohol becomes your main focus. This leads to having obsessive thoughts. These thoughts are typically about when you get to drink again.
Seeking Help and Treatment Options:
Knowing you have a problem is the first step towards recovery. Getting help from healthcare professionals and other support networks is key. This is vital for managing your addiction and getting help. Here are some treatment options commonly used:
- Detox: A medically supervised detox helps you safely manage withdrawal symptoms. It involves you having monitoring and support. This is to ensure a comfortable and safe move to sobriety.
- Therapy and Counseling: You can partake in therapy sessions. Both individual and group sessions are big parts of AUD treatment. There is also cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family therapy. These options can help you confront other underlying issues. These underlying issues often can add to your addiction. Addressing them can help you develop coping strategies.
- Support Groups: Try support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These groups can give you a supportive community. This is a community of peers who have been where you are and understand your struggles. It also offers you help and encouragement to keep going on your path to sobriety.
- Lifestyle Changes: Make positive lifestyle changes. You can try adopting healthy habits. As well as try fulfilling activities and building a strong support network. These things can support your long-term recovery.
Visit Clinicas:
It's important to know that AUD is a disease. It is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. Breaking the stigma around addiction is key. Especially when encouraging others to seek help. Often people are scared to get help because of fear of judgment. This is why it is so important to know the signs and know that this is a disease.
Alcohol addiction is a complex and hard condition to have. It requires treatment and support. Knowing the signs and symptoms is vital. They are so crucial in getting help. Together we can work towards promoting awareness. As well as give help to those in need. Recovery is possible! No one should face the disease alone. That is why Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc. is here for you! We are here for you every step of the way. Clinicas has a mental health professional to help you work through the process of getting sober. Together, let’s work for a sober and happy future!