Recognizing alcohol addiction is the very first step towards dealing with the problem. In fact, no one is able to deal with any type of problem until they recognize that there is a problem which needs to be dealt with.
Alcohol addiction affects millions of people and their families -there is a much wider circle of hurt than the person who is suffering from the addiction themselves. Addiction can affects partners, children, family friends and loved ones.
Recognizing Alcohol Addiction - The Drinking Problem
So what's the difference between enjoying the occasional alcoholic drink and suffering from alcohol addiction? Enjoying the occasional drink may have developed into something closer to becoming an alcoholic or alcohol abuse if:
· You begin to feel ashamed about how much alcohol you drink, or it makes you feel guilty.
· You have started to lie to other people about how much alcohol you drink and your drinking habits.
· Other people who are close to you have expressed concern about your drinking habits.
· You cannot relax unless you have an alcoholic drink.
· You often drink more alcohol than you originally intended to.
· You begin to have blackouts and forget what happened while you were drinking alcohol.
Some or all of these signs may be the first tell of alcohol addiction. Basically, if drinking is causing problems in any part of your life, then you certainly may have a drinking problem.
Whereas the above points may indicate the first signs of someone who suffers from a drinking problem, alcohol abuse is not necessarily the same as alcohol addiction. Alcoholics find it impossible to function without alcohol and feel physically compelled to drink alcohol.
Recognizing the Development of Alcohol Addiction
· You may be suffering from an alcohol addiction if your tolerance has increased to the point where you need to drink much more alcohol than everybody else to feel equal effects.
· Another sign of alcohol addiction is a visible shake in the mornings followed by the need for a drink in order to stop shaking and calm down. You may also suffer from withdrawal symptoms if you do not take an alcoholic drink for some time - these symptoms include sweating, jumpiness, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, irritability, depression, headache and loss of appetite.
· You have completely lost control over your alcohol drinking.
· You want to stop drinking alcohol but simply cannot.
· Your alcohol addiction has caused you to give up other things in your life - hanging out with friends or family, taking part in hobbies or sports as a direct result of your alcohol drinking and abuse.
· You continue drinking alcohol even though you recognize that it is causing
problems.
The Options for Alcohol Addiction
If you, or someone close to you is showing any of the above signs of alcohol addiction then the next logical step is to get help - but what help is available? What are the options?
· Alcoholic's Anonymous meetings are often an important step on the road to living in recovery from alcohol addiction. While these meetings may be the only necessary option for people displaying the earliest signs of alcohol abuse, it is not always intensive enough to deal with alcohol addiction when other types of treatment may also be necessary.
· Inpatient treatment for alcohol addiction is one of the most intense recovery programs available. Entering a residential treatment program not only takes the alcoholic away from their normal lives into a sober, drug free environment with around the clock therapy and care, it also removes any temptation and allows the alcoholic to concentrate solely on getting their lives back on the road to recovery. There is normal life after alcohol addiction but it may be a long and difficult path.
· Outpatient treatment for alcohol addiction is another type of program which might work very well for many alcoholics. This is particularly suitable for people who either cannot afford the increased cost of an inpatient treatment program or finds it impossible to leave their old lives behind for any length of time. Some alcoholics manage to hold down work, look after their families, etc. and it may be impossible for them to book into a residential program for any length of time.
· Relapse prevention programs are an important step for any recovering alcoholic in order to help them to return to living a healthy, active, productive life. Alcoholic's Anonymous meetings very often form an important part of this part of the recovery from alcohol addiction.
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The Mission of Santé Center for Healing is to address addictive behaviors and associated conditions with an integrated alochol addiction treatment model, drawing from traditional and innovative approaches. Our services are open to individuals and families who seek recovery from addictive behaviors, with a focus on treating the addicted professional. Learn more at http://santecenter.com/
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