Alcoholism is a disease. It is a change in the brain that affects a person’s ability to make choices or perform essential, everyday tasks. It usually requires support and treatment to free a person from its grasp because it is a disease.
Many issues can lead to alcohol abuse and addiction, including when they started drinking, their environment, and genetics. Alcohol abuse ranges from mild to chronic and can have short and long-term effects on a person’s physical, social, and emotional health. While many people can drink alcohol without becoming addicted, for some, it is not possible. There are some common signs to look out for if you are concerned that you or a woman you love may be dependent or addicted to alcohol.
At Women’s Recovery, we understand the impact that alcohol addiction can have on a woman’s life. As a result, we have created treatment programs designed to meet women’s specific needs to get them on the road to recovery. If you suspect that you or a woman you love struggles with alcohol addiction, reach out to one of our trained specialists to learn more about the warning signs of alcoholism by calling 833.754.0554.
1. Falling Behind on Obligations at Home, School, or Work
This is often the first sign that is noticeable to others. A usually responsible and careful person may start to miss deadlines, forget important dates, or frequently miss school or work.
2. Continuing to Drink Even Though There Are Negative Consequences
A common sign of alcoholism is that, despite suffering negative consequences, the person continues to drink. Someone might lose their job, be evicted, or go through the breakup of a meaningful relationship and continue to drink. This is a clear sign that the person cannot make healthy decisions about their alcohol use. People who drink so much that they find themselves facing legal, social, or financial consequences need immediate help from an alcohol treatment center.
3. Drinking More than They Planned
A sign of alcoholism is when the person frequently struggles to limit their drinking. They may plan to drink one or two drinks and then find that they have consumed the entire bottle of wine. They may find that they are drinking much more than the people around them during social events.
4. Losing Interest in Activities They Used to Enjoy
Someone who is struggling with alcoholism will often quit doing things they used to get satisfaction from. They may stop doing hobbies, skip social outings, give up on exercising, and instead only enjoy activities that center on drinking. They may become withdrawn and find themselves isolated from others much of the time.
5. Physical and Psychological Symptoms
People who struggle with addiction to alcohol may have physical symptoms when they are not drinking. They may experience anxiety or depression. They might sweat, feel nauseated, have trouble sleeping, or have shaky hands. If their alcohol dependence is advanced, they may experience seizures, confusion, or hallucinations if they stop drinking. These are signs that immediate intervention is needed, and the person must seek treatment at an alcohol addiction treatment center right away.
6. Craving or Fixating on Alcoholism
Someone who struggles with alcoholism will often show signs of craving it or fixations on it. These cravings could show up as:
- Thinking about alcohol a lot
- Struggling to socialize without drinking
- Drinking alcohol right away in the morning
- Planning how to get alcohol
7. Being Dishonest About Alcohol Use
Secrecy often plays a vital role in the progression of alcoholism. People who are struggling with their use may begin to keep secrets or lie in an attempt to protect their ability to keep drinking. Because the disease often requires that the person keep it a secret, it can be challenging to realize until they are in a critical stage of their alcoholism.
Find an Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Women’s Recovery
If you notice these signs of alcoholism in yourself or someone you love, it is essential to get help right away. An alcohol rehab center may be just the right place to start on the road to sobriety and living the life you want.
Women’s Recovery in Colorado is an alcohol treatment center that specializes in women’s treatment. They offer a wide range of treatment options to support the whole person in the journey towards recovery. Contact us today by calling 833.754.0554 or using the online form.
