It’s common for people to view alcohol consumption as relatively harmless because it is legal, ubiquitous in society, and advertised heavily on television. But just because alcohol and drinking culture is everywhere today, it doesn’t mean it’s safer to drink than do drugs. Alcoholism is a dangerous reality for millions of Americans, meaning professional alcohol addiction treatment is necessary to overcome a dependency on alcohol. First, you must know the signs of alcohol addiction. If you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol use, contact New Start Recovery online, or call us at [Direct] today to learn how you can begin the path toward sober living through our alcohol addiction rehab.
The Dangers of Alcohol Addiction
Heavy alcohol use can have numerous adverse effects on your physical health, mental health, family life, and lifestyle. People with an alcohol use disorder have an average lifespan that’s up to 28 years shorter than individuals who do not struggle with alcohol addiction. Alcohol addiction rehab at New Start Recovery can help turn that math in your favor.
3 Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Between the mental, physical and emotional symptoms, there are countless signs of alcohol addiction. Here, we will look at 3 of the most potentially harmful signs of alcohol addiction, each of which will require immediate professional alcohol addiction treatment to not only get sober but, possibly, to save your life or the life of someone you love.
Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is a telltale sign of alcoholism, defined as more than five drinks for men or more than four drinks for women within two hours. It is often done at parties or while at bars. And while people who binge drink may not meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder, they can suffer the same short- and long-term consequences as alcoholics.
Failed Attempts to Quit / Withdrawal When Not Drinking
One of the most obvious signs of alcohol addiction is two-fold. Suppose you or a loved one attempts to stop drinking only to experience a series of withdrawal symptoms. In that case, alcohol addiction treatment may be necessary to help break the cycle of use, misuse, tolerance, and dependence you’ve developed. Some of the withdrawal symptoms common with alcohol withdrawal include:
- Excessive sweating
- Shakiness
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Dramatic blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Depression
Alcoholism can also be spotted by a series of failed attempts at quitting. Maybe it is because the withdrawal symptoms above were too severe or unpleasant, or simply because you tried to quit without the professional help available in an alcohol addiction treatment program, but if you want to, have tried, but failed to quit drinking, you may be addicted to alcohol. New Start Recovery can help with detox and an alcohol addiction rehab that will expertly and compassionately care for you during your journey to sober living.
Your Life Is Centered Around Alcohol
Suppose your conversations at work, thoughts at home, and the social activities you plan and look forward to all revolve around alcohol or at least in part involve drinking. In that case, that could be one of the signs of alcohol addiction. Not only has the alcohol come to dominate your body as you build a tolerance to the volume being consumed and come to need it in you to feel ‘normal’ or function from day to day, but your mind and thoughts are now focused on alcohol to an unhealthy level. If you cannot stop thinking about taking your next drink or schedule your life around alcohol, do not hesitate to seek the help found in a professional alcohol addiction treatment program that will be personalized to you, your life, and your specific needs.
Learn More at New Start Recovery
If you or someone you love is suffering from alcoholism and you are ready to take back control of your life, contact New Start Recovery using our secure online form or call us at [Direct] today.