Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a struggle millions of Americans face each day. Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggest that as many as eighteen million American adults over twelve have an alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism is not a problem that develops quickly. Unlike some drugs, where addiction or dependency can develop after just one use, alcohol use disorder develops out of a pattern of long-term problematic drinking.
Alcohol use disorders impact everyone differently, and everyone has varying needs when it comes to safely and effectively addressing addiction to alcohol. When seeking help to overcome an alcohol use disorder, addiction treatment professionals will diagnose your condition as mild, moderate, or severe. Based on your symptoms and the severity of your addiction, members of your therapy team at Relevance Recovery will help design a treatment program including detox, therapy, and aftercare that can help you heal and put a dependency on alcohol in the past.
Warning Signs of Alcoholism
Problematic drinking is defined based on how much and how often someone drinks. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders provides specific criteria to help addiction treatment providers best understand the severity of someone’s alcohol use disorder and the most effective treatment models to help them overcome their symptoms. In total, there are eleven specific factors used to help categorize the severity of alcohol addiction, and one does not need to be present with all eleven to have alcohol use disorder. In general, up to three symptoms are considered a mild addiction, up to five are deemed to be moderate, and six or more are severe.
Alcoholism occurs when occasional drinking evolves into consistent alcohol use. If a loved one is struggling with an alcohol use disorder, you may notice that obtaining or consuming alcohol has become a priority over all else. Someone with a significant alcohol dependency will choose to drink despite knowing the harmful physical and psychological consequences. Other behavioral changes may include legal troubles, social problems, problems with relationships, and failing performance at work or school.
In addition to behavioral changes, someone with an alcohol use disorder will also struggle with physical and psychological changes related to problem drinking. These can include worsening mental health symptoms, blackouts, problems with memory, changes to personal hygiene and appearance, and various physical elements. Additionally, a notable sign of an alcohol use disorder is the presence of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Suppose a loved one stops drinking, even for a short time, and experiences symptoms related to withdrawal. In that case, it means their body has developed a dependency on alcohol. The safest way to get sober while reducing the potential for medical complications during detox is to choose a professional alcohol rehab like Relevance Recovery.
How to Get Someone Help with an Alcohol Addiction
If a friend or problem is struggling with alcohol addiction and you are not sure where to begin to get them the help they need to get sober, consider reaching out to the admissions team at Relevance Recovery. At our Freehold, NJ, alcohol rehab, our caring and supportive staff members can help explain how therapeutic interventions can help your loved one or friend get sober. In addition, by calling the admissions team at a professional rehab, you can learn about other options that might help your friend get help with alcohol addiction, including interventions. In addition, you can encourage your friend or loved one to contact their primary care provider or a mental health provider.
Turning to a trusted individual they feel comfortable confiding in may help provide the incentive they need to seek help with their alcohol addiction.
If you would like to learn more about our programs at Relevance Recovery, reach out to our admissions team today.
