When Should You Get Help for Alcoholism?

Many people that drink alcohol claim they are not truly an alcoholic and insist that they have it completely under control.

While this might be true for those that have an occasional drink, heavy drinkers find it expressly difficult to part with the drink. They find it difficult to sit down on the couch without grabbing a beer or come through the house without a cocktail in the evening. True alcoholics will experience mood swings, behavioral changes, and difficulty functioning throughout the day without a drink. There are many signs that you should be aware of if you feel like you or someone you know has an alcohol addiction.

The Warning Signs of Alcoholism

There are numerous warning signs of alcoholism that you should be aware of, especially if you like to have a drink more often than not.

1. You find it hard to sit down and relax without drinking, or doing anything without having to have some sort of alcoholic beverage to enjoy.

2. You find yourself drinking throughout the day, and the night, every day.

3. You still drink even if it brings about negative consequences such as losing your job, your family, your home, or other difficulties.

4. When you do not drink for a day or two, you experience withdrawal symptoms that include sleeplessness, sweating, tremors, irritability, and nausea.

5. You have to drink more than just a couple to get drunk because your tolerance levels have increased over time.

Signs That You Need Alcohol Rehabilitation

There are several signs that are much more serious and require an alcoholic to seek immediate rehabilitation and addiction treatment.

• You drink more than you should, and do not know your threshold level.
• You get in trouble with the law due to drinking.
• You're violent to others when you drink.
• You have blackouts or seizures because of excessive drinking.
• You have excuses to drink, or are looking to avoid problems or situations.
• You’re losing a lot of your life because of the drinking such as work, school, or family.
• You cannot stop drinking, even when you try.
• You’re hurting loved ones and those close to you.
• You try to hide the drinking from those around you.
• You have health problems because of the excessive drinking.

If you notice these signs in yourself, or in someone you know, then it’s time to seek the advice of an alcohol rehab counselor able to provide you with the guidance and treatment needed for recovery.

Those that are going through a struggle with alcoholism might have a hard time seeking help, or going through with the process, but it is essential for the long term health and well-being of the alcoholic and of those around him. Detoxing at home can be tricky and dangerous.

Banyan’s professional medical staff are here to help you and your loved ones recover from addiction. Call 954-533-7705 for answers to your detox questions and options for treatment.