How To Know When It’s Time To Seek Alcohol Treatment

For someone struggling with alcoholism, it can be a challenge to admit that they need help. Alcohol abuse can be very difficult to recognize, especially for those who are able to function properly in their daily lives. It can be easy to underestimate how the extent of alcohol dependency has affected one’s health, job, and relationships. That’s why it’s important not to wait until the damage is irreversible before seeking an effective alcohol treatment program.

The individual dealing with an alcohol problem may have already noticed that something is wrong with their drinking habits. They may feel powerless whenever the urge or craving takes over. Changes in their behavior or thinking may also be evident. These signs must not be ignored because they can make alcohol abuse even more difficult to treat over time.

What It Means To Have an Alcohol Problem

Alcohol addiction is a real disease that can affect all people, regardless of age, gender, race, genetics, or socioeconomic status. It goes beyond moderate drinking, which is considered two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. It’s habitual and can cause harm or distress to the individual or others around them.

Contrary to what others may think, alcoholism is not simply a behavioral problem that can be cured with the right motivation. It involves neurochemical changes to the brain that makes it difficult for the person to control how much and how often they drink.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) describes alcohol use disorder (AUD) as a medical condition that affects an individual’s capacity to regulate their alcohol use even when it is already negatively affecting their life. If left unchecked, it can be detrimental to their health and overall well-being.

How To Know It’s Time to Seek Help

If there has been a struggle with alcohol addiction for an extended period of time, it may be time to consider seeking professional help. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that a person has AUD:

• Drinking in secret or hiding alcoholic drinks
• Not having control over how much they drink
• Blacking out and forgetting the events that happened before
• Getting irritated when someone points out their drinking habits
• Having a constant and intense urge to drink
• Losing interest in hobbies and other things they used to enjoy
• Feeling irritable, sweating, or shaking when not drinking
• Dealing with financial, legal, or relationship problems
• Increasing alcohol intake to feel good

Finding Healing in an Alcohol Treatment Program

Individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder should not have to deal with it alone. Not only can treating AUD themselves pose withdrawal risks, but it also increases the likelihood of a future relapse. This is why holistic, specialized alcohol treatment at the right facility is necessary for completely breaking free from something as complex as alcoholism.

If you or a loved one is possibly in need of help, NorthStar Detox & Rehab Center in Tarzana, Los Angeles can provide you with comprehensive treatment for alcohol abuse. Contact us today to see how we can pave your path toward a sustained recovery. Our expert team is here to provide you with reliable medical care and a highly conducive environment for your rapid and long-term healing.