8 Warning Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction is something that can completely destroy the life of any person. Sometimes, the warning signs of alcohol addiction can be easy to spot. However, it may be more difficult for others to identify whether you or a loved one needs to go to alcohol rehab. Some common warning signs of alcohol addiction include:
- A strong desire or compulsion to drink
- Difficulty controlling the amount of alcohol consumed
- Continued use despite negative consequences, such as relationship problems, job loss, or legal trouble
- Physical withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors or seizures, when not drinking
- Neglecting responsibilities and activities in favor of drinking
- Drinking in dangerous situations, such as while driving or operating heavy machinery
- Drinking alone or in secret
- Difficulty recognizing or acknowledging the severity of the problem
It’s important to note that not everyone who drinks excessively will develop an addiction, and not everyone who has an addiction will experience all of these symptoms. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have an alcohol addiction, it’s important to seek professional help.
What to Consider When Choosing an Alcohol Rehab
Realizing that you need to go to rehab for alcohol addiction is one that will be life-changing for you. However, choosing the right alcohol rehab is essential. When choosing an alcohol rehab, there are several factors to consider:
- Type of treatment: Different rehab centers offer different types of treatment, such as inpatient, outpatient, or partial hospitalization. Consider which type of treatment would be the most appropriate for your needs.
- Staff qualifications: It’s important to ensure that the rehab center’s staff is qualified and experienced in treating alcohol addiction. Look for staff members who are licensed or certified in addiction treatment.
- Treatment philosophy: Different rehab centers may have different philosophies or approaches to treatment. Consider whether the rehab center’s philosophy aligns with your own beliefs and values.
- Location: Consider whether you would prefer to attend a rehab center that is close to home or one that is farther away. Some people prefer to get away from their home environment to focus on their recovery, while others prefer to stay close to home for support.
- Cost: Rehab can be expensive, so it’s important to consider the cost of treatment and whether your insurance will cover it.
- Reviews: Research the rehab center online, read the reviews, and see if they have a high success rate.
Remember, the most important thing is that the treatment program is tailored to your individual needs. When you are ready to make this life change, the Muse Treatment Center team is here for you and with you.
See what percentage of alcoholics recover from addiction here:
What Happens After Alcohol Rehab?
After completing an alcohol rehab program, it’s critical to have the plan to continue your treatment progress. It’s essential to remember that recovery is a lifelong process. A few things to consider as you move forward include:
- Aftercare: Many rehab centers offer aftercare support, such as ongoing therapy or support groups, to help you maintain your sobriety after you leave the rehab center.
- Therapy: Although you will participate in different forms of therapy throughout the course of your treatment, continuing therapy, either individually or in a group setting, can help address underlying issues that may have contributed to your addiction.
- Medication: If you were prescribed medication during rehab, it’s important to continue taking it as directed and to follow up with your prescribing physician.
- Self-help groups: Joining a self-help group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, can provide ongoing support and accountability as you work to maintain your sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, for example, are available nearly around the clock and can help you navigate your recovery.
- Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep, can help support your recovery.
- Building a support system: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people in your life. This may entail making new friends through treatment or even leaving certain people in the past.
- Healthy habits: develop healthy habits such as reading, meditating, or having a hobby to keep you busy, it can prevent relapse. Don’t forget that our team can assist you in setting up these healthy habits when you’re in treatment.
- Monitoring and follow-up: Regular monitoring and follow-up with a therapist or counselor can help you stay on track and address any issues that may arise.
Relapses After Alcohol Rehab: What to Do
A relapse can be a setback in the recovery process, but it’s not uncommon and it’s certainly not a failure. If you do experience a relapse, some examples of steps that you should take include:
- Seek help immediately: If you’ve relapsed, it’s important to seek help immediately. Contact your therapist, counselor, or rehab center and let them know what’s happened. They can provide support and guidance on how to get back on track.
- Identify triggers: Try to identify what triggered the relapse. Was it a specific event, person, or situation? Understanding your triggers can help you avoid them in the future. Although you will work through this during your initial treatment, you may need to dive deeper into these complex issues.
- Address underlying issues: Relapses can signify that underlying issues, such as trauma or mental health disorders, have not been fully addressed. Consider seeking additional therapy to address these issues.
- Create a relapse prevention plan: Work with your therapist or counselor to create a plan for preventing future relapses. This may include strategies for coping with cravings, avoiding triggers, and building a support system.
- Stay connected to support: Stay connected to your support system, whether it’s friends, family, or support groups. They can provide encouragement and accountability as you work to maintain your sobriety.
- Be kind to yourself: Remember that relapsing is a part of the process for many people and it’s not the end of the road. Be kind to yourself and don’t let one setback discourage you from continuing to work toward recovery.
- Re-entry to rehab: If you cannot overcome the relapse, consider re-entry to rehab to get professional help and guidance. Muse Treatment Center will always welcome you back with open arms to ensure you get the help you need.
Although relapse is something that may be embarrassing, you can take comfort in the fact that our treatment team will be here for you and with you if you do relapse. Reaching out for help as soon as possible is key so you don’t fall into the trap of addiction.
Get Help From the Right Rehab By Choosing Muse
The team at Muse Addiction Treatment Center has a proven history of providing our clients with the high level of care needed to work through their alcohol addiction. Not only do we offer alcohol rehab, but we also offer individualized drug rehab options which will help you to work through your substance abuse issues. Our team is available around the clock to help you to begin your recovery journey. If you or your family have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact us by calling (800) 426-1818 today.
