Understanding the Signs of Alcoholism

Do You Have a Drinking Problem? Alcoholism presents itself in different ways from one person to the next, so it can’t merely be defined by a specific amount or rate at which you consume alcohol. Alcohol use disorder exists on a spectrum, and its symptoms can range from mild to severe. There are both internal and external signs you might recognize if you’re struggling with problem drinking. Frequently, friends and family are the first to recognize the warning signs of alcoholism. If you recognize warning signs of alcoholism in yourself, there are many effective treatment options available to support your needs and help you find lasting sobriety. Warning Signs of Alcoholism There are many signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder. To determine whether or not you may be struggling with alcoholism, consider whether you’ve felt these signs and how often you’ve encountered them within the past year. 1. You’ve felt the need to drink. 2. You’ve wasted too much time drinking or being sick from drinking. 3. You’ve had signs of withdrawal when not currently drinking. These include being depressed, anxious, moody, sleepless, nauseous, and shaky. 4. Your drinking has caused problems with loved ones. 5. You drank for a more extended period or consumed more alcohol than you originally intended. 6. Hobbies and events you once enjoyed are no longer a part of your life because you prefer drinking. 7. You chose to keep drinking even after blacking out. 8. You’ve engaged in activities that could potentially cause harm to yourself, like drinking and driving more than once. 9. You needed to increase the amount of alcohol you consume to feel the same effects. 10. You felt depressed or anxious from drinking. 11. You’ve tried and failed more than once to stop or limit drinking completely. 12. Drinking or being sick from drinking prevented you from fulfilling obligations with people close to you, your job, or your education. Identifying which symptoms you’ve experienced is the first step to getting the help you need. The more signs you display, the more crucial it is for you to reach out and ask for help. Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder If you think you or someone you love may be dealing with an alcohol use disorder, there are several treatment options and ways to reach out for help. We encourage you to reach out to our team at Muse Treatment. From there, we will guide you to recommended treatment options that are right for you. For some people, treatment for alcoholism begins with a period of medical detox to gently wean off physical dependence on alcohol. Detoxing in a medical environment with clinical supervision is always recommended as it provides a safer and much more comfortable experience of withdrawing from alcohol. Detox treatment is followed by rehabilitation and therapy to explore the “why” behind your alcohol abuse. Many different types of therapy are used to treat alcoholism. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy trauma-focused therapy dialectical behavioral therapy interpersonal therapy Each program is specifically designed to generate positive behaviors in place of the negative and harmful action of turning to alcohol. Therapy at Muse is intended to create a safe environment for everyone to work together toward the same goal. Group and individual treatments are tailored to meet the needs of each individual in their personal journey. At Muse Treatment, we recognize that the journey with addiction doesn’t conclude once you complete your time in treatment. Once you’re prepared to transition back to your life at home, not only will you continue to receive support for relapse prevention, assistance in seeking employment, and connections to 12-step meetings, but you can also check Optum Insurance for coverage options regarding our post-treatment services. Additionally, you’re encouraged to participate in our alumni program and more. Our commitment is to ensure you have every tool and resource at your disposal, giving you the best possible chance of leading a successful and sober life. If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol addiction, please call Muse Treatment at 800-426-1818 today. Every call is important to us and will be kept confidential. Medical professionals and addiction specialists are here, ready to help.