We all have a bad habit that can be hard to break. It could be eating too much food during the day, watching too much Netflix, spending too much time on Instagram, or never getting enough sleep. Yet, some habits are more difficult to grab control of if it happens to include substance abuse and addiction to alcohol. As a drug, alcohol rewires our brains to function differently if we take it on the regular. While a shot just seems like a short term fling with fun at the time, the consequences that frequently consuming alcohol brings are nothing but a long taerm relationship with disaster.
If you want to learn about how to get proper alcohol treatment and what the different signs of alcoholism are, look no further. While I’m not a medical expert myself, I can speak from experience that watching someone go through extreme alcohol poisoning or battling alcohol addiction isn’t pretty. There are ups and downs, raging emotions, and sometimes destroyed relationships that resulted because you were dependent on the substance. Make sure you are aware of how alcohol can affect your body for a night, a month, and eventually for several years if you don’t limit your intake. Practice moderation as you would with any other “treat” in your life to avoid being sorry later on!
Identify Signs of Alcoholism
It’s not difficult to find out if a young adult, be it you or someone else in your life, is addicted to alcohol. According to the latest statistics, alcohol abuse in young adults has incrementally risen in the past few years as access to the substance is incredibly easy. Walk on to any college campus and you’ll find alcohol shops on almost every corner. Bars are rampant and frat parties that serve shots on the regular are happening almost every night. Some telltale signs of alcohol addiction in younger adults are frequent binge drinking, especially to cover up signs of stress. This can happen around big exams, a hurtful fight, or just after a long day of work. Another sign is declining performance in work, classes at school, sport events, or other extracurricular activities that are important to succeed in. Often someone who is in dire need of alcohol treatment will be relying on the substance as a crutch and won’t feel as inclined to work toward achieving great results in those areas of their life anymore.
Other red flags of alcohol abuse include violent outbursts of anger or participation in criminal activities. No one wants to be the guy who is known for having scary encounters with the cops or intimidating fights with their neighbor. Yet, when someone is often under the influence they will act and do without thinking about the consequences. Shouting at someone nearby could feel satisfying to them in the moment, even if it could destroy a relationship or reputation over the long run. If the person is under the legal drinking age, there is no doubt that they will risk run-ins with the law. It’s not unusual for cops to raid parties where many underage drinkers are attending. Even if alcohol seems like a cheap and easy to access drug to take, risking your social status, grades, and performance in life overall simply isn’t worth it.
Battling Alcohol Addiction
Struggling with alcohol addiction won’t define your life or your future if you choose to take action now. Remember that the events that happen are usually under your control, even if it doesn’t seem like it in the present. Depending on how severe you or your friend’s signs of alcoholism are, there are a variety of alcohol rehab programs to look into for treatment. They don’t have to be the stereotypical Alcohol Anonymous group meetings either, if you’d rather not share your experiences as an addict with strangers. One popular method of alcohol treatment includes detox, which is highly recommended for people who experience withdrawals and other difficult signs of alcoholism. This includes medication to make the process easier for clients as it can take a few days to a few weeks from start to finish. You can easily look up what centers in your local area offer alcohol detox programs to start rebuilding your health.
If you’d rather stay in an area that’s closer to your treatment program, you can also choose residential treatment. This method of alcohol treatment is a lot more expensive as you’re relocating to a rehab center that’s catered to your individual needs. You’ll be eating, sleeping, and exercising there in addition to meeting with a counselor to talk through your addiction. These centers are often staffed with workers who are present during all hours of the day in case any emergencies happen. Make sure you’re ready to choose this option if you prefer it, as it requires staying away from your family, friends, and career if you have one. However, being forced to follow a structured schedule for several weeks could be the push to effectively get over your alcohol addiction.
Lastly, you can also choose outpatient treatment programs that include meeting with a therapist throughout each month. This is much more relaxed to other alternatives but might not be as effective as going through a structure rehab class or staying in a center. Assess your daily needs and timeline for the year as you make your decision on what method will work best for you.
Sober Living
You have the power within yourself to make a change if you’re not happy. If you know someone who is going through alcohol addiction and needs treatment, make sure they research on alcohol addiction treatmentprograms to see how they can help. If you happen to need alcohol treatment yourself, you’re in a slightly easier situation as you know your own wants and needs best. Don’t be afraid to reach out and gain the results you want!
