Being an alcoholic, also known as having alcohol use disorder (AUD), is characterized by excessive drinking that starts to negatively impact an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Although alcohol addiction may not have a single origin, a variety of variables may play a role in its development. Addiction affects people of all sexes, genders, races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, but knowledge about the illness can help clarify the origins of drinking and offer potential remedies. In order to reduce the dangers, it is always advised to get a professional evaluation and explore treatment alternatives. People with the illness may not completely comprehend AUD and what causes alcoholism. This blog will help you know whether you are an alcoholic and the treatment options that you can seek.
Who Is an Alcoholic?
An alcoholic is someone who consumes alcohol in excess of what they can reasonably control and who is unable to give it up on their own. This is typically combined with everyday alcohol consumption, habitual intoxication, and higher alcohol intake than average.
10 Warning Signs You’re an Alcoholic
The 10 warning symptoms of alcoholism listed below can help you answer the question, “Am I an alcoholic?”. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines the primary characteristics that identify a person as an alcoholic, which include:
- Loss of control or power over alcohol use.
- Using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
- Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
- Being unable to quit drinking even when you want to.
- Problems at job, school, or home as a result of alcohol usage.
- Investing a large amount of effort and money in alcohol use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit alcohol.
- Alcohol consumption in high-risk scenarios.
- Experiencing alcohol cravings.
- Increasing your tolerance to alcohol.
It’s critical to recognize these warning signals and to realize that you’re not alone if you’re an alcoholic or a loved one of someone who is battling. Every day, thousands of individuals from all walks of life struggle with alcoholism, and countless decide to seek professional treatment.
Who Is Most Likely to Become an Alcoholic?
Becoming an alcoholic is more likely if certain risk factors are met.
These risk factors can include:
- Genetics and family history of alcoholism or alcohol-related issues.
- Early onset of drinking.
- Mental health issues.
- Past traumatic experiences.
Treatment Options for Alcoholism
When it comes to alcohol use disorder therapy, various people will require distinct services. A short intervention, an outpatient program, individual or group therapy, or a residential inpatient stay might all be part of the treatment plan. However, the primary objective of treatment remains constant: reducing alcohol use in order to enhance the patient’s quality of life. A medically supervised detoxification phase may precede the start of some treatment plans. Usually, an inpatient treatment facility or a hospital would handle this. You may also receive psychological counseling as part of your care. This can improve your recovery and help you understand why you are having problems with alcohol. A lot of therapy programs will include you in setting goals for your own healing. In addition, self-help books, some behavior modification approaches, counseling, and follow-up treatment may be made available to you.
Skyward Treatment Center is The Best in Houston, Texas, When It Comes To the Treatment of Alcohol Addiction and Other Alcohol-Related Disorders.
Contact Skyward Treatment Center for more information on treatment or to begin your journey toward recovery and ending your alcohol addiction. We are among the best in Houston for a reason!
