Alcohol addiction is one of the most common forms of substance abuse in the United States. Alcohol use disorder occurs when a person no longer feels in control of their drinking. A 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that 14.5 million people ages 12 and older in the U.S. have an alcohol use disorder.
Excessive drinking can lead to physiological, interpersonal and lifestyle problems. In severe cases, alcohol abuse may lead to death. Fortunately, despite the severity of alcohol use disorder, most people find that treatment is beneficial in some way. A variety of options are available to suit specific needs.
FHE Health Experience Treating Alcohol Addiction
At FHE Health, we have over 15 years of experience in treating alcoholism. Individuals who have an alcohol addiction need to seek treatment as beating it on your own is very difficult even for the most dedicated of those hoping to quit. The statistics of what can occur are alarming. For example, 10 percent of children in the United States have a parent who has an alcohol abuse disorder. And three-quarters of those who misuse alcohol are binge drinking, a very high-risk type of abuse that can lead to sudden death.
Understanding that you or your loved one needs alcohol addiction treatment is the first step in moving forward. At FHE Health, we work closely with you to ensure you have every opportunity possible to achieve these goals.
Why Is Alcohol Addictive?
The excessive use of alcohol occurs due to the euphoric, calming effect it induces. To maintain these effects, alcohol needs to be ingested frequently. It’s often used as a coping mechanism for trauma or negative emotion. This could be in the form of stress, mental health disorders or following a period of grief. A family history of alcoholism is another key factor influencing the development of an addiction.
When Is It Alcoholism?
Many people mistakenly believe they aren’t suffering from alcoholism because they have a stereotyped image of an alcoholic. While some people do live their day-to-day lives drunk and stumbling around, the vast majority of men and women with alcoholism live high-functioning lives. They go to work. They maintain their roles as parents. They drive and may not get pulled over for driving under the influence. A few drinks after work may be all it takes, though.
Alcoholism occurs when a person has developed a dependency on alcohol. That means the individual has a physical and/or a psychological compulsion to drink alcohol. In most situations, the amount of alcohol is excessive, but that may not always be the case. Individuals who continue to drink alcohol even though they recognize the negative consequences it can cause are facing addiction.
What Are Signs of Alcohol Abuse in a Loved One?
Alcohol abuse can occur over a long period of time, making it hard to pinpoint dramatic changes in behavior. However, alcohol addiction treatment is needed when your loved one displays any of the following signs of an alcohol problem or alcohol abuse.
- They neglect their other responsibilities. Individuals may be unable to perform on the job. In a college setting, where binge drinking is common, individuals may have poor grades. They skip commitments in order to drink or because they have a hangover.
- They drink to reduce stress, calm nerves or fight depression. Individuals turning to alcohol as a treatment for underlying health concerns or worries tend to develop an addiction.
- They take risks. They understand the risks of getting behind the wheel with alcohol in their systems but do it anyway. Some people seek out alcohol so they can engage in reckless behavior.
- Relationships are difficult. The sole focus of each day is when the next drink will come, rather than on spending time with family and friends.
- Many struggle with painful addiction withdrawal if they stop using. This is quite common in individuals who have a serious drinking problem. It can be life-threatening to simply stop, requiring alcohol addiction rehab to detox.
Alcoholism is moving beyond casual drinks with friends. In many situations, the addiction occurs when tolerance develops. When a loved one needs to drink more or a higher proof of alcohol in order to get the same level of drunk, this indicates the body has formed an addiction to the substance. There are also more signs and symptoms of abuse of addiction.