Did you know that more than 15 million people struggle with an alcohol use disorder in the U.S., and more than 80,000 people die from alcohol every year? Despite these statistics, alcohol rehab centers in Ohio and other states are rarely filled to capacity. Only a small percentage of that 15 million people seek treatment and help to overcome their alcohol addiction.
Admitting that you have an alcohol use disorder and dealing with its symptoms can be difficult for people. This is why many try to hide their alcohol use for as long as it’s possible. But the sooner a person with an alcohol addiction asks for help, the more likely it is for them to make a full recovery.
The following are five signs that may indicate you need professional help for an alcohol use disorder. To get more information about alcohol addiction treatment, contact Midwest Detox Center online or call us at 833.647.0392.
Do You Need an Alcohol Rehab Center?
There are a few signs that you or someone you love would benefit from an addiction treatment program.
1. Suffering from Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms when You’re Not Drinking
One of the telltale signs of addiction is when your chosen substance becomes your main focus. This can manifest as alcohol being in your thoughts throughout the day, and spending increasing amounts of effort, time, and resources to acquire and use alcohol. It can also show itself in physical withdrawal symptoms when you try to not drink, such as:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Shaky hands
- Vomiting
People addicted to alcohol can also experience possibly fatal and dangerous symptoms, such as delirium tremens (DTs), which can include fever, extreme confusion, high blood pressure, and heavy sweating. If you’re experiencing DTs, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately.
2. Hiding or Lying About Your Alcohol Consumption
No one wants to become an addict. Many people with alcohol addictions began using the same way everyone else does–drinking at a party or some other social environment with family or friends. With addiction, you might begin to drink by yourself.
It’s at this point that you may begin to lie about the amount of alcohol you consume. You might drink before meeting up with friends or even avoid social situations where your drinking habits will be noticed. You might do this because you know, objectively, that you’re drinking too much and you don’t want to bring attention to it.
3. Physical and Mental Health Problems Caused by Alcohol Abuse
If you’re hiding your drinking habits from your family and friends because you don’t want them to worry about your health, then you know that alcohol can be destructive.
Chronic heavy drinking can be risk factors in developing many physical health conditions, such as:
- Anemia
- Brain and nervous system issues
- Different types of cancers
- Heart damage
- Liver damage
Alcohol addiction can also cause or negatively affect mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Some serious conditions, like dementia and psychosis, can also be brought upon by alcohol abuse.
Each year, millions of people in the U.S. deal with a substance abuse disorder, and more than a third of them also suffer from a mental disorder. This means that there’s more than a 30% chance that you will develop mental health problems if you have an alcohol addiction.
4. You experience negative consequences of your alcohol abuse.
Untreated alcohol addiction can increase a person’s risk of experiencing many negative consequences, such as:
- Blacking out when drinking and not remembering what you’ve done
- Harming yourself or others because you’re not in control of your actions
- Dealing with legal system issues because of DUIs or disturbing the peace
- Performing poorly at school or work, leading to getting kicked out or fired
- Struggling to maintain relationships with family, friends, and partners
If you’ve already gone through some of these difficult situations, you may already be considering going to an alcohol rehab center.
5. You’ve Tried to Quit or Limit Your Drinking but Have Not Succeeded
When you realize that doing something isn’t good for you, the typical reaction is to stop doing it. But what happens when stopping is difficult to do? Some people with alcohol addiction have already tried to quit – but simply don’t have the tools, resources, and support to stick to their decision. Addiction is a chronic condition that can be affected by periods of recovery and relapse. Alcohol addiction itself is a disease, and like most diseases, managing or stopping alcohol use can require professional treatment.
Learn More About Midwest Detox’s Addiction Treatment Programs
If you find yourself relating to some of the signs above, you should consider enrolling in an alcohol addiction rehab program. Seeking help for an alcohol use disorder can be scary – but know that you’re not alone. To learn more about what Midwest Detox Center can offer, contact us online or call 833.647.0392.
