Alcohol detox is a mandatory step to completing your rehab process. The world has been consuming alcohol for decades now. This is a socially acceptable norm that continues today. It is therefore saddening to know that you are struggling with alcoholism.
Society frowns upon this and does not treat it as a disease. Rather than succumb to it, it is best to understand what alcoholism is as an addiction and look past the stigma to get the help you need. Most people assume that people struggling with alcoholism are homeless, hopeless, and jobless. While some are exactly this, many addicts are functioning alcoholics that work with their pain in silence for fear of judgment.
Alcoholism as a Disorder
There is a lot of proof through research that shows how much of a problem alcohol is. Most people who can consume more than 5 or 4 bottles, depending on whether they are men or women, are alcoholics, even though they may not know it yet. Anyone that can drink that much alcohol in one sitting is certainly struggling, and it is a matter of time before they get into the murky waters of alcoholism.
Alcoholism is best defined as a chronic brain disease caused by progressive relapse. Its often characterized by compulsive abuse of alcohol and one’s inability to control the amount of alcohol one consume.
Unfortunately, most addicts do not realize or admit that they have a problem until the issue is almost beyond repair. The journey can be a lonely one marred with isolation, pain, and unending struggles, not to mention judgment from people who do not understand that this is a disease like any other. The good news is that there is a home for every addict that wants to turn their life around.
Symptoms and Signs of Alcoholism
Once you suspect that a loved one could be an addict suffering silently, it is important to investigate and look out for signs that conform to your assumptions. Do not overlook this problem as simply having a great time with family and friends. Common symptoms that you could be an addict or headed there include:
- Drinking moiré than you should
- Inability to stop drinking, yet you have tried. If this happens for more than a week, then there is a problem
- Inability to cut down your alcohol consumption in one sitting
- Always planning activities around drinking
- Spending al to of time drinking alcohol
- Drinking even when people are at work and school
- Having a strong desire to consume alcohol most of the time
- Lying about your drinking problems
- Having legal issues around drinking, i.e., DUI
- Continuing to drink despite rising mental issues
- We are experiencing blackouts and failing to remember things because of our drinking issues.
Stages of Alcoholism
Alcoholism happens in three different locations.
- Early Stage Alcoholism: This is difficult to identify because the signs are not as obvious. Most people are in denial, but alcohol tolerance is building up
- Middle Stage Alcoholism: This is where more physical issues manifest from alcoholism. You experience more blackouts, extreme hangovers, and regular vomiting. The cravings increase, and it becomes almost impossible to stop.
- Late-Stage Alcoholism: This is probably what most people think about when alcoholism is mentioned. It is the stage where everything is evident for all to see. There is no hiding as addicts skip work, fail to honor their word, and prefer the bottle more than anything else.
Once you are sure about alcoholism, the next move should be getting help. Consider a medically assisted detox program at a facility near you. They will help you manage withdrawal symptoms, which can be brutal. However, with the right support, you can be sure of relief and return to normalcy after rehab.
Call Taylor Recovery today to fast-track your recovery journey.
