Alcohol addiction is highly prevalent among individuals across the globe. Also known as alcohol use disorder, alcohol addiction can have serious repercussions for your physical and emotional health. Not to mention the negative social consequences. A major characteristic feature of this disorder is someone is unable to stop or control the use of alcohol in spite of the negative impact on their health and relationships. This is a serious issue necessitating alcohol addictions help Okotoks.
Here are some of the common signs of alcohol addiction:
The following signs will help in early intervention and seeking professional help before it’s too late.
➥ Increased Levels of Tolerance: Someone requiring more alcohol to feel its impact or the individual is hardly experiencing any effect from consumption of the same amount of alcohol making him want more.
➥ Withdrawal Signs: The withdrawal signs include sweating, anxiety, nausea, shakiness, or loss of sleep when not drinking.
➥ Loss of Control: This is another major sign. When you see an individual or your loved one drinking in excess or for a longer period than expected, or is unsuccessful in cutting their consumption, intervene right away to prevent damage beyond repair.
➥ Cravings: A no-brainer so to speak, the individual’s strong craving for alcohol. There is just no end to their urges.
➥ Neglecting Activities: This too is a major sign where you see someone hardly spending any time on activities that they used to enjoy or are important, just so that they can drink.
➥ Risky Behaviours: Engaging in dangerous behaviours like driving under the influence while consuming alcohol, etc.
➥ Continued Use Despite Noticeable Issues: Continued drinking even when it leads to or aggravates health issues, or comes in the way of carrying out responsibilities effectively, or leads to troubles in relationships.
➥ Physical Health Problems: Developing health problems that arise from excess consumption of alcohol like liver disease, digestive issues, issues with the heart, etc.
➥ Social Issues: Experiencing troubled relationships with friends, work, family, etc. connected with the use of alcohol.
Remember that the manifestation of alcohol addiction varies from individual to individual. Not everyone in the grip of it will experience all these signs in the same way. There’s variation in severity as well (mild to severe), which depends upon the number of signs present in an individual.
If you have become addicted to alcohol or know of someone who has, without further ado seek professional help. There are various treatment options that you can hugely benefit from like medication, counselling Airdrie, support groups, and making changes in one’s lifestyle.
Here are a few tips for you to help someone who’s struggling with alcohol addiction. If it is a loved one, these tips will equip you to support your loved one, which can make a significant difference in their path towards recovery.
Here are the tips:
➥ Education: This is extremely crucial. The importance of educating yourself to garner more knowledge about alcohol addiction cannot be emphasised enough. Education will help you understand what your loved one is exactly facing. You’d be able to better assess the situation and provide support accordingly.
➥ Honestly Communicate: Open your heart out and have an honest conversation about the entire scenario. Pouring your heart out about your concerns to your beloved is a great way to show that you care and will be by their side every step of the way.
➥ Encourage/Seek Professional Advice/Help: Encourage them to seek the help they deserve. For instance, help them find a counsellor, research alongside them treatment options, attend meetings together, etc.
➥ Take Care of Yourself: This is a must. Without you being alright health-wise- physical and emotional (the whole process can be emotionally draining), in no way can you be of help to your loved one. Make it a point to look after yourself. Consider being a part of support groups.
➥ Create Boundaries: This too is very important. Creating boundaries is a way to safeguard yourself. For instance, decide what you are willing to help with andwhat you won’t do like giving them money, not being held accountable for any of their unexpected behaviour or actions, etc.
➥ Stay Positive: This is really the key to maintaining your sanity in the mayhem. The process of recovery is long and may be filled with setbacks, so you have to exercise patience and stay positive.
➥ Encourage Healthy Habits: Encourage the development of hobbies and healthy habits that are devoid of alcohol. This will give them the strength to (try to) steer clear of it. It will also reassure them there is a good life without alcohol.
➥ Maintain Hope: Always hope for the best and hope for a better future for you as well as your beloved.
If you are on the lookout for alcohol addiction help, you can get in touch with Giezelle Pash at the renowned Mayfair Counselling Services.
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