Alcohol use disorder (AUD) causes a tremendous burden on individuals, families, and communities across the U.S. and around the world. A person that sees a loved one drink may think that the loved one does not have an alcohol use disorder or may not recognize the signs and symptoms that their loved one needs an alcohol addiction treatment program.
There are a variety of signs that you or your loved one may need alcohol addiction treatment. Many individuals with alcohol addiction also experience the signs and symptoms of a co-occurring mental health disorder. Knowing the signs that your loved one has an alcohol addiction may help them start their recovery.
Understanding Alcohol Addiction
Most people have likely been at events where alcohol is consumed and likely have loved ones that drink alcohol. There are millions of people that experience alcohol addiction, often hiding it from their loved ones.
Alcoholism is a disease and an often misunderstood disease. Many people seem to think that an individual with an alcohol use disorder does not have an addiction but does not want to stop drinking alcoholic beverages. The truth is that alcohol affects the brain and can affect every organ in the body. Sources indicate that it can also contribute to cancer, heart disease, liver disorders, and other serious medical issues.
Alcohol affects the brain in ways that can lead to slurred speech, difficulty walking, slowed reaction time, difficulty with vision, and impaired memory. People that drink alcohol over a long period of time can experience persistent changes in the brain. They can develop mental health disorders that often require dual diagnosis treatment. Alcohol addiction can cause blackouts and death. This is true for people of all ages, from college through the senior years.
Signs that Your Loved One Needs Alcohol Addiction Treatment
There are several alcohol addiction signs and symptoms that indicate that a loved one needs alcohol treatment. Loved ones may state a common phrase that “I can quit anytime I want to quit.” Perhaps your loved one claims that they do not have an alcohol addiction issue because they maintain their job and other responsibilities. People sometimes make these types of statements when they have an addiction to alcohol or other types of substance abuse disorders.
Some signs that your loved one needs alcohol treatment include:
- Demonstrating a desire to stop drinking but cannot stop
- Having previous unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking
- Drinking larger amounts of alcohol over time to get the same effect
- Spending a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain alcohol
- Continuing to drink even though it causes problems at home, work, or in previously enjoyable activities
- Experiencing strong cravings or withdrawal symptoms when not drinking alcohol
Other signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction include that your loved one has lost control over their drinking and has few interests other than drinking alcohol.
Turn to Sierra Sage Recovery Services for Alcohol Treatment for You or Your Loved One
The highly-trained treatment professionals at Sierra Sage Recovery Services understand the devastating toll that alcohol addiction has on clients and their families. We offer comprehensive treatment and addiction treatment therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual therapy, and other types of therapies. These therapies help individuals and those closest to them learn how to break negative habits, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and ultimately overcome their alcohol use disorder.
The intensive outpatient treatment or partial hospitalization program options may be the ideal approach for your loved one or if you need an alcohol treatment program. Contact us today at 833.922.2884 to learn more about alcohol addiction treatment and how to get your loved one to learn to regain control and live without the devastating effects of alcohol addiction
