The story of alcohol abuse is not a new one. And it’s a little like the frog in the pot parable, by turning up the heat in a pot of water slowly, the frog never knows he’s in trouble until it’s too late. For you, before that boiling occurs, there is always the opportunity to enter a rehab facility and face the hot water head-on.
How Common is Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol abuse is a common issue in the U.S. Studies have shown that 68 million people have or will experience an alcohol use disorder (from mild to severe) at some point in their lifetime and about 20 percent will seek treatment or ask for professional help.
About 75 percent of the alcohol that Americans drink occurs in the form of “binge drinking.” The Center for Disease Control defines binge drinking as “consuming five or more drinks on an occasion for men or four or more drinks on an occasion for women.” The symptoms of binge drinking include blackouts and memory lapses.
The Effects of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol is very powerful and has immediate effects on the human body including:
- Slower reaction times.
- Blackouts.
- Difficulty with motor coordination.
- The inability to walk properly.
- Impaired judgment.
- Risk-taking.
- Memory impairment.
- Slurred speech.
One sign that a person’s drinking habits have progressed to an alcohol abuse disorder is a change in their nutritional habits. As alcohol abuse occurs, people often neglect their nutritional health. Signs of malnutrition may appear, such as a gaunt appearance, thinning hair, and dark circles under the eyes. These may be symptoms of thiamine deficiency as our brains and all the tissue in our bodies need thiamine (B1) for a general condition known as thiamine deficiency. The brain and all the tissue in the body need thiamine (B1) for healthy functioning. Alcohol damages the lining of the intestine and directly inhibits the transport mechanism that is responsible for thiamine absorption in the intestinal tract.
Is it time to seek help for Alcohol Abuse?
If you're struggling with alcohol, you may be wondering if it's time to go to rehab. It's not always easy to know when it's time to seek professional help, but there are some signs that can indicate it may be necessary. Some of these may be foreign to you, some quite familiar. The idea is that, if you identify with more than a few of these signs, you should at least talk with an alcohol abuse professional.
15 Signs that Alcohol May be an Issue for You
- You drink alcohol every day, or even several times a day.
- You feel that you need alcohol to get through your day.
- You have trouble controlling how much alcohol you consume.
- You often drink more alcohol than you originally intended to.
- You sometimes experience negative consequences as a result of your drinking, but you continue to drink anyway.
- You have missed work or school due to drinking.
- Your relationships are starting to suffer as a result of your drinking.
- You have neglected your responsibilities in favor of drinking alcohol.
- You have had legal problems like a DUI or public intoxication as a result of your drinking.
- You have experienced blackouts or memory loss as a result of drinking alcohol.
- You have tried to quit drinking and been unsuccessful.
- Developing a tolerance for alcohol in that you need more alcohol equal the feelings from earlier use.
- You experience cravings for alcohol when not drinking.
- You have experienced withdrawal symptoms when not drinking such as cravings, shaking, and nausea.
- In reaction to the withdrawal systems, having to drink alcohol in order to feel better again.
If several of these signs are true about you, you may be an alcoholic. It's important to seek help if you think you have a problem with alcohol. There are many resources available to help you overcome your addiction. Alcoholism is a serious disease that can ruin your life if it's not treated. Don't wait until it's too late.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best time to seek alcohol rehab treatment will vary depending on the individual's unique circumstances. However, if you are struggling with alcohol abuse and feel like you are not able to control your drinking, it may be time to seek professional help.
Alcohol rehab treatment can provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome alcohol addiction and get your life back on track. If you are ready to take the first step towards recovery, contact an alcohol rehab center today.
If you're not sure if rehab is right for you, talking with a professional can help you make the decision.
Soberman’s Estate Treats Alcohol Abuse
Soberman's Estate offers those who are concerned about the effects of alcohol on their life a comprehensive evaluation program. This thorough and multi-disciplined assessment is given at a private, five-acre rehabilitation facility in Arizona.
Soberman’s Estate clinical staff uses psychiatric, medical, psychological, and psychosocial instruments and tests, along with diagnostic interviewing, in order to provide you with appropriate recommendations. All of the Soberman's Estate’s evaluation programs are conducted in a confidential, comfortable, and serene environment.
Call now for a Confidential Consultation: (480) 595-2222. We are grateful to teach men how to live a better life for the rest of their lives.
