Alcoholism: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment Programs, and Aftercare Planning At Rehab Centers

If you or someone you know is dealing with alcoholism, this guide will be useful. This will cover the signs and symptoms you need to look out for. We’ll also discuss treatment programs and aftercare planning.

Getting the help you need is important. Alcoholism can be fatal if nothing changes. It also affects not only yourself, but your family as well. Absolute Awakenings can help with this.

For more information on how you can deal with alcoholism and the help you need, visit their website at absoluteawakenings.com. Let’s go further with this guide.

Signs of alcoholism

Alcoholism or alcohol use disorder is an issue where someone may be relying on alcohol to get through the day. It can get to the point where they can’t live without alcohol.

That’s why it is important to consider looking out for the following signs below so you can be able to get a preliminary idea of how severe the disorder is. They may be too far into alcoholism given the increased tolerance and experiencing some of the other signs listed below.

Let’s take a look at the following signs to look out for:

Drinking large amounts of alcohol

This includes amounts of alcohol that are considered excessive. One thing you need to look out for is binge drinking. This happens when someone has at least five drinks or more in a single day.

Not only that, people may also drink an amount of a dozen drinks during this same time period. This isn’t uncommon, but it happens. Alcoholism will develop slowly and a person will build up enough of a tolerance to drink more.

Continued use even after dealing with alcohol related issues

These issues include but are not limited to being charged with DUI or even losing their family via separation or divorce. Even though these events occur for them, they will continue to put alcohol at the forefront. Because of this, it’s a major sign that alcoholism has made its presence known.

Losing control while drinking

People who drink large amounts of alcohol will not be able to think ahead. Especially when they may be aware that they are drinking more than they should. The more alcohol they consume, the lower their inhibitions are.

At that point, they may lose control and it will be hard for them to stop drinking. Some will even start to drink until they reach that point of inebriation they are looking for.

Lost time

You may be missing time at work or even not spending time with family because you are spending time doing activities that involve alcohol. At that point, you may not care if you are wasting time at all.

With that said, you may also be shirking any regular responsibilities. This includes meeting financial obligations, going to your job, spending time with family, and also not taking interest in hobbies that you used to enjoy.

Alcohol tolerance increases

Your alcohol tolerance will increase over time. Which means you will start drinking more alcohol to reach that level of intoxication. It can get to the point where you may drink too much and risk alcohol poisoning (which can be a fatal condition).

Withdrawal symptoms

You may experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms including but are not limited to:

• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Convulsions
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Fever
• Anxiety
• Irritability

These are a list of the most common withdrawal symptoms that you will experience if you go without alcohol for a lengthy period of time.

What are the other signs?

The other signs to look out for include but are not limited to drinking alone, choosing alcohol over anything else that is actually considered important, memory loss and blackouts, becoming distant in social situations, or spending time with people who may have similar behaviors as you have.

Treatment options for alcoholism

The sooner you get treatment done for alcoholism, the better. It may be too late if you refuse and go down the same destructive path. Your treatment will consist of the following:

• Medication: You may be taking one of three medications that will prevent relapses from happening. At the same time, it can also reduce or outright get them to stop drinking.

• Behavioral treatment: This is the centerpiece of addiction counseling. This can be coupled with medication most of the time. You will need to meet with a counselor on a regular basis.

• Support groups: Specifically, support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous will be a great place to go to. You’ll connect with people who are either battling their alcohol issues or family members who know someone that may be dealing with it.

Aftercare options

There are a few after care options that you can put to good use after your initial treatment. These include the following:

• Sober living: A housing arrangement that involves you living in a building with other recovering addicts. You will need to follow certain rules that will allow you to remain there for the duration.

• Additional therapy and counseling

• Programs arranged by the facility: Most rehab facilities will include aftercare programs including medical evaluations, therapy sessions, support groups for program alumni and more. Ask the facility for what may be available for aftercare programs. They may have partnered up with an organization that may offer such programs if they are not available on the facility grounds.

Final Thoughts

Alcoholism can be treated. However, the sooner you get it done, the better. It can have fatal consequences and there will be no turning back when you reach a certain point.

Treatment is necessary and you must get it. You’ll look back and know that you made the right decision. Especially when you are planning life after treatment.

Alcoholism affects not just the individual inflicted, but also their family and friends as well. If you or someone you know is dealing with it, make sure help is acquired as soon as possible. Treatment can last quite some time, but it will be well worth it.