Alcohol Addictiona man experiencing the signs of alcoholism
Alcoholism is often misunderstood. Some people believe that to have this condition a person must have a drink in their hand all of the time. They may have an image of a person stumbling along a sidewalk. But this is rarely the case. Rather, the signs of alcoholism are often a bit harder to see. Yet, alcohol use disorder has a wide and deep impact on the lives of the individual struggling with alcohol abuse and all of those around them. Thus, it’s vital to educate yourself in recognizing the signs of alcoholism. Once you do, you’re in a better position to find the help necessary to heal from the disease of addiction. If you see these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek help from a Florida rehab center.

How Common Is Alcoholism?

Alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, is a condition that impacts 14.4 million adults in the U.S. each year, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Many of the people with this condition do not recognize what can happen to them because of it. Yet, each year, 88,000 people die from some type of alcohol use. Alcohol abuse can have significant impacts on an individual’s health and put them into dangerous situations because it impairs their judgment. If you have alcoholism and do not want to be a statistic like this, it is best to reach out to a Florida drug and alcohol addiction treatment center as soon as possible.

Signs of Alcoholism

There are some common signs of alcoholism that you may see in yourself or loved ones. Here’s what to look for to know if you’re at risk:
  • Do you think about when your next drink will be? Do you need to have a drink each day to calm your nerves?
  • If you don’t drink, do you struggle with anxiety, PTSD, or depression?
  • Do you sometimes miss work, home, or school responsibilities because you’ve lost time or because you drink?
  • Do you find yourself unable to talk to other people about drinking or drink around others because they tell you that you have a problem?
  • Have you suffered physical illness from being drunk or been in a DUI accident?
In these situations, it may be time to seek out help from a therapist and addiction treatment center. Doing so can help to save your life? But how do you know that you need an alcohol rehab program in FL? Can’t you just stop drinking?

Working Through the Detox Process

One of the key signs of alcoholism is being unable to stop on your own. Perhaps you believe you could stop if you wanted to, but you know you cannot do so. This is because your brain will not allow you to stop using it. Your brain chemistry is different now. It is dependent on alcohol to function. That’s why you crave it when you are not drinking. When you find yourself in these situations, it is critical to recognize the need for change. Drug treatment centers can help you. If you see yourself in a bad position right now and needing to drink often, it is time to reach out for help so you can have the future you desire.