Because alcohol is a largely socially acceptable substance, alcohol addiction tends to start in an innocuous manner. Detecting the signs of alcoholism in yourself or a loved one is not always an easy process. Alcohol abuse also tends to start slowly and progress over a period of time. However, the dangers of alcohol abuse are well-documented and can be exacerbated if the person is using another drug at the same time. If you are concerned about a loved one’s drinking problem, it is never the wrong time to look for ways to help.
Warning Signs of Alcoholism
The signs of alcoholism can be subtle or they can be very obvious. Some people attempt to cover their drinking problem by consuming alcohol alone and may end up consuming it at other times of the day, such as the morning. If you are concerned that you may be showing symptoms of alcoholism, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you often end up drinking more than you intend?
- Do you often think about quitting or cutting back?
- Has a period of drinking resulted in unsafe behavior?
- Have you experienced negative health effects associated with drinking?
- Have you been in legal trouble related to drinking?
Is Your Loved One Showing Signs of Alcoholism?
Detecting alcoholism in someone else can be more difficult than seeing the signs in yourself. Often addicted people realize that they have a problem, but are unable to do anything about it. If a loved one is showing some of the previously mentioned behaviors, you can reasonably suspect that they may have an alcohol problem. You may also notice that they often make excuses to drink, such as needing to relax or deal with stress. Self-medicating is one of the fastest ways to an addiction.
If your loved one is experiencing a sudden increase in financial or legal difficulties along with previously mentioned symptoms, it could be a sign they have a problem. You might also notice a loss of interest in previous hobbies, or visible annoyance when someone criticizes their drinking habits. Addiction affects every aspect of the user’s life including their work-life and social life.
What Can You Do About Signs of Alcoholism?
If you or a loved one are struggling with symptoms of alcoholism, you might wonder what to do next. Depending on the amount and length of use, quitting alcohol may result in uncomfortable or unsafe withdrawal symptoms. Because of this, a period of medical alcohol detox is often recommended to start alcohol addiction recovery. Medical detox helps set you on the road to recovery by stabilizing your body and mind.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Houston, Texas, you can complete your recovery and come out of the other side a better person. We want to make sure that you receive the tools you need to stay sober once you leave the program. We offer programs that can help you:
- Create a strong foundation for recovery
- Withdraw safely and comfortably from alcohol
- Get one-on-one therapy
- Benefit from individual therapy program
- Begin long-term care and treatment
Do you or a loved one need alcohol detox to begin recovery from alcohol addiction? Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Houston, TX can help stop addiction from controlling your life. We offer a number of programs to ensure that you or your loved one receives the best treatment and make a full recovery. Whether you are in the early stages of addiction, or you have been suffering for an extended period of time, we are ready to help. Give us a call at 866.516.8356 to begin the first steps towards recovery. Make the change today.