Signs of Alcoholism
It may be difficult to know when it’s time to go to rehab for substance abuse, especially when it comes to drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a legal substance that’s socially accepted and easy to find. Many people in the US drink frequently, so how do you know when it’s time to seek help?
Some common signs of alcoholism include:
- Feeling withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop or even cut back
- Developing an alcohol tolerance (needing to drink more to feel the same effects)
- Continuing to drink even when it affects your social life, your job, your family, or your health
Am I an Alcoholic?
Alcohol use changes the brain, causing addiction that can turn into a chronic brain disorder, and many people have underlying social, mental health, and genetic reasons for developing a substance use disorder.
If you suspect you may have an alcohol addiction, aka alcohol use disorder or AUD for short, the best course of action is to talk to a counselor, your doctor, or an addiction specialist for alcoholic treatment.
Here is a short list of questions to ask yourself to help determine whether you are an alcoholic:
- Do drinking and/or hangovers interfere with your work, social life, or your school?
- Do most of your social activities involve drinking?
- Have you been violent, or gotten yourself into uncharacteristically risky situations or legal trouble when drinking?
- Do you blackout or wake up with unexplained injuries?
- Do you drink in the morning, or in secret?
- Have you ever had alcohol poisoning?
- Do you feel like you’ve lost control over your drinking?
What is Alcohol Rehab Like?
Inpatient alcohol rehab/residential treatment occurs in a safe and sober residence, usually for 30 to 90 days, allowing each patient to work on their physical and mental health, gain perspective on their life, and exchange negative behaviors and mindsets for positive ones.
At Serenity Oaks treatment center for alcohol abuse, patients who choose inpatient alcohol rehab will move into our residence, staying full-time during treatment. A typical day is structured and productive, with treatment options like individual and group therapy sessions, 12-step program meetings (like alcoholics anonymous), and other programs and treatments that will help you reduce your dependence on substances, work on your sobriety, and get to the underlying roots of your addiction.
Each inpatient rehab program is customized to best suit the individual addiction center patient, with psychiatric care, drug education, life skills classes, and an aftercare plan that will help keep you on track. You will receive support and care, including medical treatment and prescription medications if needed.
When Does Alcohol Detox Start?
Alcohol detox should never be done on your own at home, as the withdrawal symptoms can escalate suddenly to dangerous or even deadly levels, with issues like seizures or delirium tremens. An inpatient medically assisted detox will wean you safely off alcohol with the help of medications, counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care in a whole-patient approach to healing.
In most rehab programs, alcohol detox starts as soon as you’ve completed your intake procedures and worked with addictions specialists to create a customized treatment plan that will best suit your unique needs.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab
While residential rehab happens inside the drug or alcohol rehab center, those in an outpatient program live at home or in a sober living residence and come to the center for scheduled treatments. Outpatient programs are for those who have completed inpatient care, or for those who, for financial or obligational reasons, cannot stay in inpatient treatment. At Serenity Oaks, we have a partial hospitalization program (PHP) with full days of meetings and therapies, and our intensive outpatient program (IOP) provides many types of treatment once or twice per week.
What Happens After Alcohol Rehab?
After alcohol rehab at Serenity Oaks alcohol and drug rehab center, you will begin your aftercare plan, staying connected with our Thrive alumni group, and helping you reintegrate back into your life while avoiding relapse. Most rehab centers will offer aftercare or extended outpatient addiction treatments that include therapy for mental health conditions, doctor’s appointments, group therapy and peer support, and alumni group membership. They may also offer connections to local sober resources.
If you have questions about rehab, contact the team at Serenity Oaks rehab facility now to find out more about the types of rehab we offer, our treatment facility, our detox programs, and how we can help you stop drinking and rehabilitate now. You are not alone, and we can help you. Call (833) 720-0708 to speak with a treatment specialist anytime, 24/7. Calls are completely confidential.
