Eighty-seven percent of people in the US have drunk alcohol at least once in their lifetime. 15 million Americans have alcohol abuse disorder. Alcoholism is a disease that is rampant in our society enabled by social norms and rituals. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, you have taken the first important step by looking into professional services at a rehabilitation facility.
From your detox to ongoing therapy, Serenity Oaks Wellness Center provides holistic programs and individualized services to treat your drug and alcohol addiction. We can provide inpatient and outpatient options for you as needed. Our alcohol rehab program helps eliminate dependency on alcohol and teaches you the tools to achieve lifelong sobriety.
WHEN HAS “CASUAL DRINKING” GONE TOO FAR?
Drinking beer while watching sports or having a glass of wine at a Happy Hour after work can seem like harmless activities that are just in the flow of social rituals, but when does a “harmless ritual” turn into substance abuse? It may be difficult to realize that your drinking habits may have crossed the line.
Below are symptoms you may be having that tell you that your casual drinking has gone too far:
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Alcohol cravings
- The need for a “pick-me-up” drink in the morning
- Inability to stop drinking
- Blackouts caused by drinking
- Unexplained injuries, accidents or illnesses
- Loss of appetite
- Infections
- Digestive difficulties
- Loss of libido
LEVELS OF ALCOHOL ABUSE
The line between casual or social drinking and abuse is very thin. Please review the levels of alcohol abuse to better assess your own situation and to prepare the Serenity Oaks staff with the proper information for medical and therapy treatment. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) define the levels of alcohol abuse as follows:
Binge Drinking
When people consume enough alcohol in one sitting to bring the blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 percent or more, a number that is considered to be legally impaired. On average, it takes males about five drinks to achieve this while it takes an estimated 4 drinks for a female.
Heavy Drinking
Heavy drinking is considered to be about 15 drinks per week for men and about eight drinks per week for women.
Alcohol Abuse
While alcohol abuse doesn’t necessarily mean that there is a dependence on alcohol, it is generally considered to be regular drinking that can result in physical harm or damage to a person’s relationships or responsibilities.
Alcoholism or Alcohol Abuse
A psychological disorder and chronic condition that results in an inability to stop drinking, even if it causes problems in various aspects of the person’s life.
WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM?
Alcoholism is a serious disease that can devastate your body. Symptoms at the onset of the disease may be slight and difficult to recognize, but as the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and distinct. Please seek a rehab facility if you are noticing these symptoms:
- Digestive difficulties or pain
- Loss of libido
- Unsteadiness
- Infections or skin sores
- Severe withdrawal symptoms when drinking is stopped, including seizures
- Loss of memory of the events that occur while one is intoxicated, referred to as a blackout
- Unexplained injuries, accidents or illnesses
- Loss of appetite
- Red or puffy face
- Redness and growth of the bottom part of the nose
- Increased tolerance (the amount of alcohol it takes to be intoxicated)
If you are noticing some of these warning signs in yourself or a loved one, please try to address it as soon as possible. When alcoholism is sufficiently advanced, more severe symptoms may occur, such as cirrhosis of the liver and various cancers. Our rehabilitation programs are designed to improve your overall health and stabilize your body, ridding you of your substance dependency and managing your symptoms and diseases with the utmost care.
WHAT ARE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM?
Physical symptoms of alcoholism are relatively easy to identify. However, psychological symptoms can be hard to see and are very dangerous. Below are some symptoms that your alcoholism might be affecting your mind:
- Feeling a need to drink as a morning ritual to stave off withdrawal symptoms (“Hair of the Dog”)
- Feeling a loss of control over drinking
- Drinking more than intended
- Not being able to stop drinking
- Insomnia
- Strong cravings for alcohol
- Hallucinations
- Guilt or shame about drinking
- The need to hide your drinking from others
If you see one or more of these issues in yourself or a loved one, they may have alcohol use disorder and they should seek professional care. If you have stopped drinking and are experiencing seizures and hallucinations, you may be experience a condition called delirium tremens and you need a medical detox immediately.
WHAT ARE THE SOCIAL SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM?
If drugs and alcohol are affecting the way you live your life, you need to consider rehab to regain control and achieve recovery. The way you interact with your friends, family and coworkers can tell you a lot about how your drinking is affecting your ability to live a normal life.
Here are a few warning signs:
- You tend to spend more time drinking instead of on hobbies and activities that you love
- Drinking interferes with work or school
- Drinking interferes with your social obligations like outings with your friends or romantic relationships
- You regularly engage in activities that are harmful while drinking like driving drunk
- You are getting yourself into situations that lead into legal problems.
- You have become violent with family members or friends while drinking or as a result of drinking
LET US GUIDE YOU
After reading the information on this page, you should have a good idea if you or your loved one needs professional help from alcoholism. Alcohol rehab is a great way to take your life back. The process may be intimidating, but it is the best resource available to reduce dependency on alcohol and improve health. Whether it is inpatient or outpatient care, Serenity Oaks can create an effective plan to increase your odds of getting sober.
At Serenity Oaks Wellness Center, we pride ourselves on understanding exactly what our guests’ need for an effective, comfortable and long lasting recovery. We take your addiction and the recovery process very seriously and so should you. Asking for help can sometimes be difficult, but it takes courage to stand up and make your life better. Enlist in our program and get the help you need. We can guild you the rest of the way.