Excessive alcohol consumption is never healthy. Did you know that drinking too much increases the risk of getting illnesses and injuries? It can also lead to preventable deaths. You should never ignore any alcohol addiction symptoms you observe in yourself or someone you care about. If you suspect that someone is struggling with alcohol addiction, help them by suggesting that they get professional help to overcome alcoholism.
At our Kentucky rehab, our alcohol addiction treatment program gives people the opportunity to heal from the physical and psychological effects of drinking. You can call (888) 771-8718 or reach out to our team online for more information about alcohol addiction help.
What Are Common Alcohol Addiction Symptoms?
Looking for medical signs may only work if the alcohol use disorder has been going on for a long time, so it’s not important to know which condition is often a result of alcohol addiction. If you want to spot the signs of alcohol addiction, you should look at how a person behaves or notice if they deviate from their normal appearance and activities.
Alcohol is a legal drug, so many people can be binge drinkers or heavy drinkers without being alcoholics. However, it can be difficult to discern when a drinking habit turns into an addiction.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder include:
- Becoming distressed at the prospect of not having access to alcohol
- Remaining in denial about the extent of the alcohol use problem
- Being secretive about the extent of the alcohol use to protect it
- Dealing with coordination problems
- Diverting energy from family, social life, and work to drink
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Having impaired thinking and memory
- Slurring speech
- Wanting to stop drinking but not managing to do so
When a person regularly consumes alcohol and then stops drinking or significantly reduces how much they consume, you may observe them dealing with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can arise two hours after the last drink and then continue for weeks. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include alcohol cravings, bouts of anxiety, and shaking. Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe set of alcohol withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening if not treated medically.
What Should Clients Expect from an Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program?
When you’re seeking alcohol addiction help, you may feel intimidated by the thought of going through a program that you know nothing about. It may help prepare you to learn more about what to expect.
Most alcohol addiction treatment programs are structured similarly and go through the same stages, which are:
- Admission – You may need to undergo an intake interview, provide medical records, and undergo some medical tests before admission into an addiction treatment facility. The details from this comprehensive evaluation will help the medical staff create a unique customized addiction treatment program for each client.
- Detoxification -A client can’t undergo any other addiction treatment options without first going through the drug and alcohol detox process. Detox removes all addictive substances from the client’s system. This process can take anywhere between three days to two weeks. Sometimes, it may require medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
- Inpatient Treatment – After detox, clients may begin inpatient treatment, where they reside in a structured, supportive environment with 24/7 medical and emotional support. Inpatient programs offer immersive therapy sessions, group counseling, and skill-building activities, providing a focused approach to addressing the roots of addiction.
- Outpatient Treatment – For those who may not require intensive monitoring or who have completed an inpatient program, outpatient treatment offers flexibility. Clients can attend therapy sessions while maintaining some regular daily activities. This option includes various levels, from standard outpatient care to more structured formats like intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization.
- Therapy – While many forms of care comprise an addiction treatment program, the most essential are behavioral therapies that are one-on-one, with family, or with a group.
- Aftercare – Completing a formal addiction treatment program doesn’t mean that clients are cured and no longer have to do anything to maintain their sobriety. Most programs will provide clients with customized aftercare plans, which typically include one-on-one therapy sessions and attendance in support group meetings. Some clients may need to reside in a sober living home before returning to their regular life.