Alcohol addiction is called a number of different things.
Some refer to it as alcoholism while others call it an alcohol use disorder
(AUD). No matter what it's called, the reality is that alcohol addiction is
prevalent in this country.
According to the latest statistics from the National
Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 14 million adults have AUD.
About 414,000 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 have AUD.
Besides prevalence, alcohol addiction also causes a variety
of problems, which include liver disease, fetal alcohol syndrome, relationship
problems, financial issues, and even death. Each year, an estimated 95,000
people die from alcohol-related causes.
Do you have a loved one who might be addicted to alcohol? If
so, the first thing you should do is better understand this addiction. To help
you do that, here are the answers to four frequently asked questions about
alcohol addiction.
1. What Are the Signs of Alcohol Addiction?
Common signs of alcohol addiction include having a strong
urge to consume alcohol, drinking alone or in secret, and coming up with
excuses to drink. These things can be hard to detect, but there are some ways
you can identify an alcohol addiction in others.
Some signs of alcohol addiction to look for in a loved one
include:
- They
have a higher tolerance for alcohol than they once did.
- You
find bottles of alcohol that they have purposely hidden from you.
- You
catch them drinking alcohol where they are not allowed to do so, such as
work or school.
- They
no longer participate in their normal activities and may even lose their
job.
- They
are moody or seem physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted.
- You
notice that they only want to go to out to places where alcohol is served.
- They
engage in dangerous behavior, such as driving under the influence of
alcohol.
If you notice any of these signs in your loved one, there is
a very good chance they have an alcohol addiction and need help.
2. What Is a High Functioning Alcoholic?
Even though your loved one drinks more than they should,
they might not exhibit any of the above signs. They may be a high-functioning
alcoholic. These types of alcoholics are still able to work or go to school.
They are still able to function in society, despite their need for alcohol.
However, if high-functioning alcoholics continue in their
addiction, they will eventually give themselves away. Even high-functioning
alcoholics will experience a decline in their cognitive or physical health,
they will start to miss deadlines, they will call in sick to work more often,
and they will develop shakiness when they are suffering from withdrawal.
3. What Is the Best Treatment Option for Alcohol
Addiction?
One of the most successful treatment options for those with
alcohol addiction is a program called the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous
(AA). The 12-step program begins with acknowledging they are powerless over
alcohol and ends with sharing the message of the 12 steps with other
alcoholics.
People of all genders find success in AA and the 12-step
program. This program provides a support group in which those who attend share
their experiences and encourage one another in overcoming their addiction,
managing their illness, and maintaining sobriety.
4. Who Can Treat Alcohol Addiction?
The best place for your loved one who wants to overcome
their alcohol addiction is an individualized addiction recovery center that has
a treatment philosophy based on the 12-step program of AA.
If you are looking for an addiction recovery
center with a
personalized
treatment philosophy
for your loved one, contact Oak Arbor. Our highly
qualified personnel include master's-level therapists, clinical assistants, and
psychologists.
