Many of those who drink alcohol will wonder at some point if they have a drinking problem. Alcohol can be highly addictive, especially for those with a family history of alcohol addiction or co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Drinking on occasion or even with some frequency does not necessarily mean that you are abusing alcohol. However, understanding why you are drinking and the effects that heavy drinking can have on your health and relationships can help you make informed decisions about your alcohol use. Learn more about what signifies a problem with alcohol, and reach out to us at Soledad House for help from an addiction treatment center near you today if you’re ready to take back your life from alcohol abuse.
When Drinking Crosses a Line
Alcohol is legal, widely available, and culturally acceptable. You might drink with your friends on the weekends or unwind in the evenings after the kids have gone to bed with a glass of wine. Your alcohol use might look similar to those around you, but two people can drink the same amount but be affected by it differently.
Experts agree that for women, moderate drinking involves three or fewer drinks in a 24-hour period but less than seven drinks over a week. So someone who drinks alcohol in moderation might drink a glass of wine or two several nights a week.
However, even drinking in moderation is not always healthy. Those who have struggled with alcohol abuse in the past, for instance, might find that drinking in moderation can quickly turn into drinking too much. They might pour a drink every night, binge drink regularly, or begin to hide their alcohol use from friends and family.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Common signs of alcohol abuse and addiction include:
- Feeling like you need a drink to get through the day
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking
- Hiding your use of alcohol from friends and family
- Trying to cut back on your drinking but failing
- Experiencing negative consequences as a result of drinking but continuing to drink
- Engaging in reckless behavior, like driving under the influence
- Having difficulty fulfilling responsibilities at work or home
If alcohol abuse or addiction has begun to take over your life, reach out for help today.
What If I Have a Drinking Problem?
If you have an alcohol problem, it’s not too late to get help. Many people live under the impression that once they have an alcohol addiction, it’s too late to recover. However, it’s never too late to find treatment.
To start with, you have to stop drinking. The withdrawal that manifests with alcohol addiction is more intense than heroin withdrawal. For this reason, the best way to go about quitting is to visit a detox center.
Once detox finishes, it’s time to seek professional help at a rehab center. Addiction programs help people overcome addiction in healthy ways. They teach addiction management and prevention skills for avoiding relapse after treatment. You’ll participate in individual and group therapy to learn more about the underlying cause of addiction and will find the strength and support you need for long-term sobriety.
Reach Out to Soledad House for Alcohol Abuse Treatment
If you’re struggling with your use of alcohol, consider getting help at Soledad House. We offer women’s alcohol rehab programs in a safe, supportive environment. When it comes to your health, we don’t let anything stand in the way. Some of the programs that we offer include:
- Sober living
- Inpatient rehab
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Aftercare
- Extended care
Don’t let alcohol control your life. Find out what it takes to end your drinking problem. Reach out for help today at 866.314.3222 for more information.
