Do You Have a Problem with Alcohol?
Alcohol abuse is defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) as:
- Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking that brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher. For men, this is usually 5 or more drinks in about two hours, and for women, it is usually 4 or more drinks in 2 hours.
- Heavy drinking for men is consuming more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week, and for women, it is consuming more than 3 drinks per day on any day or more than 7 drinks per week.
Excessive alcohol misuse can lead to acute issues like blacking out, acting impulsively, engaging in unsafe sex or violence, or even alcohol overdose (alcohol poisoning). It can also lead to physical dependence on alcohol that can become an alcohol use disorder (alcoholism) as well as long-term serious health issues.
People who abuse alcohol may begin to do so for many reasons, including past trauma, your social environment growing up, genetics, mental health issues, and history of substance abuse. If your pattern of drinking has begun to cause issues in your life or health, or if stopping drinking is too hard on your own, it may be time to seek treatment.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
There are several signs of alcohol addiction to look for. The first sign is experiencing physical alcohol cravings or psychological compulsions to drink. Common symptoms and physical signs of alcohol addiction include:
- Drinking alone, drinking in secret, drinking in the morning, or feeling guilty for your drinking
- Needing to drink just to get through the day, or to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms
- Being unable to control your emotions or feeling numb and detached
- Losing interest in things you enjoy and avoiding your usual support system of friends and family
- Spending all your money on alcohol instead of taking care of your own needs
- Using alcohol to cope with stress or to “feel good”
- Getting drunk at work or school, failing to complete work and school tasks
- Losing control over how much you drink
- Continuing to drink even when it negatively affects your relationships and physical health
When it’s Time for Addiction Treatment
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is not something that happens suddenly for most people. It is a gradual slope that begins with a casual drink now and then and becomes a habit, forming a dependence that becomes alcoholism. You may not realize you have an addiction, thinking you are fine and “just having fun”, so it can be hard to tell when it’s time for addiction treatment. It may be time to look into a detox and rehab program if you:
- Have been abusing alcohol for more than one year
- Are experiencing negative consequences to your health like liver damage, relationship problems, financial issues, or work problems due to drinking
- Feel obsessed with alcohol, and are always thinking about when you can have your next drink
- Find that you cannot quit or cut back without experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms
TruPath Recovery Alcohol Addiction Treatment
TruPath recovery center is a network of treatment centers located in Los Angeles and New Jersey, offering levels of care ranging from medical detox programs that include medical care and targeted therapy, to inpatient rehab, and outpatient treatment options including day programs and intensive outpatient rehab. We also provide continuing care with peer support groups including alcoholics anonymous and SMART recovery to encourage long-term connections to a sober community.
At TruPath treatment facility centers, we believe in integrity and have a passion for helping our clients achieve personal growth through teamwork, empowerment, and education. We treat drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and dual diagnosis for co-occurring disorders including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression.
Some of the clinical services we offer include:
- Medication-assisted detox
- Individual therapy sessions
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Biofeedback
- Dialectical behavioral health
- Anger management
- Family therapy
- Case management
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Group therapy
- Faith-based recovery
- Executive treatment
Holistic therapies like meditation, art therapy, and yoga are also offered. If you or a loved one are suffering from alcohol addiction and don’t know where to turn, or if you have questions about treatment, call our intake team today. We can provide the alcohol detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient alcohol rehab programs that will help you stop drinking and alcohol abuse to regain control over your life.
