Is Your Drinking Becoming Problematic? Recognizing Signs of a Substance Use Disorder

Not everyone who drinks develops alcoholism or a substance use disorder. There are many people who can go out and have a drink with friends and be done with it. They don’t need to have alcohol to be social or to wind down after a long day. If they do drink, they only have one or two, then stop. However, sometimes people have a hard time knowing their limit and keep drinking more or more frequently. Before they know it, their drinking can become problematic and lead to more serious issues such as alcoholism.

Substance use disorders are not something to be taken lightly. They can take a major toll on your health and quality of life. In addition, they also impact those around you. Addiction does not exist in a silo. However, Above It All can help you to turn your life around and overcome addiction. You can get the support you need to quit drinking and stay on the road to long-term recovery. Your family can also get help and together you can rebuild your life and create stronger, healthier relationships and routines.

But the first step is recognizing when your drinking is becoming problematic and taking action.

Signs Your Drinking is Becoming Problematic

Drinking often and in greater quantities that can be a red flag.

  • You drink more than you used to or more often.

What started as one drink after work has turned into several drinks. You may justify it to yourself saying, “Just one more,” but one more turns into a few more. Or perhaps you only used to drink on weekends and now you’re drinking on weeknights too. Overall, the amount of alcohol that you’re consuming has gone up.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) recommends no more than four drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week for men, and no more than three drinks per day and no more than seven drinks per week for women.

  • You need to drink more to feel the same effects.

In time, your body develops a tolerance to alcohol. In order to feel the same effects, you have to drink greater quantities. Some people mistakenly believe that having a higher tolerance is a good thing, but it actually puts them at greater risk because they may not be aware of exactly how much they’re really drinking. If you’re developing a tolerance, it could be a red flag that your drinking is becoming problematic and it’s time to seek help.

  • You’ve tried to cut back or stop drinking on your own but it hasn’t worked.

Have you tried to stop drinking but always ended up starting again? Not being able to quit despite your best efforts can be a sign of addiction. However, entering treatment for addiction can provide you with the strategies and support you need to stay sober.

  • Your drinking is negatively influencing your education, career, family, or more.

Have friends or family expressed their concerns about your drinking? Do they not enjoy being around you when you’re under the influence? Alcoholism can also take a toll on your job if you’re calling out sick a lot, showing up late, missing deadlines, or not performing as well as you used to. This may not seem like much at first, but it can build over time.

  • Drinking is your go-to when you’re stressed, bored, upset, celebrating, etc.

Do you always have a drink in hand or think about drinking? If you use alcohol as your main way to relax and unwind, feel more comfortable in social settings, or deal with challenges, this can be unhealthy. You can easily end up drinking more than you intended. It is essential to find other ways of coping and healthier ways to reduce stress.

  • You’re having trouble with your memory.

Forgetting someone’s name or what you went into a room for happens to everyone now and again. But excessive drinking can lead to more serious problems. If you have trouble remembering what you did the night before, are blacking out, or just feel as though your mind is always hazy, it’s time to get help for addiction.

  • You experience symptoms of withdrawal when you stop drinking.

After you stop drinking, you may feel dizzy, nauseous, or restless. Your muscles may tremble, you may get sweaty, and you may have trouble sleeping. These are just a few of the signs of withdrawal, and a major sign of problematic drinking. With proper treatment, you don’t have to always feel sick, tired, or hungover.

Overcoming Addiction

If your drinking has become problematic, there is help available. Above It All offers comprehensive treatment from inpatient to outpatient to recovery support and more, allowing you to enter into long-term recovery and build a brighter future. You can figure out what works best for you and implement new strategies and routines to live a healthier lifestyle. You don’t have to be controlled by addiction, and drinking doesn’t have to be a part of your life to have fun or relax.

If someone you love is exhibiting these signs, let them know that you’re concerned and you want to see them get better. Provide support and encouragement to help them get into the treatment program that’s right for them. Holding an intervention can be helpful if they are in denial or other attempts to talk to them about entering treatment have been unsuccessful.

There is life after addiction, and Above It All can help you to better see what your future holds. Learn to reduce temptation and cravings, create a healthier lifestyle, build a strong support system, and reduce your risk for relapse. Recovery is possible at Above It All, and we want to help you make the most of your future and live free from addiction.

[cta] Is your drinking taking a toll on your life? Contact Above It All today to learn more about how we can help you turn things around for the better. [/cta]

Celebrating Milestones in Your Recovery

Ongoing sobriety is a reason to celebrate. Each day matters and is another day that you’re doing something positive for your health and your life. Tracking your sobriety can be a way to hold yourself accountable and reflect on how far you have come. You’ll see how amazing it feels to achieve a week, a month, two months, six months, a year, and more. Others may not understand firsthand how meaningful these milestones are, but you do, and others in recovery do as well.

Celebrate milestones that are important and meaningful to you. You may choose to do something on your own, or to invite friends and family into the festivities. The event can be as big or as small as you want it to be. Here are a few ways you can celebrate:

  • Plan a special activity such as getting your nails done, a day at the spa, a round of golf, or a day at the amusement park.
  • Invite close friends over for a small celebration at your house or favorite restaurant with dinner and dessert or maybe watching a movie or playing games.
  • Book a weekend getaway to treat yourself and explore somewhere new. This can renew your motivation and energy to keep moving forward.
  • Buy yourself a special treat you’ve been saving up for and working toward. Maybe it’s a watch or necklace that reminds you of how far you’ve come, or a new shirt, a pair of shoes, or a video game.
  • Take a few moments to reflect. Read through your gratitude journal and appreciate how much your life has changed for the better.
  • Tick off goals you have achieved and set a few new ones to keep yourself motivated.
  • Attend a support group meeting and commemorate your achievement with others in recovery.

No matter how you celebrate, be proud of yourself and how far you have come, as well as how much more you want to accomplish. Above It All can help you learn the strategies and develop the resources you need to achieve long-term recovery and turn your life around.

[cta] Are you struggling to maintain your sobriety? Contact Above It All to learn more about how we can support you in recovery! [/cta]

Warding Off Relapse in Addiction Recovery

Early recovery is a critical time in preventing relapse. This is when you build healthy routines and reinforce the strategies you’ve learned in addiction treatment. However, relapse prevention is something you must continue practicing to maintain a healthy lifestyle free from substance use.

Some of the most obvious factors are to stay away from drugs and alcohol, especially in early recovery, and not put yourself in situations where you know you will be tempted to use. This may mean breaking off old friendships with people who are still in active addiction and focusing on friendships with those who support your recovery and choice to remain substance-free.

Strategies for Reducing Risk of Relapse

There are many other things you can do as well:

  • Practice healthy forms of distraction such as reading, writing, exercising, painting, playing piano, volunteering, or anything else that keeps your hands and mind busy in a good way.
  • Make time for things you enjoy. This can help boost your mood and allow you to deal with challenging situations in a more effective way. A positive attitude and outlook are important.
  • Talk to someone if you’re going through a rough patch. You don’t have to go it alone. Therapists, counselors, support groups, family, and friends are all there for you and can provide support in different ways. Know who you can turn to in different situations.
  • Stay active and involved. Isolation and boredom are major triggers for relapse, so keep yourself busy and find a routine that works for you. Consider volunteering or taking up a new hobby or class you’re interested in.
  • Surround yourself with people who support your recovery and will hold you accountable.

Through treatment at Above It All, you can work through the challenges you face and build a strong network of support and solid relapse prevention plan. We are here to support you in thriving in recovery and creating a life you love.

[cta] If you’re looking for more support in addiction recovery or are struggling with relapse, contact Above It All today to find out how we can help. [/cta]

Emphasizing Good Nutrition in Recovery

While drugs and alcohol can leave you temporarily feeling good, the long-term effects can be quite the opposite. Once these substances have worn off, you may be left feeling pretty lousy. Addiction takes a toll on your body, and it’s important to address these issues in recovery. Balanced nutrition should be an integral part of your treatment plan so that you can heal and energize your body.

Drugs and alcohol can wreak havoc on your body and diet. Alcohol is filled with empty calories and drugs can make you feel not hungry, or make you overeat the wrong kinds of foods. Alcohol also impairs your body’s ability to properly absorb nutrients and may weaken your immune system. Learning how to eat right is an important part of warding off cravings and promoting better health in recovery. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Avoid excess sugar. Natural sugars from fruits are okay, but try to steer clear of a lot of processed and artificially sweetened foods. They can cause unhealthy spikes and dips in your blood sugar and increase cravings.
  • Eat small meals throughout the day. Hunger can be a relapse trigger and regular meals and snacks can help stabilize your blood sugar and mood.
  • Think fresh. Fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lean proteins. Fresh produce is rich in antioxidants and nutrients your body needs.
  • Drink up! Water that is. Keep your body hydrated to help with digestion, cell health, and overall well-being.
  • Choose complex carbohydrates over simple carbohydrates. They will keep you feeling fuller longer and provide a more stable source of energy.

Good nutrition is an integral part of treatment at Above It All. Clients learn how to fuel their body with the right types of foods for recovery and better health.  Eating right can have many positive effects and support your efforts toward long-term recovery.

[cta] Are you tired of the way drugs and alcohol make you feel? Call Above It All today to get on the road to recovery and a healthier lifestyle. [/cta]

The High Cost of Addiction

There is no denying that addiction can come with a high price tag. Drugs and alcohol are not cheap, especially when used in excess. Addiction can quickly eat away at a person’s paycheck and savings. In addition, there are associated costs as well. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), substance abuse racks up “more than $700 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and health care.”

Monetary expenses are not the only costs associated with addiction, however. It can take toll on all aspects of a person’s life.

  • Health: Drugs and alcohol may contribute to risk of heart disease, liver disease, mental health problems, several types of cancer, and more. Individuals are also at greater risk of illness or injury while under the influence. This can result in poorer health and increased spending on healthcare.
  • Career: Addiction can seriously impair productivity and decision making. Employees may end up calling off more often or showing up late as a result of drug or alcohol use. Individuals may lose their job, have trouble keeping a job, or be passed over for promotions or other opportunities due to the effects of untreated addiction.
  • Family: Addiction takes a toll on the whole family. It can strain relationships, tax finances, break trust, and create unstable environments for children. Family members may feel stressed trying to handle the effects of addiction and not let it negatively impact their lives.

Friends may start to distance themselves because they don’t like who the individual becomes when they’re under the influence. People may find that addiction racks up high costs that go beyond finances and transform their lives in a way they ever expected. Addiction treatment at Above It All can help people to turn their lives around and rebuild relationships in recovery. They can get back to pursuing their goals and living a healthier lifestyle. It’s not too late to get help at Above It All.

[cta] Tired of the negative impact addiction is having on your life? Contact Above It All today to start your journey to recovery. [/cta]

What Are Protective and Risk Factors in Addiction?

There is not a single cause of addiction. It does not stem solely from genetics or environment. It results from a culmination of different factors. Many of these factors are viewed as either protective or risk factors. Protective factors are elements that reduce a person’s risk of engaging in substance use or developing an addiction. Risk factors are elements that make them more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance use.

Many factors can either work for or against an individual depending on how they are presented. For instance:

Parental Involvement: If a parent is very involved in their child’s life, they maintain open and honest communication, set rules and expectations, and create a safe, nurturing environment, this works in the child’s favor. They are less likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol. However, if a parent is not around much, treats them poorly and is not supportive, doesn’t enforce rules, or uses drugs or alcohol themselves, this can increase a child’s risk.

Substance Availability: Drugs and alcohol should be kept out of sight and out of reach of children. If parents are using these substances, they should be doing so responsibly and setting a good example. When youth have easy access to addictive substances, it can increase their risk of use.

Environment: It is a good idea for youth to be involved in activities that promote self-esteem, self-confidence, and healthy decision making. They should be surrounded by people who support them and care about their well-being. Very unstructured, unpredictable, or unsupportive environments can act as risk factors. Children may feel more pressure or temptation to try drugs or alcohol. They may not understand the dangers.

Above It All helps clients to overcome challenges that have contributed to their substance use and create a sustainable lifestyle in recovery. Individuals can be more proactive in their own recovery and preventing loved ones from developing addictions.

[cta] If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, get the treatment you need at Above It All so you can be a more positive role model. [/cta]

Benefits of Volunteering in Recovery

Recovery from addiction is an ongoing process. Once you have completed a treatment program, that doesn’t mean the work is over. You must find ways to continue implementing what you have learned to sustain healthier routines, keep a positive attitude, and reduce risk of relapse. One activity that many people in recovery find beneficial is volunteering.

Volunteering keeps you active and gives you something to look forward to. Boredom and isolation are common triggers for relapse, but by volunteering you are getting out into the community and keeping yourself busy. It can also challenge your mind and help you to focus on things other than substance use.

Choosing an organization or activity that you are passionate about also helps you to find a greater sense of purpose. Your time is spent making a difference, whether it’s serving meals, sorting donations, taking care of animals, or promoting environmental awareness. Pick an activity or organization that you are proud to stand behind.

You’re making a difference in others’ lives by volunteering. Think about how many people have helped you throughout your life; now it’s your turn to give back and help others. You never know how much your efforts may change someone’s life.

While you’re volunteering you’ll also be learning new things and building connections with others. This can help you to develop job skills and life skills. Networking can get your foot in the door for potential job opportunities. Volunteering can help you to feel more confident about your ability to hold yourself accountable, be on time, complete tasks, and hold down a job. It can be very empowering to see that you’re making a difference and doing something positive with your life.

Above It All can help you get on the road to recovery through treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. You’ll learn valuable strategies for recovery and relapse prevention that you can use for the rest of your life. It can be the first step in turning your life around for the better.

[cta] Share your story of how volunteering has helped your recovery! How do you recommend others get started? [/cta]

Above It All Treatment Center Advocates for Parity in Addiction Treatment and Insurance Coverage

Above It All Treatment Center advocates for its clients and the industry as a whole against insurance restrictions that make it more difficult for individuals to access the addiction treatment that they need. The facility supports parity acts that treat substance use and mental health disorders with the same seriousness and coverage as other health conditions. Through underpayment for services, unreasonable demands placed on clients, and other obstacles, insurance providers continue to make it more difficult for individuals to enter addiction treatment and afford these services. Above It All is actively involved in fighting back against disparities and promoting public awareness regarding these issues. The facility works with clients and insurance companies to provide affordable, high quality care for substance use and mental health disorders for individuals throughout the country.

[cta]For more information visit PR Web.[/cta]

Why Now is the Right Time for Recovery

If you’re looking for the “perfect” time to enter treatment for addiction, you’re never going to find it. You have to decide that now is the right time and make your recovery a priority. If you think about it enough, you can find a million-and-one reasons to delay treatment and why right now just isn’t a good time.

  • You can’t take the time off necessary for treatment.
  • It is too expensive.
  • It costs too much.
  • You can stop on your own.
  • You have X coming up at work/school/home that you need to do.
  • Rehab doesn’t work.

These are all things you’re telling yourself to justify not seeking treatment. These are all things that can be overcome and should not act as barriers to your health and well-being. September is National Recovery Month and a great time to reflect on why getting treatment for addiction is so important.

Delaying treatment can make things worse: The longer you wait, the more damage you are doing to your body, your relationships, your career, your finances, your future, and more. It only takes one time to overdose on drugs. Is it really worth risking your life over whatever reason you have for putting off treatment when recovery is within your reach? Effective treatment is available and can help you turn your life around.

Choosing to get help now can lead to a brighter future: Why continue to struggle when you can start your journey toward recovery and achieving your goals and dreams? The sooner you enter addiction treatment, the sooner you can start implementing positive changes in your life. Looking back on how far you have come can be very rewarding. You’ll be opening new doors for yourself and living a more fulfilling life.

Above It All can help you to get there. All you have to do is call, and we’ll help you with the rest. Recovery is possible. Make the choice to turn your life around today and enter addiction treatment.

[cta] Don’t put off addiction treatment any longer. Call Above It All today to make a change and get the help you need to overcome addiction. [/cta]

Tips to Avoid Enabling Addiction

It can be incredibly hard to watch someone you love struggle. You want to do whatever you can to help them and save them from this pain. However, this often only serves to enable your loved one to continue their pattern of substance use and doesn’t lead to necessary changes.

Signs of Enabling

Some people don’t even realize that they are enabling addiction. They fail to see the connection between their actions and their loved one’s ongoing addiction. These are some common enabling behaviors:

  • Giving someone money for rent, utilities, groceries, etc. because they spent their money on drugs or alcohol.
  • Driving them to or from the bar so they won’t be driving under the influence or because they have their license suspended.
  • Making excuses for their behavior while they are intoxicated.
  • Covering up for them or trying to fix their mistakes.

Stepping back and letting them experience the natural consequences of their actions can be a wake-up call. Allowing them to struggle can help them to see that it is a serious situation and they need help.

Stopping Enabling Behavior

Although you may feel as though you are helping your loved one out, what you are doing is giving them no reason to change. They can continue doing what they’ve been doing because the consequences have been minimal and someone always has their back. It’s time to stop this behavior and support them in entering treatment.

Express your concerns about their well-being and encourage them to seek treatment. Let them know that you will support them in recovery and want to see them get better. If you have been enabling, set clear boundaries and expectations. Let them know that you’ll no longer be financially supporting them or covering up for their mistakes.

Above It All can help you hold an intervention and direct your loved one toward treatment. We provide the comprehensive care you’re looking for to support your loved one in achieving long-term recovery.

[cta] Are you worried about your loved one’s substance use? Contact Above It All to schedule an intervention. [/cta]