Alcohol abuse is a very difficult form of addiction to treat. Part of the problem is that the substance is legal and socially acceptable to consume. Many people don’t see what the problem is with having “a few drinks.” They don’t see that a person who is an alcoholic is not a social drinker and has a serious, life-threatening disease.
Signs of Alcoholism
How can you spot the signs of alcoholism in yourself or someone you love? Here are some red flags to be aware of:
- Loss of Control over Alcohol Use
An alcoholic drinks more than he or she wants to, and longer than he or she intends to, despite making promises to the contrary.
- Inability to Quit Drinking
Despite wanting to cut down or stop drinking, the person has not been successful.
- Lack of Interest in Other Activities Because of Alcohol
Alcohol use takes time away from activities that were enjoyable in the past, such as sports, hobbies, or spending time with family and friends.
- Continuing to Drink Even Though it is Causing Problems
An alcoholic will continue to drink in spite of the negative consequences for his or her life, including damaged personal relationships, trouble at school or at work, or health problems.
Denial a Common Reaction to the Problem of Alcoholism
When confronted with a suspicion or the knowledge that there is an issue with alcohol, the first reaction on the part of an addict is usually denial. The person wants to deflect attention away from the problem so that they don’t have to deal with it. He or she may not realize that they have a substance abuse issue. The person may think he or she has been successful at hiding it from friends, family, and his or her employer.
Allowing someone to continue to deny the problem is not the answer. A much better choice is to persuade him or her to agree to get help from an alcohol recovery inpatient program.
Going to a treatment center in the California Mountains allows clients to get away from their “regular” lives and the stresses that fed into their addictions. They have the opportunity to go to a peaceful place where they can slow down and take the time to focus on themselves, possibly for the first time in their lives.
Focus on Recovery in California Mountains
Through the counseling and group therapy programs, they can examine the reasons they became addicted and develop strategies for dealing with triggers that will tempt them to reach for a drink when they go back to their homes. The staff at the center helps clients get involved in a variety of sober activities, including hiking, day trips, meditation, and yoga, which help prepare clients for independent living once the primary course of treatment has been completed.
Above It All Treatment helps alcoholics get sober by assisting them in getting involved in healthy activities. Contact us if you or a loved one is suffering from addiction.