Alcohol addiction, or what was commonly called alcoholism, is the most severe form of alcohol abuse. An individual struggling with alcohol use disorder cannot manage their drinking habit. They have a compulsive need to indulge in an alcoholic drink even if it harms them. The quality of the relationships and productivity of such individuals dip a great deal. In some instances, they may end up succumbing due to over drinking. WHO (World Health Organization) estimates that alcohol kills upwards of 3 million people per year. It is therefore prudent to look for signs of alcohol addiction in our members of society. If we identify these signs earlier, we can help them recover before it’s too late. Grace Counseling is here to provide you with signs of alcohol addiction to look for so you can help individuals overcome addictive behaviors.

Types of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse can take many forms, such as:

• Early Alcohol Abuse: A patient abuses alcohol in this manner if they are between 0 to 2 DSM-5 symptoms. In this stage, a person still experiments with different types of alcohol. Early alcohol abuse is common among people who only drink at social events. Even though they are not regular drinkers, binge drinking can put them at risk of developing this alcohol abuse form. Additionally, people who have a pre-existing mental disorder and women are likely to develop this form of abuse faster. This is because women need a lower amount of alcohol to achieve a higher BAC. People with pre-existing conditions may turn to alcohol as a pain reliever. Over time, this becomes a habit.
• Problematic Alcohol Abuse: A person who exhibits 3 to 5 symptoms under the DSM-5 guide falls in this category. The person may or may not develop alcohol dependence. However, the individual will experience withdrawals if they cease drinking. Individuals with this form of alcohol abuse have an attachment to drinking. They will give reasons for drinking, such as “alcohol helps me have a good time.” This puts them at risk of spiraling into alcohol use disorder.
• Severe Alcohol Abuse: The presence of 6 or more DSM-5 symptoms indicates that a person is at this stage. At this point, a person has become an addict. They will show signs of alcohol addiction that are very noticeable. If a person is at this stage, they should seek addiction treatment. People under this category are at a higher risk of developing health complications. These are the complications resulting from alcohol use, such as liver damage.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

It’s also vital to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse. Doing so allows individuals to get the support they need to heal. If someone has these symptoms, they may be struggling with alcohol addiction:

• Finding it hard to control the amount of alcohol they drink. The persons might drink until they pass out completely.
• Courting thoughts of quitting alcohol constantly, but every time they are unsuccessful.
• Drinking or continuing with the habit. This is despite being fully aware that alcohol is ruining their life.
• Losing interest in daily activities and hobbies. The main focus becomes getting the next drink.
• Developing a high tolerance for alcoholic drinks. These individuals drink more to get the same effect.
• Experiencing a strong craving for alcohol regularly, which sometimes is overwhelming.

Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

Here at Grace Counseling, our team of health experts can guide individuals and those who care about them through the journey to recovery. Our alcohol addiction treatment program can provide therapies such as:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• EMDR therapy
• Yoga therapy

These therapeutic options are available across the spectrum of treatment, including our intensive outpatient program (IOP) and our partial hospitalization program (PHP).

Find the Treatment You Need for Alcohol Addiction at Grace Counseling

Do not let addiction prevent you from enjoying life to the fullest. You can overcome it with our help. If you exhibit the signs of alcohol addiction, give us a call today at 844.564.0712. We will give you the best to ensure your life is back on track.