Spotting alcohol addiction or abuse can be tough. After all, more than 80% of all adults consume alcohol. However, there’s a clear difference between drinking alcohol and abusing it. It’s necessary to be aware of some of the most important signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse to watch for.
Alcohol addiction or abuse can be tough to spot because more than 80% of adults in the United States consume alcohol. What makes spotting alcohol addiction or abuse difficult is that many people see it as a normal part of life. However, there’s a clear difference between drinking alcohol and abusing it. According to recent surveys, about 17.6% of adult men and 8.0% of adult women report alcohol abuse or dependence within the past year, while 6.8% of adults in the United States have alcohol use disorder (AUD).
If you’re concerned about a loved one’s drinking, get help. Call us at 866.262.0531 for more information about alcohol rehab treatment.
Memory Loss Associated With Drinking
If you’re drinking large amounts, you may experience memory loss. Binge drinking, especially, can cause you to forget things. Sometimes, heavy drinkers experience short-term memory loss or have fuzzy gaps in their memories.
In more extreme cases, people can blackout for extended periods of time. This means that there are many hours that are unaccounted for. If you or someone you care about experiences these blackouts on any kind of regular basis, it’s a clear sign of heavy alcohol consumption and a possible alcohol abuse or addiction problem.
If you consider yourself someone who drinks heavily on a regular basis, it’s important to realize that blackouts are dangerous. When this happens, the drinker most likely lost full control of themselves. They may have done things they can’t remember later on. All sorts of bad decisions and behaviors could be attributed to heavy alcohol use.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Drinking alcohol, assuming you’re over the age of 21, isn’t a crime. Millions of people drink alcohol responsibly and in appropriate amounts. These individuals have little reason to lie about the frequency or quantity of their alcohol consumption.
Some people, however, feel the need to lie about their drinking. People who lie about drinking are often embarrassed about how much they consume. They might also feel guilty about heavy drinking.
If you find yourself lying about drinking, consider it a warning sign. It means that you recognize your alcohol consumption is excessive, but you don’t want to change. That could definitely point to a budding addiction.
Inability to Cut Back or Stop Drinking
Individuals who struggle with alcohol abuse may also struggle to stop drinking. Once your body has developed a dependence on alcohol, it’s nearly impossible to cut back or stop drinking on your own.
Often, people who try to cut back or quit altogether experience uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms. In mild cases, they may feel irritable, have a hard time sleeping or suffer from nausea. If there is a full-blown alcohol addiction at play, then withdrawal symptoms can be more severe. This makes it difficult to end alcohol consumption alone.
Consistently Drinking More or Longer Than Planned
Another sign of alcohol abuse is routinely drinking more than you want to. For example, a person without a drinking problem might go to a bar with friends, have one beer, and then leave. A person struggling with alcohol addiction or abuse might have the same goal but leave 12 drinks later.
Alcoholics have a very difficult time with moderation. Once you start drinking, it can feel almost impossible to stop. When drinking is no longer in your control, you’re on the path to alcohol addiction.
Neglecting Responsibilities
Finally, one of the biggest ways to tell if a person requires alcohol rehab is if they neglect their obligations. If drinking is preventing you from doing your job well or is coming between you and financial stability, then it is time to take action. Alcohol consumption should never damage your relationships or negatively impact your life. If it does, then it is time to stop drinking.
What to Do if You Need an Alcohol Rehab Center
If you recognize alcohol addiction or abuse in your life, it’s important to seek out professional assistance. In drug and alcohol addiction rehab, patients can take strides toward their sobriety. At Crestview Recovery, you’ll have access to a wide range of comprehensive treatment programs. A handful of the most effective approaches to sobriety include:
- Individual therapy
- Extensive outdoor amenities
- Holistic recovery
- Behavioral therapy
- Group counseling
Overcoming alcohol abuse is easier when you have professional support and resources. At Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon, you’ll have everything you need to overcome addiction for good. Call 866.262.0531 to take your first steps toward lasting sobriety.
