Alcoholism is a severe condition that affects people from all walks of life. It can be tough to recognize the symptoms of being an alcoholic, and even more challenging to admit the problem exists and seek help. Suppose you think you or someone you know might have a problem. In that case, our “Am I An Alcoholic?” questionnaire can help you understand the warning signs of being an alcoholic. Call 833.754.0554 to speak with someone from the caring and compassionate staff at Women’s Recovery about seeking professional help to overcome this specific type of addiction.
What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to drink alcohol despite its negative consequences, such as:
- Physical health issues
- Mental health issues
- Family problems
- Relationship problems
- Financial difficulties
- Legal troubles
- Social isolation
Alcoholism is progressive as it worsens over time, so it’s essential to recognize the warning signs early on so that treatment can begin.
What Are the Warning Signs of Being an Alcoholic?
Alcoholism doesn’t develop out of nowhere. There are warning sings of being an alcoholic you can watch out for in your daily live of that of your loved one. The most common signs of being an alcoholic are the following:
- Drinking heavily or often—more than two drinks per day for men or one drink per day for women
- Making attempts to reduce consumption but being unable to
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about drinking habits
- Having difficulty controlling how much or when one drinks alcohol
- Lying about how much one drinks or hiding bottles around the house
- Experiencing increased tolerance for alcohol and needing more to feel drunk
- Developing withdrawal symptoms like nausea and sweating when not drinking
- Neglecting responsibilities due to drinking habits, like missing work or skipping out on errands
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences like strained relationships
Recovering from alcoholism requires professional treatment. Most programs will begin with detoxification to rid the body of any remaining alcohol. Detox should be done under medical supervision to ensure safety during this process. After detox comes therapy which helps individuals identify any underlying psychological issues related to their drinking behavior so they can address them head-on. Therapy typically includes individual counseling sessions and group therapy sessions with others who are going through the same struggles with addiction. Finally, aftercare services are available to help individuals maintain sobriety long-term through support groups and 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
What to Expect from Alcohol Addiction Treatment
At Women’s Recovery in Colorado, alcohol addiction treatment involves detoxification followed by individual counseling sessions with a psychiatrist as well as group therapy sessions with peers who struggle with similar addictions. Additionally, aftercare services are available so that those recovering from alcoholism have ongoing access to resources that can help them stay sober over time. Typical addiction treatment programs often also include the following:
- 12-Step programs
- Relapse prevention planning
- Family support services
- Support groups
- Educational sessions
- Group activities
The goal is not just sobriety but helping individuals learn healthy coping mechanisms, so they don’t struggle with relapse once they leave treatment.
Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Colorado at Women’s Recovery
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of being an alcoholic is key if you or your loved one want to successfully recover from addiction and live a healthier lifestyle moving forward. If you think you may be struggling with alcoholism—or know someone who is—it’s important to reach out for professional help right away at Women’s Recovery in Colorado. With proper care and support, recovery is possible—no matter how severe the addiction may be. Contact Women’s Recovery today at 833.754.0554 to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment programs designed for women.
