4 Vital Signs It's Time To Seek Alcohol Abuse Treatment
Alcohol abuse is a persistent problem in the United States. In a 2017 survey, one in eight American adults struggles with alcoholism. However, only a few of the victims receive treatment. Why suffer through alcohol's life-threatening effects when there are treatments available to help you overcome alcohol dependency?
If you experience at least four of these signs consistently for a month or more, alcohol is taking a great toll in your life, and you need urgent alcohol abuse treatment:
Alcohol Is Affecting Your Finances
When alcohol becomes a financial burden, it might be time to look for a rehabilitation program. Often, alcohol abusers may spend too much money on alcohol and neglect paying many other essential bills, such as school fees for their children, water bills, electricity bills, or even buying food at home. Alcohol can lead to poverty, which sends an individual into a spiral that is difficult to break out of without alcohol abuse treatment.
Alcohol Is Affecting Your Mental Health
You should seek immediate help if alcohol is affecting your mental health. Alcohol abuse can cause alcohol-related brain damage that begins with memory loss and confusion and then continues to affect judgment, concentration, and mood. Although heavy drinking may make you feel relaxed, it significantly interferes with some chemicals in the brain that are critical for good mental health.
In some cases, alcohol abuse may contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. It even makes it hard to handle everyday stress. Recent studies even indicate that alcoholics are three times more likely than nonalcoholic individuals to develop dementia.
Alcohol Has Started Interfering with Your Physical Health
Alcohol abuse can lead to many different forms of physical problems. Alcohol can be intoxicating and potentially fatal when mixed with other drugs. For instance, it can lead to fatal injuries that require hospitalization.
Additionally, alcohol abuse is a factor in many different types of cancer, heart, and liver disease. More significantly, it can affect your judgment, motor skills, memory, and speech. If excessive drinking is taking a huge toll on your physical health, it's time to consider alcohol abuse treatment.
Alcohol Is Interfering with Your Work and Family Life
When alcohol becomes more important than the job or family, alcohol abuse treatment might be necessary. Often, alcohol abusers may need to call in sick because of a hangover or get into arguments with coworkers. On other occasions, drinking too much can lead to disruptions in your personal life, such as family fights and broken relationships.
The Bottom Line
As alcohol is legal and easy to obtain, many people drink it without harm. But when it becomes the sole focus of one's life to the point where it interferes with social relationships, work, or school, alcohol abuse treatment may be warranted.