To seek appropriate help for an alcohol abuse problem, you must recognize that the issue exists. The information below will address how to define alcohol abuse accurately. Additionally, it will also discuss common mental effects of alcohol, and the reasons why seeking professional treatment is essential.
How to Define Alcohol Abuse
Learning how professionals define an alcohol use disorder is an important part of understanding this issue. In general, the abuse of alcohol describes the compulsive use of the substance. In fact, those with an alcohol abuse problem will not have much control over how much of the material they consume. Additionally, they will continue to drink alcohol even when it creates hardships in their life.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse can affect each person in very different ways. Therefore, not all people facing this issue will experience the same signs. That said, the symptoms in the list that follows are prevalent. If you notice these signs in a loved one, they may have a severe problem with alcohol abuse.
Preoccupation with Consuming Alcohol
Those with an alcohol abuse issue spend a lot of time thinking about, consuming, or recovering from the use of alcohol. They will also spend a great deal of money on purchasing more alcoholic beverages.
Hiding Drinking Behaviors
Those struggling with alcohol abuse may attempt to hide this behavior from others. They may prefer to consume alcohol in private. Alternatively, they also may store their alcohol in hidden locations.
Changes in Physical Appearance
Many people struggling with alcohol abuse may experience skin problems, weight loss, or other physical changes. They also may begin to lose interest in personal hygiene.
What are the Mental Effects of Alcohol?
There are many mental effects of alcohol that can be devastating. These can be:
Depression– Drinking alcohol on a regular basis tends to create ongoing depression and anxiety that can be hard to overcome.
Compulsive behavior– Due to the suppression of specific areas of the brain, those consuming alcohol excessively may lose control of their actions. They may engage in compulsive behaviors that seem out of the norm for them.
Mood disorders– Those abusing alcohol have a high risk of developing accompanying mood disorders. These conditions can cause mood swings, problems with relationships, and poor self-esteem.
Personality changes– Those abusing alcohol can experience an increase in unstable moods, aggression, anger, and retaliation. These behaviors may be drastically different than the individual’s usual personality.
Helping a Family Member Suffering from Alcohol Abuse
Seeking treatment from a quality drug and alcohol rehab center is a vital part of helping your loved one recover from alcohol abuse. Steps to Recovery is a quality rehab center located in Levittown, PA. This facility emphasizes a holistic manner of care when dealing with the complexities of substance abuse.
Don’t let addiction prevent you from living the life you deserve. Addiction recovery services can allow you to experience a full recovery from these issues. Contact Steps to Recovery at 866-488-8684 to find out how we can help you heal.
