Drinking is a huge part of celebratory occasions like weddings and birthdays. We raise our glasses in a toast and sip champagne. Or we may relax after a hard day at work with a glass of wine. So, when does drinking become a problem? You might assume those with alcohol addictions are jobless, penniless people who’ve lost everything. However, many seemingly successful people have a drinking problem. Overall, an alcohol use disorder affects people from all walks of life.
Alcohol Use Disorder vs Addiction
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the clinical term professionals use to describe the behaviors associated with excessive drinking. Overall, people may suffer mild to severe symptoms.
Alcoholism is the AUD umbrella. When someone has an alcohol addiction, they’re unable to control their drinking. For example, despite suffering negative consequences that affect your career, relationships, and/or health, you continue to use.
Typically, the signs you or a loved one has an alcohol use disorder include an inability to stop drinking and trouble concentrating. These are unsurprising when getting your next drink often consumes your thoughts. You may also continue to put yourself in dangerous situations despite the known risks.
While someone with AUD doesn’t necessarily have an alcohol addiction, there’s a definite possibility an addiction will develop if they don’t seek treatment.
What Alcohol Detox Is Like
What Alcohol Detox Is LikeDetoxing from any addictive substance is difficult, physically and psychologically. Alcohol is no different. Once you have an alcohol dependence, withdrawing is often so uncomfortable that you continue drinking, even though you know it’s a problem.
Additionally, alcohol detox symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on how much you usually drink and how long you’ve been abusing alcohol.
Typically, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal begin several hours after the last drink and peak during the first one to three days of abstinence. The most common withdrawal symptoms people experience include:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Depression
- Mood swings
By understanding that alcohol detox is an unpleasant process, it’s no surprise people relapse. Although detoxing at home sounds more comfortable, it rarely is. The longer someone has an alcohol dependence, the more severe withdrawal is. For example, you may put your life in danger if you abruptly stop drinking.
However, with the right professional help, your detox experience can be the fresh start you need for lifelong sobriety.
Your Partner in Recovery
At Steps to Recovery in Levittown, PA, qualified medical professionals collaborate with you and your loved ones to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. We’ll customize a recovery program for optimal support every step of the way.
Our addiction treatment programs include:
- Addiction interventions
- Sober living programs
- Alcohol addiction rehab
- Meth addiction rehab
- Opiates addiction rehab
We encourage family therapy so that your loved ones can heal alongside you. Above all, know you’ll have advocates for your continued health at our facility.
Whether it’s alcohol or drugs you’re struggling with, let us help you heal. Only you have the power to overcome your addiction. Take the first step to recovery by calling us at 267.719.8528 today.