The Serenity Recovery Center not only aims to help people in Memphis and the Mid-South receive treatment for alcohol addiction, but also to help the families and friends of those in need of alcohol rehab. If you feel a loved one might be an alcoholic in need of treatment but aren’t sure of the severity or the existence of the problem, it’s best to learn a few of the warning signs of alcoholism.
It’s Different for Everyone
One of the first things to bear in mind with alcoholism and alcohol abuse is that the outward signs of addiction aren’t the same for everyone. Some can drink and function at work at the same time, others drink every day and there are cases of alcoholics who only drink on the weekend. With this in mind, know that there are a number of specific indications that your loved one may need alcohol rehab.
Unable to Control the Amount of Alcohol They Consume
Those who suspect they might have a problem with alcohol may seek to limit the amount or days they drink. One of the main signs of alcoholism is the individual simply cannot stick to his or her limitations or promises, which often leads to uncontrollable behavior and actions as well as the need for treatment.
Drinking More Than Usual
Usually, alcoholics drink to alter their state of mind, a form of a mental escape. Over the years of drinking, their bodies usually adjust to the amount of alcohol consumed, which means the individual needs more to reach a certain mood or feeling. A friend or family member might need alcohol rehab if you notice he or she is drinking more than usual. Someone having an occasional extra beer or glass of wine before stopping is one thing, but having increasingly extra beers or liquor for becoming intoxicated is another matter and one of the signs of alcoholism.
Drinking as an Emotional Response
There are healthy ways to celebrate and cope with negative emotions. Your loved one might need alcoholics treatment if he or she seems fixated on drinking after an argument, a stressful day or even during a celebration. It should be pointed out that a drink or two after a long workweek or while spending time with friends or family isn’t cause to think a person needs alcohol rehab. It’s when the desire to drink becomes almost like an obsession or a knee-jerk response to positive or negative feelings that a person might show signs of alcoholism.
Problems With the Law
Getting a DWI or a DUI aren’t the only indications that your friend or family member might have a problem with alcohol. Actions that often require legal intervention, such as domestic assault or violent outbursts, are additional indications that a person may need alcoholics treatment. A person suffering from alcoholism might also steal or engage in either risky or out-of-character behavior.
Self-Isolation
Alcohol treatment may be necessary for someone who keeps a drinking habit a secret or chooses to isolate himself or herself from friends and family to drink. One of the signs of alcoholism is that the person keeps the drinking a secret because she or he feels a sense of guilt or embarrassment about overindulgence. If you’ve noticed a friend or loved one seems withdrawn and has a history of alcoholism, you may want to bring up the topic of treatment.
Signs of Withdrawal
An alcoholic might choose self-treatment and suddenly stop drinking. While this is an admirable effort, it’s not a substitute for alcohol rehab. Just as there are signs of alcoholism, there are also signs of alcohol withdrawal. Those signs include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Vomiting
- Sweating
It’s possible that the person displaying these symptoms is merely sick, but with extreme cases of both sickness and withdrawal, it’s best to take the person to the hospital to receive proper care. After receiving physical treatment, your loved one might require alcoholics treatment.
If you have a loved one displaying any of the above symptoms, the Serenity Recovery Center is here to provide alcohol rehab in a safe, uplifting and empowering environment in the Mid-South and Memphis area. While you might be afraid or hesitant about suggesting rehab, doing so could save a life as well as several relationships.
