Do you find yourself asking, “Am I an alcoholic?” The transition from moderate drinking to an alcohol use disorder can be subtle, and many people become alcoholics far before they recognize it themselves. It’s never too late or too early to start taking your drinking seriously and enter an alcohol addiction treatment program.
Contact 781.412.1488 to speak to the addiction specialists at A Better State and start your path to sobriety today.
The Definition of an Alcoholic
An alcohol use disorder is typically defined as a chronic brain disease that results in uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol. This is the most basic alcoholic definition, but clinical professionals usually assess whether somebody has an alcohol use disorder with a much more in-depth approach.
Talking to an addiction treatment facility can help you answer, “Am I an alcoholic?” They can also recommend appropriate treatment, connect you with a team of therapeutic and psychiatric professionals, and teach you the skills you need to reach sobriety.
Signs of an Alcoholic and of Alcohol Abuse
Everyone experiences the effects of alcohol use disorder differently, but there are a few hallmark signs of an alcoholic to look out for. People with alcohol use disorder will often have the following symptoms:
- Cravings for alcohol
- Increased tolerance – it takes more alcohol for them to achieve the desired effects
- Withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop
- Continued drinking despite social, occupational, or personal consequences
- Spending an inordinate amount of time drinking, recovering from drinking, or planning their next drink
- An inability to stop drinking on their own
- Loss of interest in other hobbies or activities outside of drinking
While in their addiction, people with alcohol use disorder may experience significant personality changes. They may get upset when their drinking is questioned, lie to hide their drinking, or isolate themselves from others.
Getting Treatment for Alcoholism
Fortunately, alcohol treatment is remarkably effective. With targeted psychotherapies, medications, and treatment options that can help people overcome their cravings, most people who enter addiction treatment will be able to overcome their alcohol problems and achieve sobriety.
Medical Detox
Medical detox is often necessary for people recovering from severe alcohol use disorder. The withdrawal effects of alcohol can be deadly if left untreated, but medical intervention can prevent these deadly side effects and ensure safety in this difficult phase of recovery. Contacting an addiction treatment facility can help determine whether you need medical detox and point you toward options near you. Still, detox must be followed by addiction treatment services to achieve long-term sobriety.
Addiction Treatment Services
Addiction treatment is where people can learn to overcome alcohol use disorder for good. Several treatments have been proven to help people with an alcohol use disorder, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- 12-step facilitation
These treatments can be performed at an outpatient treatment facility, where you receive treatment during the day but get to sleep in your bed at night. Outpatient treatment is often the best choice for people with alcohol use disorder, particularly those with responsibilities and obligations that they cannot simply drop to enter a residential treatment facility.
Kick the Habit: Get Help Today at A Better State
A Better State offers several outpatient treatment options for people struggling with alcohol use disorder. Our team of multidisciplinary treatment providers delivers a range of treatments to help with alcoholism and co-occurring mental illness. We can show you the path to achieving long-term recovery.
Contact our team of addiction specialists at 781.412.1488 to learn more about how we use the principles of holistic health to help people overcome their alcoholism and start getting the treatment they need today.
