Consuming alcohol is very popular in the United States, which blurs the line between “fun” and addiction. Unfortunately, while excessive drinking is common in the United States, only 7.3% of adults who abuse alcohol will receive some form of treatment.
This often leads to serious health complications, emergencies, and even death. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of death for adults in the US, and those who abuse it are the most at risk. If you believe that you’re suffering from alcohol addiction, here’s what you need to know.
There are key distinctions between a social drinker, a binge drinker, and an alcoholic. Some social and binge drinkers may drink to numb pain or escape their problems. This is known as self-medication, a very unhealthy and dangerous coping mechanism that can lead to serious mental and physical health problems.
The types of treatment for these behaviors are different from treatment for alcoholism. Someone who is self-medicating is not necessarily an alcoholic. Often, they have another mental illness that needs treatment, which professionals may treat with therapy and/or medication.
However, self-medicating, binge drinking, and even social drinking can lead to alcoholism. 1 in 6 adults binge drink, and 25% of them do so at least weekly. While there is limited research on the most likely people to develop alcoholism from these behaviors, genetics and environment certainly play a role.
Moreover, alcoholism is an addiction. Notably, a form of substance use disorder or SUD. Treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is similar to treatment for other drug addictions, including detox, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment to help maintain abstinence.
Lastly, it’s important to break down any common misconceptions about alcohol addiction. Substance use disorder (of any kind) knows no bounds of age, class, or identity. Even if you don’t fit the image in your mind of an alcoholic, that doesn’t mean you don’t need help. Let’s talk about the important identifiers.
Every person is different, and every person with AUD experiences it differently. However, there are common signs to look for. Understand that they won’t all apply to everybody, but if you notice a pattern, you likely suffer from alcohol addiction.
The list goes on, but these are strong indicators of alcohol dependence. If you exhibit one or more of these signs, you likely need help. Here’s how to find the right treatment plan for your needs.
Finding help is essential for alcohol addiction. Doing it alone is rarely successful and can lead to serious issues, including binge drinking. Binge drinking after quitting is especially dangerous, as your tolerance diminishes rapidly after detox, which often leads to alcohol poisoning.
Any treatment is better than no treatment at all. However, it’s best to position yourself for success the first time around. For this, you will need the help of recovery professionals in the right setting. Inpatient treatment is by far the most effective form of treatment for alcohol addiction.
Inpatient programs offer everything in an outpatient program but in a controlled, substance-free environment. You will have around-the-clock access to medical oversight, therapy services, and recreational activities. You can also dedicate time to learn from the experts about how to build a positive, enjoyable, sober life for yourself after your short stay.However, not everybody can make such a commitment, and that’s okay. Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial-hospitalization programs (PHP) are quite effective for treating alcohol addiction. But, again, any treatment is much better than none.
Alcohol addiction is a serious problem that poses serious health risks, as well as challenges on the road to recovery. However, it’s important to remember that you aren’t alone and that help is always available to those in need.
Keep reading our latest tips for a successful recovery, and don’t hesitate to reach out to verify your insurance or find the right program for your needs!