Recovery from alcohol abuse is a road that can be long and difficult. However, it is one that is completely necessary when you are experiencing a drinking problem. Addiction is now known to be a disease that is in the same ballpark as any other physical disease. Rehab is an important part of recovery, but you may not think you need it just yet because you know it could get worse. If you are considering giving up alcohol because you are worried about the future, it is time to take your health into your own hands.
However, you may have some questions concerning your use of alcohol. If it can still get worse, does that mean I don’t have to stop drinking yet? If you have asked yourself this question, then you need to read on to learn more about the subject at hand. Let’s take a look at why rehab is important no matter what stage you are at.
Rock Bottom- A Myth or the Truth?
One of the biggest, and most damaging, myths out there is that you have to hit rock bottom with your drinking before you get professional help. Think about it. How many times have you seen a movie or television series that shows an individual at their very worst right before they accept help? They often show a staggering, homeless alcoholic who has lost everything before they accept that they have a problem. You may think that in order to really need rehab you must be at the lowest stage of your life. This may mean being jobless and homeless in some cases.
But this certainly isn’t true or even necessary. You may be what is known as a “functioning alcoholic.” A functioning alcoholic may not even appear to have a problem with alcohol. Many keep their jobs with no problem, even stressful ones. Functioning alcoholics get up every single day and keep up with their daily responsibilities as well as anyone else. Unfortunately, there is still a problem when it comes to their consumption of alcohol.
You might think that you have plenty of time to get help for your drinking problem. You don’t think it is even that bad yet. But the truth is, you’re probably worse than you think you are. It doesn’t have to get as bad as it can be before you accept the fact that you need help.
Am I an Alcoholic?
It’s often hard to know whether you have a problem with alcohol or if you have a healthy relationship with it. While there are many signs that help detect potential abuse, some of them are harder to identify. Mild alcohol abuse is often overlooked, especially if the addict is hiding their drinking from their loved ones. This can turn into a dangerous situation over time, so it is important to recognize the signs and act on them accordingly. Finding treatment for your problem sooner than later will help you in the long run.
Common Signs of Abuse:
• Hiding alcohol use
• Drinking to deal with stress
• Experiencing short-term memory loss
• Being irritable and angry when someone brings up the problem
• Experiencing extreme mood swings
• Hanging out with other users
• Isolating from family and friends who don’t drink
• Having strong cravings for alcohol
• Not knowing when to stop drinking
• Experiencing the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal when you aren’t drinking
• Avoiding responsibilities at work, school, or home
• Spending too much money on alcohol
When to talk to a doctor
Even if you think your drinking isn’t that bad, it is important to talk to your doctor about the problem. You can also seek help from your local rehab or support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Remember, you may be in denial concerning your drinking problem. It’s often hard to look at ourselves in an objective manner. If your friends or family have expressed concern regarding your drinking, listen to them. It’s time to get help for the problem before it gets worse.
Do you or a loved one need help?
It’s common to believe that you don’t need help with your alcohol use, especially if you are still taking care of your responsibilities every day. If your loved one is the one with the problem, an intervention may be the next step. We can also help get you or your loved one into our rehab center as soon as possible. Give us a call at 772-266-5320 to find out how we can get you or someone you know help today.
