What’s it like to be an alcoholic?

Alcohol abuse can and will quickly turn into a life-threatening issue. Addiction is now known to be a disease that can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, or race. It’s an unfortunate problem that causes distress and suffering for millions of families a year. There may be multiple reasons why you or someone you care about decided to start drinking. Boredom, peer pressure, stress, anxiety, and physical pain are just a few factors that come into play when a person begins turning to alcohol for relief. And while not everyone who uses alcohol becomes an addict, it is a slippery slope that you don’t want to mess with.

If you have ever wondered what it is like to be an alcoholic, look no further. Read on to learn more about how alcoholics feel on a daily basis.

What does it feel like to be an alcoholic?

While everyone has a different experience, many alcoholics can agree on a number of feelings. It is a shared understanding that often brings about camaraderie in a group. What’s it like to be an alcoholic? Check out the following thoughts:

Alcoholics often wake up feeling guilty and ashamed over what happened the day or night before. They may wake up in a panic because they don’t remember what they did. They may also feel embarrassed because they DO remember what happened, and it wasn’t something they wish to remember!

Alcoholics often feel like they have to get through the day no matter what, even though they feel worthless, empty, and low. A functioning alcohol knows that they have to get up and act as if everything is okay. They have to go to work or school, take care of family, and knock all of the chores off of their to-do list-all with a smile.

Alcoholics often hide their anxiety and depression. They also have to often hide physical withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, nausea, vomiting, and trembling. They may know they are hungover or going through withdrawals, but they have to make up a story to hide this fact.

Alcoholics are always thinking about when they are going to get their next drink. They know that they should stay sober, but they also know deep down that it isn’t going to happen. They have to plan on how and where they are going to drink as well as how they can hide it.

Alcoholics often worry about getting rid of the evidence. Are there cases of empty beer bottles or liquor bottles that need to be disposed of? It can be stressful having to worry that people will see the physical evidence of the problem.

Alcoholics often have no appetite. They worry about their health, especially their liver. They don’t sleep well, even after they finally pass out from all of the alcohol. Disturbed sleep is normal when you have been drinking. They end up waking up hours later, faced with the beginning of a hangover.

Alcoholics worry about their job and family. They worry about what will happen if people find out how much they really drink every week. They also worry about the amount of money they spend on alcohol.

Unfortunately, there is much more that we could add to this list. Alcoholics face challenges every single day of their lives. Getting professional help for their addiction is the only way to take charge and get sober. Otherwise, the cycle repeats itself over and over until it is simply too late.

Accepting the need for help

Many alcoholics are well aware that they need help. Unfortunately, they are simply not ready to give up their favorite substance, or they may be wary about going into rehab. They may also feel that they do not have the willpower to get sober. The most important step an alcoholic can take is to finally realize that they have a problem and that they cannot go at it alone. The journey to recovery starts the day an alcoholic admits that they need professional help to kick the habit. Once they are ready to turn their lives over to addiction specialists, the real work can begin.

We know how hard it can be to take these difficult matters into your own hands. That’s why we are ready to take care of you every step of the way. When you are ready to learn about the process of drug and alcohol recovery, call us today at 772-266-5320. You can also stop by the center if you would like to talk to a representative.

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Essentials mission is to renew lives impacted by addiction through personalized and complete behavioral healthcare. Our main purpose is to provide services and education to the client and family that will support long lasting recovery of mind, body, and spirit.