There are moments in life that we don’t really notice when they happen. For example, when drinking stops being an occasional indulgence and becomes a problem. It’s often not until much later, when the problem has become a life-altering disease known as addiction, that we realize what has happened. At Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC), we hear many such stories from clients when they enter our alcohol detox center in Pennsylvania. Their stories are unique in the details yet all-too-familiar when taken on a whole.
If you are concerned about your binge drinking or other manifestations of problem drinking, alcohol dependence, and addiction, reach out today. PAATC can help you find solutions. Call us at 844.442.8673 or use our online form.
Binge Drinking and Other Warning Signs
Have you or a loved one turned the corner from moderate drinker and become first tolerant, then dependent, and finally addicted to alcohol? Do you know how to be sure if this has happened?
Some signs that can tell you when drinking becomes a problem are:
Binge drinking
When someone who drinks socially on weekends with no more than two drinks, maybe three depending on their size, weight, and gender, begins drinking every day, or begins to binge drink, drinking has become a problem. Binging typically involves six to a dozen drinks in one day. A binge drinker is no longer considered a moderate drinker and is building up a tolerance to alcohol, which is the first stage of alcohol addiction.
Alcohol as a life guide
When alcohol — getting it, making time for it, hiding its effects and signs, and recovering from it — is the thing that gives shape to your days, drinking has become a problem. Many people with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) decline invitations, plan work days and work events, drop hobbies, and neglect priorities, all because they need to be sure they can drink as much as they need to in order to avoid withdrawal.
Lack of control
If you or someone you know loses time, behaves in ways that shock or embarrass them the next day, or cannot recall what happened, they are losing control of their drinking. Eventually, they may realize there is a problem and swear to quit. If they cannot, despite warning signs, they have little to no control over what has become an addiction. Addiction takes the choice out of drinking.
Withdrawal begins if alcohol is withheld
Someone with an AUD will experience signs of withdrawal when they no longer have access to alcohol, either by choice or circumstance. Withdrawal is potentially dangerous. It can be eased with treatment or by drinking again. At this point, a choice needs to be made.
What You Can Do When Drinking Becomes a Problem
There is reason to hope. It’s true that addiction is a chronic disease, but it can be managed throughout life so that you can live a fulfilling, meaningful, sober life, achieve your goals, and find peace and contentment.
If you’re seeking a solution to addiction, the safest approach is professional medical detox and rehab under the care of experienced, licensed professionals. Some of the proven treatments for those with an AUD include:
Medical Detox
As mentioned above, medically managed detox makes sense. Doctors will administer medications that ease your symptoms until you are ready to move on to rehab.
Evidence-Based Therapies
This includes psychotherapeutic treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) that help you shift your thinking and outlook in order to create changes in your behavior.
Peer Support Groups
Support by peers going through the same challenges with alcohol that you are is proven to improve recovery outcomes.
Spiritual and Mindful Living
Whether by seeking help from God or finding an inner peace and balance through mindfulness, turning to a higher power of some kind has been shown to help people in recovery achieve their goals.
PAATC Can Help with Your Addiction Recovery
Are you ready to make a change and leave the problem of drinking in your past? Professional rehab will help you onto that road of recovery.
Contact PAATC to learn more about alcohol use disorders, binge drinking, and alcohol addiction treatment. Our compassionate, knowledgeable staff is ready to help you and answer any questions you have. Reach out by calling us at 844.442.8673 or filling out our online form. PAATC is here for you when drinking has become a problem.
