Are you an alcoholic? It is a term that is no longer used in medical circles, but it is often used in day to day conversations. Someone may tell you that you are an alcoholic because they see you drinking alcohol on a consistent basis. Yet, there’s much more that goes into the definition of alcoholism, known as alcohol use disorder. If you’ve been told that you’re an alcoholic, use that as a stepping stone to getting help for yourself.
At Addiction Recovery Centers, we provide the resources you need to recover from alcohol addiction. No matter how severe your situation is right now, our team can help you reclaim your life and move forward with confidence.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that is diagnosed in individuals who have an inability to stop or control the amount of alcohol they consume. They recognize that continuing to use alcohol will lead to adverse outcomes, including those that impact their health, occupation, and social life. Yet, they continue to do so.
The condition can range from mild to moderate and sometimes severe. When it occurs, it creates lasting changes in the brain. Alcohol misuse on a consistent basis causes these changes to happen. When it does, the brain struggles to stop using alcohol and craves it. That is why you often feel the need to seek out alcohol on a consistent basis.
How Can You Overcome It?
When alcohol use disorder occurs, it can seem like an impossible way forward. How can you ever get the cravings to stop? The good news is that you can. No matter the severity of the addiction, through the use of proper treatment and modern methods of evidence-based treatment, you can overcome addiction to alcohol and allow your body to heal as much of the damage as possible.
Know that you are not alone in this addiction. According to a national survey, about 14.1 million U.S. adults over the age of 18 have alcohol use disorder in 2019. Many of these people do not know how or do not feel they can reach out for help. You do not have to be a statistic. We can help you.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Help for Addiction?
Alcohol seems like a benign problem, especially since it seems so socially acceptable to use. Yet, there are consequences that come from consistent use. When dependence forms, you may find it nearly impossible to stop using. Your body and brain will fight you in getting access to more alcohol. You may feel like it is impossible to stop.
Over time, the damage to your brain and physical health increases. You may lose some cognitive function. Many people develop memory problems or are unable to hold conversations properly. Over time, your heart, liver, kidneys, and other organs are impacted by use as well. You are also at risk for overdose.
What Can Be Done to Help You?
If you’ve been called an alcoholic, don’t let that defeat you. Alcohol addiction treatment typically involves a number of steps. This starts with, often, alcohol detox to rid your body of the toxins and force your brain to start functioning normally without the substance present. From there, you’ll work closely with your therapist to overcome the challenges that brought you to this point. A number of different therapies are available to help you work through your addiction.
How We Can Help You
At Addiction Recovery Centers, our team will provide a full assessment to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. We will then work closely with you to create an individualized treatment plan. Some of our clients begin that treatment in a medical detox, so they do not feel the impact of withdrawal, and any health complications can be addressed quickly.
You’ll then have the ability to enroll in residential treatment or outpatient care, depending on what’s right for your needs. Through the use of therapy, medications, and constant support, you’ll be able to start on the path toward recovery. That could be a life-saving decision for you. No matter where you are right now that you are feeling alone, call our team to start the recovery process.