Alcohol Addiction Rehab in Prescott

How Common is Alcohol Addiction?

• 25.8% of people aged 18 and older reported binge drinking in the past month
• Studies report that 1 in 8 children lived with at least one parent who had a past year substance use disorder (alcohol or drugs)
  • About 1 in 10 children (7.5 million) lived in households with at least one parent who had a past year alcohol use disorder

Defining Alcoholism: What You Need to Know

Also known as alcohol use disorder, alcoholism is a medical condition characterized by the compulsive desire to drink despite a range of negative consequences. Physical dependence and tolerance are almost always present in someone with the disease.

Alcohol dependence occurs when your body adapts as a result of long-term exposure to the substance, resulting in withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, cravings, tremors, and sweating when you can’t get a drink. If these withdrawal symptoms are severe enough, it may be necessary to attend a detox center. Tolerance is when you need to drink increasing amounts to achieve the same effects.

Alcohol use disorder is dangerous and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Drinking too much on a long-term basis can result in gastrointestinal disease, liver disease, and renal failure, and it increases your risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Recognizing the Signs of Alcoholism

Whether you’re concerned about yourself or someone close to you, knowing the signs of substance abuse can help identify if someone has a problem. While each person experiences alcohol use disorder uniquely, there are some common signs to look out for regarding one’s physical and mental health.

Here are several questions you can ask yourself or think about with regards to someone you’re concerned about that could indicate something is wrong:

• Does your social life revolve around alcohol?
• Do you always continue to drink once you get home?
• Have you ever woken up and had a drink first thing?
• Are you drinking because it’s the primary way you relieve stress or unwind?
• Does it take a lot to get you drunk?
• Does your personality change when you’re intoxicated?
• When you’re not drinking, do you find yourself getting irritable?
• Are there times where you say you’re not going to drink but end up doing it?
• Will you drink any alcohol you can get your hands on?
• Have you experienced family, social, work, financial, or legal problems from drinking?
• Is alcohol your financial priority?
• Does your family have a history of drinking?

Identifying Symptoms of Alcoholism

Alcohol is toxic in high quantities, and it causes those who regularly consume too much of it a range of physical, psychological, and behavioral issues.

Some of these include:

• Frequent sweating
• Shaking in the morning
• Diarrhea
• Constantly craving alcohol
• Choosing alcohol over your responsibilities
• Drinking until blackouts
• Losing your job or no longer performing at your usual standard
• Losing your job or no longer performing at your usual standard
• Frequently arguing with people close to you
• Not being able to limit how much you drink
• Needing more and more alcohol to get drunk
• Smelling of alcohol during the day, even if you haven't had a drink yet
• Becoming secretive about drinking
• Lying about your drinking habits
• Either being drunk or recovering from drinking at all times

Understanding the Genetic Factors of Alcoholism

Scientists are still working to determine the exact causes of alcoholism. While genetics play a key role in the condition, there is a complex mixture of environmental, social, and psychological factors that also come into play. The leading genetic indicator of the disease is an impulsive, sensation-seeking personality, although not everyone with this trait becomes an alcoholic. Exposure to addictive substances at a young age, trauma, and mental illness are also key risk factors.

Alcoholism as a Disease: What You Should Know

Yes, alcoholism is a disease. However, over time we have developed highly effective methods of faith-based treatment that vary from person to person. It’s important for the individual and their loved ones to be able to separate the person from the disease to avoid unhelpful feelings, like fault and blame. Such emotional responses can slow down the healing process. Seeking individual and group therapy treatment at a Christian drug rehab that helps to heal your mind, body, and spirit is the best foundation for long-term addiction recovery.

Take Action: Contact Our Prescott Alcohol Rehab Center Today

If you or a loved one is suffering as a result of an alcohol use disorder, call our Prescott alcohol rehab center to speak to one of our addiction professionals about how we can help you to get better. We treat substance abuse and heal trauma. Whether you have been in and out of centers, or this is your first time finding hope, we are here for you.

Call (800) 680-7738 or contact us online today to learn more. Let us handle the details so you can focus on the help you need.