Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the United States. Because it is legal, it can be readily purchased from your local liquor store or even a convenience store. It is also a substance that can make someone slowly become addicted to it. Further, alcohol consumption is portrayed in our culture as fun and normal and even necessary to have a good time. Now, most people can responsibly drink alcohol without becoming an alcoholic and becoming addicted. However, there are some people that become addicted to it. These are the people that need help to stop drinking alcohol. Nearly 16 million people suffer from some type of alcohol abuse in the United States. Alcohol abuse can easily destroy one’s life and do irreparable damage to friends, families, and careers. However, if approached the correct way and with the right professional addiction team in place, there can be light at the end of the tunnel for people who are abusing alcohol.
When someone has a problem with the use and abuse of alcohol, it is much more than just drinking too much every once in a while. Although binge drinking has its own problems and consequences, when you are talking about Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), this is a very serious condition with very serious and life-threatening consequences. AUD is a condition that one would be diagnosed if there was an over-consumption of alcohol on a regular basis. The signs and symptoms of AUD could include the following:
- Compulsive alcohol use
- Uncontrollable drinking of alcohol
- Erratic and depressive mood when not drinking
Drinking alcohol at this level actually physically modifies the chemical structure of the brain which can cause someone to lose all sense of reality over their condition and the effects it is happening on their lives and the lives of their friends and family. If you have approached a loved one that just cannot stop drinking alcohol no matter what and they reject all offers of help, you may need to engage in what is called an intervention.
An intervention is when you and friends and family and even co-workers confront the alcoholic when all over offers of help go unheeded. An intervention can be very difficult to all involved. Therefore, engaging the support and help of a professional who specializes in creating, planning and implementing interventions would be a great way to start the process. The process of the intervention is to create a sense of urgency in the person who cannot stop drinking alcohol when faced with specific stories from friends and family members as to how the AUD has affected everyone. It is with this confrontation, one coming from a place of support and no judgment, that hopefully convinces the alcoholic to seek professional treatment to help stop drinking alcohol.
Although the road to recovery from alcoholism can be quite difficult, you do not need to go it alone. There are addiction professionals out there to walk you through this traumatic time in your life.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
