Alcohol is a readily available substance that is accepted on a global level. In some cultures, binge drinking is a socially accepted activity that sparks competition between peers about who can drink more. For some, however, it may just start off as a cocktail or two on Friday after school or work with a few friends, but for others, it can lead to a dark road of addiction.
Alcohol is a legal substance, which is why many people overlook its harmful and addictive properties. However, alcohol dependence can lead to a life of misery. With such a significant increase in drinking, more studies have been funded on how to treat alcohol dependence. If you feel that alcohol has taken complete control of your life, you should read on to learn more about your options.
Alcohol Abuse Vs. Alcohol Dependence
Individuals who abuse alcohol frequently may become psychologically or physically dependent on the substance. If you are one of these people, you could benefit from treatment geared toward alcoholism recovery. A binge drinker, on the other hand, can be fine for weeks or months without a sip of alcohol, but when they get that first taste, they cannot stop themselves from drinking too much. Abuse of this magnitude may lead to adverse consequences, which include health, social, or legal issues.
Alcohol dependency is much different from what you might be imagining, and someone with alcohol use disorder (AUD) will experience intense cravings that cloud their daily thinking. These individuals can’t focus at school or work and will likely deal with physical or psychological withdrawal as a result of no alcohol. When you pair withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings, it will push chronic users to consume the substance at inappropriate times, such as before school or work.
A person addicted to alcohol requires substantial amounts to experience intoxication. As their tolerance continues to increase due to constant use, they typically can’t regulate intake. One drink may turn to four or five, which can have severe consequences. Someone with limited funds may ignore their body and purchase alcohol over food or ignore obligations, such as paying rent. Those with high incomes will forget to pay rent, miss social gatherings, or drink while driving.
Overcoming Alcohol Dependence
It’s a long and choppy road when it comes to overcoming alcohol dependence. For some, the task may feel impossible, but anything is possible with the right help. If you want to stop drinking, and you’re willing to acquire the support necessary, you will overcome it with time.
Not everyone has to hit rock bottom to make this decision. If you want to stop drinking or cut back, we want to help.
One way you must start thinking about the end of drinking is by evaluating the pros and cons of alcohol, such as the cost. Is it worth the extreme price you pay each day? While some advantages may be that you forget about your problems, experience joy, or otherwise relax after a stressful day, is it possible that your relationships improve by stopping? Would you feel better, physically and mentally?
If you find that it causes more harm than good, you should start setting goals and prepare for the change moving forward. From this point on, you should begin to decide how you want to implement these goals.
The first option you should think about is entering treatment.
If you consume alcohol in excess, you are at risk for severe alcohol withdrawal, which may cause deadly symptoms. After you finish detox, you must speak with a medical professional about your life after alcohol.
