Recognizing a problem with alcohol abuse in yourself or a member of your family is not always easy. As drinking alcohol is quite common in our social culture today, it is often difficult to identify the hidden signs that social drinking has risen up the chart to the dangerous territory.
What Is The Difference
Alcohol abuse is predominantly when a person is using alcohol to self medicate but they still have some form of control over their use of it. It is likely causing problems in their life but they have yet to form a full physical reliance for their ability to function, as is the case with alcoholism.
Become Aware Of The Hidden Signs As Early As Possible
As there is a distinction between alcohol abuse and alcoholism, it is of course best to become aware of the warning signs of abuse before it progresses any further. If you begin noticing that you or a loved one has begun turning to booze as a means of escaping difficulties in life or to self-medicate in order to feel better; then there is a problem. Early discovery can often enable the problem to be targeted and dealt with in a healthy manner, through necessary alcohol detox treatment or therapy, before it has a chance to escalate out of control. As we hide many feelings in our subconscious, this may be the warning sign that will help you realize there is an issue that needs to be addressed.
What Are The Signs Of Abuse?
One of the biggest signs to look out for with abuse is whether it seems to be creating problems in your life or in the life of a loved one. If drinking is causing issues in a relationship such as fights with a spouse or partner, then it has become a problem. Some of the other core signs of abuse include an individual using in dangerous circumstances such as while driving or operating machinery or embarking on daredevil antics or disorderly conduct. Neglecting responsibilities or commitments at home, school or work or drinking alcohol mixed with other drugs or prescription medications are also telltale signs of abuse. Even requiring the use at the end of the day in order to calm down and relax can be a sign that use is becoming problematic.
How Should You Address Abuse?
If you have done some soul searching and acknowledge that some of the hidden signs of abuse are present in your life, then you have already taken the first step. Once you have acknowledged that you have a problem, you are able to review the resources and treatments available to you. It is important to remember that it is best to get support from family, friends and professionals and not attempt to go it alone. If you become aware that a family member has an issue with abuse, it will be necessary to realize that you can’t force someone to stop abusing or to get help for his or her problem until they are ready to make that step themselves. You must also realize that you won’t be able to fix their problem. You can be there to support and love them but they will need the help of professionals to properly guide them through the path of treatment, recovery and rehabilitation once they take the step toward getting help.
Contact us today or call a trained detox specialist at 877-389-1135 to learn more.