How to Ask For Help for Alcoholism

When Is it Time to Ask for Help for Alcoholism?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol or continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems.” If substance abusers try to quit drinking and experience symptoms of withdrawal or if you can answer “yes” to two or more of the following questions, you may be alcohol dependent, and it might be time to seek help for alcoholism:

• You had times when you drank more or longer than you intended?
• More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking but couldn’t?
• Spent a lot of time drinking? 
• Have you experienced alcohol cravings?
• Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with your job, schooling, or taking care of your home or family?
• Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?
• Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you to drink?
• More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt?
• Continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious?
• Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want?
• When the effects of alcohol wore off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, or sweating. Or sensed things that were not there?

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at (877) 640-7820 to learn how we can help.

How to Start the Conversation About Alcohol Abuse

Suppose you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms, constant alcohol cravings, or other symptoms of dependency. In that case, it is time to speak with a therapist or other health professionals about finding and getting substance abuse treatment. Addressing alcohol dependence can be scary, so bringing it up with a trusted, accepting loved one or family member first can help. 

Be Honest About the Severity of Your Drinking

Denial is common when addressing the potential of alcohol abuse. However, there are four stages to alcoholism to better gauge your use. Stage one, experimentation, is the voluntary use of drugs or alcohol without negative consequences, and this is often a socially encouraged, one-time occurrence. Stage two is regular use. While most people can regularly consume substances without developing an addiction, this is where the slippery slope begins. The difference between stage two and stage three, high-risk use, is slim. High-risk use is the continued use of drugs or alcohol despite severe consequences, socially and legally. The final stage, addiction, is complete dependency on drugs and alcohol. 

Learn why alcohol makes people angry in our blog below:

Why Does Alcohol Make Some People Angry?

Find Someone You Trust to Help With Your Addiction to Alcohol

Starting a therapy program at a treatment center can be scary when done alone. While attaining addiction resources from medical professionals, a supportive, loving community can help the transition to treatment. You’re creating a support system by telling a trusted family member or friend about your experience, which is crucial to quitting drinking. 

Seek Professional Help for Alcoholism

If you start to feel like you’re drinking too much or drinking is affecting your life or the life of a loved one, it is best to reach out to your therapist or medical professional for alcohol addiction treatment. Connecting with a medical professional is the first step when looking for addiction treatment programs. Based off mental illness, alcohol abuse, and alcoholism, a professional can connect you with a fitting substance abuse treatment program. 

WhiteSands Alcohol Rehab and Detox

WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab is a drug and alcohol treatment center in Florida with a flexible-stay program. Regardless of how long you’ll stay, alcohol addiction treatment options include medical alcohol detox, inpatient treatment, and a day-night program that helps patients transition to outpatient treatments and continued intensive outpatient treatments. This treatment program will create the path for overcoming alcoholism through therapies and other healing practices.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.