Sue hates her job but feels like she can’t quit. She’s always had a glass of wine with dinner and now finds herself drinking most of the bottle. Her boss notices her arriving to work later and later. She seems to care less about her appearance even when she has meetings with clients and leaves early most days. Sue’s family is concerned, but Sue doesn’t seem to think there is a problem. She has headaches in the mornings and often forgets things, but she thinks she’s managing everything just fine.
Have you or a loved one been in this situation? Are you unsure of how to fix it? The exceptional counselors at Thriveworks Mt. Pleasant understand and are here to help.
What is Alcoholism?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly known as alcoholism, is due to uncontrolled alcohol consumption and that consumption causes harm. It usually involves discussing alcohol often and finding excuses to obtain it, drinking more to feel the same effect, and having withdrawal symptoms if you rapidly decrease intake. It tends to affect safety, physical health, emotional health, relationships and disrupts daily activities of living and quality of life. Even if this problem is just beginning, the therapists and counselors at Thriveworks Mt. Pleasant are here to help you develop goals to work towards recovery. Start receiving help today by calling 843-606-6223 and making an appointment with a counselor.
Why do some people develop Alcoholism?
Alcohol is present at most events, gatherings, and activities you attend. So why do some people develop alcohol use disorder while others do not? Risk factors often include:
- Drinking at a young age that continues
- Self-medicating of psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, poor impulse control, addictive personality
- Genetics, specifically if there is a family history of alcoholism
- Easy access to alcohol in your environment
- Culture, society, and media focused on alcohol consumption
Many of these risk factors enhance the development of alcoholism for certain individuals. It has been shown to change brain function and many people seek to repeat what they perceive to be positive effects and happiness as the result of consuming alcohol.
How do I know if I have an Alcohol Use Disorder?
Medical professionals diagnose an individual with alcoholism when they answer “yes” to two or more of the questions below.
In the past year, have you:
- Had more to drink, or drank longer, than you intended?
- More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but weren’t able to?
- Spent an excessive amount of time drinking or recovering from drinking too much?
- Experienced strong cravings to drink?
- Found that drinking, or the negative health effects of drinking, often interfered with your family life, relationships, job, or school?
- Continued to drink despite these negative effects?
- Chose to give up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you in order to drink?
- More than once been in a dangerous situation while or after drinking?
- Continued to drink despite it making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem?
- Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want?
- Experienced withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, dysphoria, depression, restlessness, nausea, or sweating? Experienced fevers, seizures, or hallucinations?
If you answered yes to a combination of the questions above or are experiencing any of the physical symptoms described, it’s time to seek help. The more symptoms you have, the more serious the problem. Contact Thriveworks Mt. Pleasant at (843) 606-6223 to schedule an appointment today.
What are some of the risks if left untreated?
The short term effects more often involve safety concerns including aggressiveness, risk of trauma or harming others, legal problems, financial problems, sexual risk or assault, or involvement of other illegal substances.
Long-term physical effects untreated alcoholism can include:
- Heart: high blood pressure, heart rhythm irregularities, enlarged heart
- Stomach: absorption issues of essential nutrients, vitamins and food, inflammation, ulcers, pancreatitis
- Liver: inflammation, replacement of healthy tissue with fat, and permanent scarring or cirrhosis
- Neurologic: tingling/numbness of hands and feet, short term memory loss, dementia
- Medications: interactions with medications, especially if diabetic can lead to severely low blood glucose
- Immune system: weakened leading to higher risk of infections
- Bones: risk of development of osteoporosis (weak bones)
- Risk of cancer
- Birth defects: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Menstruation changes (females) and sexual dysfunction (males)
Alcohol Therapy and Counseling
Thriveworks Mt. Pleasant knows there are many different approaches to alcohol therapy. The most important first step is accepting and acknowledging the addiction. The next is reducing consumption or detoxification. This may require additional medical provider support and guidance. The last is beginning to work towards changing behaviors and treating underlying disorders or traumas on the path towards rehabilitation. Thriveworks Mt. Pleasant’s exceptional therapists and counselors will provide a supportive, calming, and restorative environment.
We are conveniently located adjacent to the Queensborough Shopping Center at 1131 Queensborough Blvd., #100 just across the bridge from Charleston in Mt. Pleasant. Call to schedule your appointment with a Thriveworks therapist today. Our phone number is 843-606-6223.
