It is not always the case that an alcohol addict is easy to identify. Alcohol addicts are a diverse group of people and experts suggest that 20% of addicts are ‘high functioning’ – meaning that their lives are otherwise indistinguishable from the average person. Whilst the high functioning addict may not be as obvious in his or her addiction, the root problem is always the same – a physical dependency on alcohol and a mental compulsion to regularly drink in excess. Some of the common signs of an addiction include:
- Consuming alcohol to feel relaxed, confident and normal.
- Continued consumption, even when one’s health deteriorates.
- Withdrawal symptoms when consumption stops.
- Requiring an increasing amount for the same effect.
The Consequences Of Alcohol Addiction.
Abusing alcohol has serious health consequences. People associate alcohol addiction with liver problems such as cirrhosis, but they might not be aware of the other dangerous health conditions it can cause – the rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia increase dramatically among addicts. Even the act of quitting alcohol itself can have major side effects – alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a serious condition and can lead to a life threatening hospitalization.
Abstinence Is The Key.
Abstinence is the final goal for any alcohol addiction treatment program. The road towards this end goal can vary in the details, but there are common themes between the different approaches. It always begins with the addict accepting that he or she has a problem, only then can the treatment begin. Following acceptance is a process of detoxification, rehabilitation and finally achieving and maintaining abstinence.
The rehabilitation process often takes the form of a counseling service which continues even after abstinence has been achieved. Here at Thriveworks Peachtree City Counseling we offer a holistic counseling process tailored to the individual client. Give us a call now and we will help guide you through the process of recovery.
