Alcohol abuse develops over time as a response to the amount, type, and frequency of consumption. Yet, for many, alcohol use disorder can happen quickly, leading to health complications and dependence. When alcohol addiction occurs, professional treatment is often necessary to help a person stop drinking and start the recovery process. At Midwest Recovery Center, we provide this type of one-on-one support to those who need help.
Types of Alcohol Abuse
There are various ways alcohol abuse can start and lead to an alcohol use disorder. When this happens, it’s vital to find alcohol addiction treatment. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Consistent Use: A person who drinks alcohol consistently, even if they do not drink a lot or drink a milder form, such as wine, may develop an addiction over time. A beer a day, for example, after work, can lead to complications and dependence.
- Binge Drinking: Drinking four or more drinks as a woman or five or more drinks like a man in a short span of about two hours is also a high risk. Doing this just a couple of times a month can lead to alcohol addiction.
- Hard Use: Drinking beverages with a higher alcohol concentration can also lead to addiction and often faster. The body is forced to adjust to this high toxicity level.
- Limited Use: Some people are more likely to have a negative reaction to alcohol and quickly become addicted even if they do not drink consistently. This may be due to genetic makeup or other concerns with overall health.
What Happens in Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder occurs when a person reaches a stage where they are compulsively seeking alcohol. This may be daily, but it is not always like this. Alcohol addiction is defined as seeking out alcohol even while recognizing the dangers of consuming it. For many people, this leads to dependence. Dependence occurs when the body becomes reliant on alcohol and, when not present, withdrawal symptoms form. This often means a person cannot stop drinking alcohol without professional help and support to do so.
Tolerance is another key factor in the development of alcohol addiction. It occurs when a person needs to consume more often or a harder type of alcohol to get the same desired outcome. The body gets used to the amount consumed, leading to the need to use more.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Knowing that alcohol abuse can impact people in various ways, consider some of the most common signs of alcohol addiction:
- Trying to stop but not being able to.
- Experiencing headaches, pain, or irritability when not drinking or having gone some time without drinking.
- Feeling intense cravings when not drinking.
- Drinking more often and hiding alcohol consumption.
- Needing to drink to control stress, frustration, or mental health disorders.
What to Do Now About Alcohol Abuse
Our Midwest Recovery Center team can offer help for those who believe they have an alcohol addiction, are abusing alcohol, or may be developing alcohol use disorder. With a comprehensive treatment program designed to address your unique needs, our team will work with you to monitor cravings and withdrawal. You will also learn how to control symptoms, manage stress, and work through addiction prevention strategies to limit ongoing risk to your health. Some of our programs include:
- Men’s rehab center
- Women’s rehab center
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient treatment
- Medication-assisted therapy
Invest in Treatment Today – Call Midwest Recovery Center
Alcohol abuse of any type may have led you to a place where you need support. If alcoholism controls what you do and limits your health, relationships, and happiness, treatment can help. Our team at Midwest Recovery Center offers comprehensive support for alcohol addiction that can change the course of your future. Call us now at 833.627.0039 or reach out online for immediate help.
