If you ask anyone if alcohol is a drug, chances are many will say no. But alcohol is a drug. Because of its availability, alcohol is the most abused drug in the world. Long term use of alcohol leads to alcohol addiction or dependence. Once someone gets addicted to alcohol, quitting can be difficult. Luckily, attending a reputable alcohol addiction treatment program will help the patient recover.
Alcohol can be very harmful when taking in large quantities. Although some people seem to not have an issue with drinking, many find that it is used as an escape or self-medication.
The Effects of Consuming Alcohol
Alcohol is a drug and is best shown by observing the effects of consuming it.
When an individual consumes alcohol, they may experience the following:
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Lowered inhibitions
- Memory loss, vomiting, and blurred vision
- Mood and behavior changes
- Feeling more relaxed or anxious depending on the individual’s mood
Alcohol is a depressant that affects the brain and the central nervous system. This interferes with various functions of the body such as coordination. Long term alcohol abuse may lead to an alcohol use disorder and many alcohol-related health issues. However, most people may not know if they have an alcohol use disorder because they are habitual drinkers.
How to Know if You Are an Alcoholic
There is no clear-cut criterion of how an alcoholic behaves. In most cases, people suffering from alcohol addiction don’t even realize that it is a problem. The first thing you can check for is withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. Withdrawal symptoms are the clearest indication that one is an alcoholic. These symptoms may include trembling, feeling anxious, sweating, seizures, hallucinations, and difficulty sleeping.
The second indicator is the inability to stop drinking once you’ve begun. This is also followed by drinking more than you had planned. Another indicator is finding it difficult to cut down or stop drinking even when someone points out that it’s a problem. Avoiding friends and family to go drinking is also a sign that you may have an alcohol use disorder. Additionally, engaging in risky behavior when drunk and doing anything to drink proves you’re struggling with alcohol abuse.
Long term use of alcohol has more severe effects on the body such as liver cirrhosis and stomach cancer. Treating alcohol addiction is a lifelong process that often requires a lot of commitment from the patient. If alcohol abuse is coupled with drug problems, a drug rehab program can help.
Can Alcohol Cause Death?
Another common question is the fatality of alcohol use. Most people ask whether alcohol misuse can cause death. Alcohol can cause death even when taken responsibly. The drink impairs one’s judgment and may expose them to life-threatening risks. In the United States, alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death. This is because alcohol causes approximately 88,000 people deaths each year.
Alcohol Rehab at Midwest Recovery Center
The treatment programs for alcohol addiction we offer include:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP): This program is great for patients who don’t need round the clock care. It is very comprehensive and combines counseling and medical care.
- Alcohol addiction treatment program: Alcohol rehab focuses on helping patients who are recovering from alcohol addiction. Helps patients manage withdrawal symptoms and provides further medical support to aid the patient in the recovery process.
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP): This addresses the needs of patients who can’t leave their family, school, or work to pursue addiction recovery.
- Community housing: This type of residence provides a living space free from addiction triggers.
Get Alcohol Addiction Help Today
Alcohol is a drug that requires the right channels of treatment. Joining the alcohol addiction treatment program at Midwest Recovery Center is one of the best ways to begin the lifelong process of recovery. Don’t let anything stop you from getting the help you or your loved one need. Contact us today by calling [Direct] and let us help you.
