When Alcohol Use Becomes Alcohol Abuse

Drinking alcohol has been engrained in nearly every social activity in America. Friends toast champagne to a newly engaged couple, work happy hours are common, and craft beer production is booming. We are inundated with shows and movies depicting people casually drinking whenever we watch TV. Some people can drink alcohol in moderation, but for many others, alcohol consumption is difficult or impossible to control. Knowing the signs of alcoholism can help prevent people from developing more severe issues from the disease and find the treatment they need to overcome their addiction.

Warning Signs of Alcoholism

Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder can be challenging to detect due to its range of signs. Signs of alcoholism include: 

1. Drinking alone
2. Using alcohol as a coping skill to deal with stress or unpleasant emotions
3. Blacking out or experiencing issues with short-term memory
4. Isolating from friends and family
5. Displaying mood swings or irritability
6. Trying to limit how much you drink but being unable to do so
7. Spending a lot of time drinking, obtaining alcohol, or managing a hangover
8. Having strong urges or cravings to drink
9. Neglecting responsibilities at home or work due to excessive alcohol use
10. Losing interest in social life or hobbies
11. Needing more alcohol to obtain a buzz than before
12. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as being shaky and sweaty when not drinking

Questions to Ask Yourself

To better assist clients and families in identifying alcoholism, a questionnaire was developed. If this person answers yes to two or more of these questions, treatment is recommended.

• Do you feel you should limit your drinking?
• Have you felt annoyed by people criticizing your drinking?
• Do you feel remorseful about your drinking habits?
• Do you have a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or cure a hangover?

Treatment for Alcoholism at The Source

At The Source, you will receive compassionate treatment and a wealth of resources to help you recover from alcohol use disorder. According to a 2019 study done by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, roughly 95,000 people die annually from alcohol-related causes. Alcohol-related deaths are now the third leading preventable cause of death in the US. The Source recognizes that alcohol use disorder is often fueled by past traumas and underlying mental health conditions, so your treatment will be tailored to address those.

Upon arrival at our luxurious facility, you will complete a physical, nutritional, and psychological exam. Our treatment team will then work with you to develop a comprehensive plan for your stay with us. An important aspect of our approach entails helping you resolve trauma and learn new skills to use instead of alcohol. In addition to time-tested forms of therapy, at The Source, we also offer

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming (EMDR)
• Trauma Tension Releasing Exercises (TRE)
• Art and Music Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Psychoeducational Groups
• Individual, Group, and Family Therapy
• Brain Mapping
• Biofeedback and Sound Therapy
• Rapid Resolution Therapy

The Source offers different levels of care based on each client’s unique needs. Partial Hospitalization with Housing is a great place to begin your recovery after you have detoxed while living in our beautiful single-family residences. Our Intensive Outpatient Program is designed to help you overcome your addiction in a way that’s more conducive to your everyday life. Here you will receive instrumental support and dive deep into coping skills to help prevent relapse. The Outpatient Program consists of at least three hours a week of group therapy and one hour of individual therapy to reinforce what you’ve learned about relapse prevention and equip you with tools should a relapse occur. If you or a loved one would like more information on how The Source can assist you in your journey to recovery, please call us at (800) 204-0418 today.