7 Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction in Texas
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol addiction or dependence, is a problem that could affect as many as 7% of all adult drinkers. The biggest challenge for alcohol addiction treatment providers is identifying those who need help at the earliest stages of addiction. What should be understood is that treatment is most successful when it is implemented as early as possible. The longer an alcohol addict waits to seek treatment, the harder the processes.
On a more positive note, there are very definite signs and symptoms that make it possible to recognize alcohol addiction. A person exhibiting one or more of these symptoms is a candidate for some sort of intervention. Someone who exhibits all of them is likely addicted to alcohol.
1. Loss of Control When Drinking
Despite what an alcoholic may claim, an addiction to alcohol gradually reduces the individual's ability to control how much, or how often, he or she drinks. The loss of control starts out gradually but then increases as time goes on. Eventually, the alcoholic simply cannot stop him/herself from drinking. Alcohol consumption becomes the controlling factor in daily life.
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2. Worries over Alcohol Availability
As alcoholism slowly takes root in a person's life, that person will become increasingly worried about his or her access to alcohol. For example, the individual will make a point of asking whether alcohol will be served at family functions. He or she will bring alcohol to a gathering where it will not be offered. The alcoholic will eventually get to a point of having to always have the drug within reach throughout the day.
3. Secrecy Relating to Drinking Habits
Alcohol addiction creates guilt and shame in the minds of most addicts. Therefore, it is only a matter of time before the alcoholic starts trying to hide his or her behavior by drinking alone. This is often accompanied by the person hiding alcohol in various places around the home and, in some cases, even at work.
4. Gradual Withdrawal and Isolation
The guilt and shame of alcohol addiction also manifests itself in a gradual withdrawal and isolation. This process may start with the alcoholic declining to participate in family activities or group activities with friends. The individual will also begin exhibiting a preference to stay home rather than go out, and may eventually get to a place where he or she is completely isolated from all others.
5. Increased Risk-Taking
Because alcoholics are controlled by their drink, they tend to become risk takers the more advanced their condition becomes. This manifests itself in several ways. First, the alcoholic will be willing to take greater risks to procure his or her drink – even if that means engaging in criminal or socially unacceptable behavior. Second, the alcoholic will be more willing to take risks while drinking. This includes drunk driving and other dangerous activities.
6. Increased Defensiveness and Denial
When friends and family members approach those they believe are addicted to alcohol, it is not uncommon for a response of defensiveness and denial to follow. As alcoholism progresses, the defensiveness will become more pronounced and aggressive. It can even lead to violence in some cases. Alcoholics go to great lengths to defend their behaviors and deny the reality of their actions.
7. Increasing Alcohol Intake
The seventh and most obvious symptom of alcohol addiction is gradually increased alcohol intake. In other words, the alcoholic increases how much he or she drinks over time. This is the direct result of the dual problems of tolerance and dependence.
Under normal circumstances, the human body can only tolerate so much alcohol in the system before a person experiences drunkenness. Long-term alcohol use gradually increases how much the body can tolerate. As such, the alcoholic gradually needs more and more alcohol in order to enjoy the same pleasurable feelings. This is the condition known as tolerance.
Tolerance is extremely dangerous because it leads to dependence. As tolerance increases, the body eventually reaches a point where it is relying on having alcohol in its system to function properly. This is the point at which dependence occurs. Someone who is dependent on alcohol cannot function without it.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting the signs of alcohol addiction, it is imperative that help is sought immediately. Alcohol addiction can be a deadly condition if not treated quickly and properly.
Sources:
1.NCAAD – https://ncadd.org/about-addiction/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms
On a more positive note, there are very definite signs and symptoms that make it possible to recognize alcohol addiction. A person exhibiting one or more of these symptoms is a candidate for some sort of intervention. Someone who exhibits all of them is likely addicted to alcohol.
1. Loss of Control When Drinking
Despite what an alcoholic may claim, an addiction to alcohol gradually reduces the individual's ability to control how much, or how often, he or she drinks. The loss of control starts out gradually but then increases as time goes on. Eventually, the alcoholic simply cannot stop him/herself from drinking. Alcohol consumption becomes the controlling factor in daily life.
Treatment Center in Texas
Addiction Recovery in Texas
Alcohol Rehab Houston
Alcohol Rehab Dallas
Alcohol Rehab San Antonio
2. Worries over Alcohol Availability
As alcoholism slowly takes root in a person's life, that person will become increasingly worried about his or her access to alcohol. For example, the individual will make a point of asking whether alcohol will be served at family functions. He or she will bring alcohol to a gathering where it will not be offered. The alcoholic will eventually get to a point of having to always have the drug within reach throughout the day.
3. Secrecy Relating to Drinking Habits
Alcohol addiction creates guilt and shame in the minds of most addicts. Therefore, it is only a matter of time before the alcoholic starts trying to hide his or her behavior by drinking alone. This is often accompanied by the person hiding alcohol in various places around the home and, in some cases, even at work.
4. Gradual Withdrawal and Isolation
The guilt and shame of alcohol addiction also manifests itself in a gradual withdrawal and isolation. This process may start with the alcoholic declining to participate in family activities or group activities with friends. The individual will also begin exhibiting a preference to stay home rather than go out, and may eventually get to a place where he or she is completely isolated from all others.
5. Increased Risk-Taking
Because alcoholics are controlled by their drink, they tend to become risk takers the more advanced their condition becomes. This manifests itself in several ways. First, the alcoholic will be willing to take greater risks to procure his or her drink – even if that means engaging in criminal or socially unacceptable behavior. Second, the alcoholic will be more willing to take risks while drinking. This includes drunk driving and other dangerous activities.
6. Increased Defensiveness and Denial
When friends and family members approach those they believe are addicted to alcohol, it is not uncommon for a response of defensiveness and denial to follow. As alcoholism progresses, the defensiveness will become more pronounced and aggressive. It can even lead to violence in some cases. Alcoholics go to great lengths to defend their behaviors and deny the reality of their actions.
7. Increasing Alcohol Intake
The seventh and most obvious symptom of alcohol addiction is gradually increased alcohol intake. In other words, the alcoholic increases how much he or she drinks over time. This is the direct result of the dual problems of tolerance and dependence.
Under normal circumstances, the human body can only tolerate so much alcohol in the system before a person experiences drunkenness. Long-term alcohol use gradually increases how much the body can tolerate. As such, the alcoholic gradually needs more and more alcohol in order to enjoy the same pleasurable feelings. This is the condition known as tolerance.
Tolerance is extremely dangerous because it leads to dependence. As tolerance increases, the body eventually reaches a point where it is relying on having alcohol in its system to function properly. This is the point at which dependence occurs. Someone who is dependent on alcohol cannot function without it.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting the signs of alcohol addiction, it is imperative that help is sought immediately. Alcohol addiction can be a deadly condition if not treated quickly and properly.
Sources:
1.NCAAD – https://ncadd.org/about-addiction/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms
