When Is The Best Time for Alcohol Treatment?
Drinking alcohol is a habit so engraved in our culture that we often don’t question our relationship with it. However, the consequences of drinking have been proven: according to the CDC, alcohol is linked to a variety of liver-related and gastrointestinal diseases, alongside some types of cancers.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is believed to affect just under 15 million people in the US alone and be responsible for over 5% of deaths across the world. While the consequences of this epidemic are clear, only around 7% of individuals suffering from AUD receive alcohol treatment.
Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, can affect anyone regardless of sex, race, and genetics, it has multiple reasons, and often manifest itself in different and unique ways. So, to find the right ailment, it is vital to recognize the signs of an addiction early on and seek the right treatment for your condition. At Peaks Recovery, we strive to offer all the support and guidance you need throughout each stage of your recovery – regain control over your life today!
Recognizing Your Condition: Ask Yourself These Questions Today
One of the reasons why many adults who suffer from AUD don’t receive alcohol treatment is because they are unaware that they need help. As we have seen, for most people, drinking is a normal part of their social life, and it is often difficult to see this relationship with alcohol changing over time. And, for many, the answer to the question “Am I an alcoholic?” is a simple “No”.
However, there might be other telltale signs that can help you better define your relationship with alcohol and whether you need help. Start by asking yourself whether you can easily stop drinking after one or two drinks, whether you drink alone, or whether you drink as a response to a certain feeling.
Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Analyzing your drinking habits is a great starting point – but you should also look out for these warning signs:
- Lack of “hangover” symptoms that indicate a high tolerance to alcohol
- Increased drinking quantity and frequency
- Frequent episodes of binge and high-intensity drinking
- Drinking in inappropriate times and places
- Hiding your drinking habits
- Depending on alcohol and presence of withdrawal symptoms
- Subconsciously finding yourself in places where you can find alcohol
- Changes in your social group
- Avoiding family gatherings and confrontations with your loved ones
- Dealing with emotional issues such as depression, lethargy, and mood swings
- Legal or career-related issues related to alcohol consumption
If you have noticed any of these telltale signs, you should consider getting in touch with our professionals and find the answers to your questions.
Find Support and Learn About Alcohol Treatment Options
Many people dealing with AUD are encouraged to visit a professional or treatment facility after severe episodes. However, you don’t necessarily have to wait until you hit rock bottom to regain control over your life and move towards a sober lifestyle.
In fact, finding help early on can help you avoid some of the most severe consequences of alcohol, including chronic and autoimmune diseases, legal and professional problems, and emotional and social issues.
If you have started to have doubts about the quality of your relationship with alcohol, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your alcohol treatment provider. Some of the treatment phases you will have include:
- Medical Detox – this usually represents the first stage of the alcohol treatment process and aims at providing support during the withdrawal period.
- Inpatient Programs – after a medical detox, intense addictions are addressed through inpatient programs. With these programs, you can benefit from the support of a team of healthcare professionals and healthy and stabilized environments.
- Outpatient Programs – usually implemented after inpatient programs for alcohol treatment, outpatient programs are suitable for a step-down program after the inpatient program, or for milder alcohol addictions that aim to provide non-disruptive care to those with AUD.
After the initial alcohol treatment, you will undergo a maintenance phase. During this time, you will be able to speak to counselors, benefit from other people’s experiences, and start rebuilding your relationship with your loved ones.
Of course, each addition is unique, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” formula when it comes down to alcohol treatment. Here at Peaks Recovery Centers, we are committed to helping you find the right path towards sober living.
The Best Time to Start Your Recovery is Now
Alcohol recovery can take anywhere between 30 and 90 days, but your time and effort investment to avoid relapses and regain control over your life is bound to last for years. At the Peaks Recovery Centers, we believe that the earliest you reach out, the least consequences you will have to deal with and the earliest you will be able to reemerge from alcohol abuse. Get in touch today to start your journey towards a sober life – today!