Alcohol Addiction: Signs and Symptoms of Abuse
Alcohol addiction/dependence occurs when a person’s desire to drink is replaced by an overwhelming need to drink, eventually becoming completely reliant on alcohol in order to function. Dependence becomes a full-blown addiction when you are physically incapable of stopping or staying abstinent, due to withdrawal symptoms and other underlying psychological factors.
If you relate to one or more of the seven statements below, then you may be alcohol dependent:
- Increased tolerance, resulting in higher alcohol consumption
- Physical withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
- Drinking when promising yourself you would not
- Continuous desire but unsuccessful in efforts to cut down
- Social/occupational/recreational pursuits are given up or reduced
- Time is spent obtaining alcohol and recovering from the effect
- Continuing to drink despite knowledge of the harmful impact
Patients who have been drinking excessively for several years, and abruptly stop drinking are likely to suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms. In the absence of proper medical management and a planned medical detox, shakes, seizures and delirium tremens are likely.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism
Signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction may vary depending on each person’s situation, but most symptoms follow a general pattern.
If you answer yes to one or more of the below – please call us to discuss your situation and treatment available.
- Making excuses for your drinking
- Lying to others about your alcohol use
- Needing to drink to relax
- Suffering from blackouts
- Drinking more than you intended
- Worrying about running out of alcohol
- Hiding alcohol in various places in your home or car
- Displaying risky behaviours, such as drink driving
- Having relationship problems due to alcohol
- Showing withdrawal symptoms between drinks
Side-effects of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol addiction ruins lives, with the main dangers being to your physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. In addition to serious ramifications for your general health, career and relationships, alcoholism can cause irreversible damage to vital organs and body systems:
- Heart
- Liver
- Immune system
- Nervous system
- Brain
Alcohol dependence, abuse and addiction produce other serious side effects, however, alcoholics frequently attribute these complications to other health conditions.
Common medical side effects include:
- High blood pressure
- Rosacea
- Sexual problems
- Cancer
- Stomach ulcers
Free Addiction Assessment
If you suspect that you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, then please call us now and speak to one of our trained and experienced addiction counsellors. With your help, we can assess your signs and symptoms and suggest an appropriate treatment package to suit your location, budget and work/life balance.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
If you are suffering from alcoholism, you will experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking abruptly.
Physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Profuse sweating
- Hand tremors (‘the shakes’)
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
Psychological alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Restlessness & discontent
- Depression & anxiety
- Irritability and erraticness
- Insomnia
Recovery Treatment
We strongly recommend a minimum of 28 days of alcohol rehabilitation. In this time, you will be treated psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our specialist programmes include:
- One-to-one Counselling
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Fitness and Massage
- Yoga & Meditation
- Music & Art therapy
- Process Addiction
- Holistic Programme
- Mindfulness and Acupuncture
- Relapse Prevention Techniques
We specialise in providing tailored detox & rehab programmes to the client with dedicated family support. Alcoholism rarely affects just the individual, and we appreciate that this can be a stressful time for all those concerned. If you have any questions regarding our alcohol detox and rehab clinics, treatment needs, locations and cost – we can answer them!
Medical Detox & Rehab Benefits
Alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation are life-changing and is proven to lead towards life-long sobriety.
This is achieved by experiencing the following while in rehab:
1. Be in a safe and nurturing environment
2. Medical detox with 24/7 care & support
3. Overcome the root causes of addiction
4. An experienced team of doctors & therapists
5. Personalised rehabilitation programme
6. Look, feel, sleep better & regain confidence
7. Learn techniques for relapse prevention
8. 1-year complimentary aftercare support
Get Help Today
If you or a loved are suffering from alcohol abuse or addiction we can help you get sober. Long-term recovery isn’t just about putting down the bottle, it’s about uncovering why you self-medicate with a drink in the first place. Healing the root-cause of addiction is key to achieving permanent sobriety.
As the UK’s leading private alcohol detox and rehab clinic, Primrose Lodge is able to help you. We can answer any questions or concerns you may have and help you find the right alcohol addiction treatment.
Please call us on 0203 553 9263 and start your recovery journey!