Alcoholism can show up in many different ways. While there are some stereotypes surrounding what an alcoholic is, that stereotype isn’t always true. For example, there can be a high-functioning business man or woman who is an alcoholic. Everyone around them thinks everything is fine, but underneath the surface, this person is struggling with something so deep they don’t let those around them see it. 

You may be wondering whether you or someone you know is an alcoholic? Well, there are different signs, symptoms and other things that you may notice that could signify someone needs help overcoming an alcohol addiction.

If you know that you need help to quit drinking alcohol, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team here today at Southeast Addiction TN.

Definition of an Alcoholic

An alcoholic is someone that drinks alcohol well beyond the amount where they can control it or themselves. They can’t stop drinking voluntarily and may need professional treatment to help them overcome the alcohol use disorder or addiction. 

While there are some alcoholics who drink daily and always seem to be intoxicated, that isn’t always the case. There are also some alcoholics who drink a couple times a year, but everytime they do, they get blackout drunk because they can’t control how much they drink. There are also those who drink regularly and then drive while under the influence of alcohol. There isn’t just one way that this addiction presents itself. 

Causes of Alcoholism

There isn’t just one cause for alcoholism. However, through research and studies, some of the causes for this type of substance abuse disorder/addiction may include:

  • Family history of alcoholism (genetics)
  • Trauma (from childhood or adulthood)
  • Early start to drinking (usually in teenage years)
  • Peer pressure 
  • Life stressors

No matter what has caused you to develop an alcohol addiction, our Southeast Addiction TN team is ready to help you overcome it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today to get the help that you need.

Casual Drinking or Alcohol Abuse

Are there people who can drink alcohol casually? Sure. However, there is a different between casual drinking and alcohol abuse. 

As just noted, there are people who are able to have a casual drink here and there. They may have a glass or two of wine at dinner with some friends. Generally, this isn’t a problem, unless it leads the person to want more alcohol or to be rude to or isolate others. 

There are also millions of people who abuse alcohol or who are an alcoholic. This happens when someone has a psychological and/or physical compulsion to consume alcohol. For example, someone may have a couple beers with a friend and not be able to stop drinking, so they go to the bar and end up drinking most of the night. 

If you or someone you know is starting to develop an alcohol addiction or you already have one, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Southeast Addiction TN team today. 

Health Issues Related to Alcoholism

Unfortunately, alcoholism affects more than just the addiction aspect of a person’s life. There are numerous health issues that are related to alcohol abuse such as:

  • Depression
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver disease
  • Cirrhosis 
  • Heart disease
  • Weakened immune system
  • Nerve damage
  • Pancreatitis
  • Seizures
  • Cancer
  • Anxiety disorders
  • And much more

If an alcohol use disorder has caused you to already develop health issues, you don’t have to let things get even worse. In fact, some people who get into an alcohol addiction treatment program find that some damage is reversed. Reach out to our team today to find out more about how treatment may be able to help you.

Defining Excessive Drinking

It should be noted that there are generally 2 types of excessive drinking which include:

  • Heavy drinking – 2 or more drinks daily or over 14 drinks weekly (men) or 1 or more drinks daily or over 7 drinks weekly (women)
  • Binge drinking – 5 or more drinks in 2 hours (men) or 4 or more drinks in 2 hours (women)

If you find yourself drinking heavily or binge drinking, there are resources out there that can help you to quit doing this. You can start by contacting our Southeast Addiction TN team today. 

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Warning Signs of Alcoholism

You are wondering whether you or someone you know is an alcoholic. Some of the top warning signs of alcoholism include:

  • Cravings
  • Not having interest in things you once enjoyed
  • Drinking by yourself or in secret
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
  • Drinking instead of doing other things you should be doing
  • Experiencing irritability or mood swings (especially when you can’t drink)
  • Feeling guilty about how much money you spend on alcohol or about how much you drink
  • Drinking often, first thing in the morning, or when you are supposed to be doing other things
  • Drinking continuously despite family, health, and/or financial issues it causes
  • Not being able to control how much you drink

Do you notice these signs in yourself or someone you care about? If so, there are many treatment programs that can help you to not only quit drinking, but create a better lifestyle for yourself, too.

Dealing with Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Unfortunately, most people who struggle with an alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction will have some withdrawal symptoms when they quit drinking. This is primarily due to the mental and/or physical dependence on this substance. 

With this being said, here at Southeast Addiction TN Center, we have detox services that can help you to handle or relive some or all of these withdrawal symptoms. Some of the many withdrawal symptoms that our team can help you with include:

  • Stomach pains
  • Cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Delirium tremens (rare but serious)
  • Chills
  • Agitation
  • Fever
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations

If you are dealing with an alcohol addiction, we highly recommend you get professional detox treatment before you quit drinking. That way, you aren’t facing these withdrawal symptoms on your own. 

Are You an Alcoholic? Get Help for This Addiction Today!

Do you recognize the symptoms above? If so, you could be struggling with an alcohol use disorder or alcoholism. You are not alone and there are people who want to support you in recovery. You might be worried about the withdrawal symptoms, but you don’t have to go through that process alone either. In fact, our treatment team can help to relieve or even dissipate some of the withdrawal symptoms that you might experience.

Are you an alcoholic? If so, contact us today, here at Southeast Addiction TN Center, to start getting the alcoholism treatment that you need.