It’s not uncommon for people to have a few drinks every now and then. In fact, alcohol consumption is considered to be acceptable in small amounts. However, when drinking becomes an obsession or someone starts consuming alcohol on a regular basis, that’s when the problem arises. It’s important to understand the signs of alcohol addiction so you can get the help you need if you think you might have an issue. This isn’t something that only happens to other people—alcohol addiction can happen to anyone at any time. If you’re reading this because you think that you might have an issue with alcohol, know that there is help out there for you. The sooner you take action, the sooner your recovery process can begin. Let this guide help you understand the signs of alcohol addiction so that you can get started on your journey towards sobriety at Bridges Sober Apartments today.
The Dangers of Alcohol Addiction
No matter how small the issue seems to you, it’s important to know that alcohol abuse has many dangerous consequences. Alcohol can negatively affect your health in both the short and long term. As your consumption of alcohol increases, the amount of toxins in your body also increases. This can lead to serious health issues such as liver damage, heart problems, and seizures. If you have an ongoing alcohol addiction, you also run the risk of becoming addicted to other substances as a way to cope with the withdrawal symptoms. The more you drink, the more likely it is that you will develop an alcohol use disorder. When you’re addicted to alcohol, your body becomes used to the amount of alcohol that you consume. Your body’s reliance on alcohol increases, which leads to you needing a higher amount of alcohol in order to get the same results. This is known as tolerance buildup.
Tolerance Buildup
As we mentioned above, as you drink more and more, your body becomes used to the amount of alcohol that it’s consuming. Your tolerance for alcohol increases, which means that you need more alcohol in order to get drunk. In some severe cases, people have ended up consuming up to two bottles of wine a day just to reach the same level of drunkenness that they could achieve with one when they were first drinking. Tolerance buildup can become problematic, especially if you are drinking more alcohol than you can metabolize. Your body can’t process the amount of alcohol that you consume, which leads to alcohol poisoning. This can be fatal if you don’t seek medical attention right away.
Depression and Anxiety
When you regularly consume alcohol, there are many side effects that can occur both in the short and long term. One of the main health issues that you may experience if you have an ongoing alcohol addiction is depression and anxiety. If you regularly drink large amounts of alcohol, you can end up experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms when you stop, including intense feelings of anxiety and depression. Tempting as it might be to trick your brain into feeling better by drinking more, this can lead to an alcohol use disorder. When you have an alcohol addiction, you’re also at a higher risk of experiencing mood swings and other mental breakdowns. Even if you’re not experiencing withdrawal symptoms, alcohol can negatively affect your mood.
Memory Loss and Blackouts
Regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol and not getting enough sleep can cause you to experience a blackout. This is a period of time when you are conscious but unable to remember what happened. Blackouts typically last for a few hours and can occur if you consume large amounts of alcohol. A blackout is different than simply being drunk. You are awake and conscious but unable to remember what happened. You might believe that you were sober, but you have no memory of what you did. This is a sign that you are consuming too much alcohol and can lead to other issues like a dependence on alcohol, depression and anxiety.
Changes in Behavior
As well as noticing physical changes in your body, you can also look out for behavioral changes if you have an alcohol addiction. When you drink heavily, your inhibitions are reduced, which can lead to you making decisions that you wouldn’t make when you are sober. You may also notice that you get involved in riskier behavior when you drink. It should come as no surprise, for instance, that people with alcohol use disorders also have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections. This can be a sign that you have developed a problem with alcohol and should be taken seriously. If your drinking is having an impact on your relationships, work, or your health, it’s likely that you have an issue.
Financial and Legal Consequences
If you have an alcohol addiction, you might notice that you regularly find yourself in financial trouble or getting in legal issues because of your drinking. When you are regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol, you’re going to find it difficult to function at your best. This may lead to you missing work or important appointments, which can have financial consequences. When you’re drunk, you’re also more likely to make poor decisions and end up getting in trouble with the law.
Get Help Today at Bridges Sober Apartments
If you’ve read through the signs of alcohol addiction and think that you might have a problem, don’t worry. There are many facilities out there that can help you with your addiction, whether you want to quit cold turkey or use a medication to help. At Bridges Sober Apartments, we offer a wide range of services to help you through your recovery journey. We can help you through any withdrawal symptoms you may experience, as well as provide you with a safe environment in which to focus on your recovery journey. You can learn more about our services by visiting our website or giving us a call at any time. Our qualified staff members are ready and waiting to help you get started on your recovery journey today.