Millions of people in America enjoy a drink or two of alcohol every day and go about their lives without a single struggle. For thousands of others, though, they suffer from a disease known as alcohol addiction, and far too many do so without help. Alcohol is the most widely available and widely consumed addictive substance in the country, and for that reason, many people continue to suffer day in and day out. Some people might suggest quitting cold turkey or trying to cut back, but addiction is a serious disease, and the only way to truly get sober and do so safely is with the help of rehab. Read on to learn more about alcohol addiction in a loved one.
Why is Alcohol So Addictive?
For it to be so widely available, it is easy to struggle to understand how alcohol is so addictive. The truth is, most substances that we ingest can be addictive if taken wrong or overused, from coffee and tobacco to alcohol and pain relievers. The same is true for all of these things. The problem with alcohol is that it is easier than people think to become addicted to it and harder than you can imagine to break the cycle of that addiction.
The primary reason why alcohol is so addictive is because it changes the way our brain works. It produces pleasurable feelings while reducing negative ones. This makes it so that once we start using alcohol, we enjoy it, often to the point that we want to keep using it no matter what negative consequences we experience.
Alcohol is labeled as a depressant. This means that it slows down the functions of the brain and the body. When a person drinks too much, their words slur, their actions slow down, and they become less inhibited. Many people enjoy this feeling, which is why they drink regularly or continue to drink even when bad things happen as a result. Over time, the chemistry of the brain changes to where it needs more and more alcohol to feel normal. This both leads to addiction and builds up a tolerance to the effects of alcohol that can lead to excessive drinking.
Signs My Loved One Has an Alcohol Addiction
Being able to identify when your loved one has a problem with alcohol is key to getting them help in a timely fashion.Â
One of the clear signs that your loved one has an addiction is if they go from drinking casually or on occasion to drinking every day. If you notice they start consuming larger and larger amounts of alcohol, this is also a sign of an increasing need for alcohol, a precursor to full-blown addiction.
A person who is addicted to alcohol will usually change their social behavior as well. They start to prefer to drink rather than engage in other activities they used to enjoy. They may become distant from family and friends, and as the addiction worsens, they may become secretive about their drinking. In the worst cases, a person with an alcohol addiction can suffer financial, legal, and health troubles, which can further lead to depression and other problems.
The first step to getting your loved one help is getting them to acknowledge that they have a problem and need help. From there, it is just a matter of finding the best treatment center.
Let Seven Arrows Help Your Loved One Today
If you’ve managed to talk your loved one into getting help for an alcohol addiction, then the next step is to come to Seven Arrows Recovery. Seven Arrows Recovery is a place to heal for those that have been struggling with their addiction with no success. Seven Arrows Recovery is a top-rated alcohol and drug rehab in Arizona. Our compassionate and experienced team is here for you.
We provide high-end group-based therapy for those struggling with addiction in a welcoming, home-like setting. We offer a range of treatment options, including holistic care and evidence-based treatment that gives each client the attention they need and a proven approach to treatment that works to get them clean and sober. Contact us today for help with your loved one’s alcohol addiction.Â
